University of Nairobi

What you'll study

The programme combines theoretical modules with intensive clinical practice to prepare nurses for specialist renal care. Teaching covers core biomedical foundations and advanced nursing management specific to renal patients.

• Renal physiology and pathophysiology — structure and function of the kidney, mechanisms of kidney injury, progression to chronic kidney disease.
• Principles of dialysis — indications and modalities of dialysis, haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, complications and troubleshooting.
• Vascular access and catheter care — access types, assessment, maintenance, infection prevention and care of fistulae and grafts.
• Acute kidney injury (AKI) and critical care management — recognition, fluid and electrolyte management, renal replacement therapy in critically ill patients.
• Chronic kidney disease (CKD) management — conservative care, dialysis planning, transplant preparation and long-term follow-up.
• Pharmacology and medication safety — drug dosing in renal impairment, nephrotoxic agents and medication reconciliation.
• Renal nutrition and metabolic management — dietary needs, fluid balance, bone-mineral disorders and anaemia management.
• Patient education, counselling and palliative care — self-care training, psychosocial support and end-of-life care for renal patients.
• Infection prevention and quality assurance — infection control in dialysis settings, auditing and quality improvement methods.
• Research methods and evidence-based practice — critical appraisal, designing small-scale clinical audits or projects.
• Clinical practicum — supervised placements in dialysis units, renal wards and transplant services with assessed clinical competencies and objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs).

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to be registered nurses with a current practising licence. Typical entry criteria include:

• A recognised Diploma in Nursing (or equivalent) with successful registration with the Nursing Council of Kenya (or relevant national regulatory body).
• Post-registration clinical experience; many candidates have one to two years or more of nursing experience, preferably with exposure to medical, surgical or critical care settings.
• A satisfactory academic record from prior nursing training and evidence of competency in clinical practice.
• Selection may include review of application documents and an interview or assessment to determine suitability for specialist practice.
• For applicants trained outside Kenya, verification of qualifications and registration with the local nursing regulator will be required.

Career prospects

Graduates gain the specialist skills required for roles in a variety of renal care settings. Common career pathways include:

• Renal nurse or dialysis nurse in public and private hospitals and standalone dialysis centres.
• Nurse in renal transplant programmes, including pre- and post-transplant care coordination.
• Renal nurse educator or clinical instructor in training institutions and in-service education programmes.
• Renal unit coordinator, charge nurse or clinical quality lead responsible for service delivery, infection control and audit.
• Community and home-based dialysis support, including peritoneal dialysis training and follow-up.
• Opportunities in policy, programme management and non-governmental organisations focused on kidney health, NCDs and public health initiatives.
• Further academic study or research in nephrology and allied fields for nurses interested in advanced practice or academic careers.

Why study at University of Nairobi

The University of Nairobi delivers specialist health programmes through established faculties with close links to major referral hospitals and renal units, providing practical exposure to a broad case mix. Students benefit from multidisciplinary teaching, experienced clinical tutors and supervised placements in tertiary hospitals and accredited dialysis centres. The programme emphasises evidence-based practice, clinical competence and quality improvement, preparing graduates for frontline specialist roles in Kenya and the wider region.