Kenyan and Zimbabwean Nurses in Ireland
From Africa to Ireland.
Nurses from Kenya, Zimbabwe and other African countries make an important contribution to Irish healthcare. This guide explains the registration steps, the role of your home regulator, ethical recruitment rules and practical tips for moving to Ireland.
Overview
Kenyan and Zimbabwean nurses follow the same NMBI route as other overseas nurses: English test, NMBI application, decision letter, job offer, permit, visa and compensation measure. The key differences lie in how you obtain verification from your home regulator and how international recruitment rules affect your job search.
Kenyan nurses
Qualifications and regulator
Kenyan applicants often hold a Diploma in Kenya Registered Community Health Nursing (KRCHN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN). You must be registered with the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) and hold a valid practising licence.
Verification
Request verification and good standing from the NCK, following its procedures for sending information to overseas regulators. Requirements and fees can change, so check the current NCK process.
Recruitment
Kenya has worked with destination countries on managed migration of health workers. Check whether Kenya is on the latest WHO Health Workforce Support and Safeguards List and what that means for agency recruitment when you apply.
Zimbabwean nurses
Qualifications and regulator
Zimbabwean applicants usually hold a Registered General Nurse (RGN) diploma, sometimes with midwifery, or a BSc Nursing degree. You must be registered with the Nurses Council of Zimbabwe (NCZ).
Verification
Request verification and a certificate of good standing from the NCZ, sent according to its procedures. Allow time, and keep receipts and correspondence.
Recruitment
Zimbabwe is on the WHO Health Workforce Support and Safeguards List 2023. Ireland follows the WHO Global Code of Practice, so agencies and employers should not actively recruit in listed countries. You can still apply directly to Irish employers for advertised jobs. The list is reviewed regularly, with an update due in 2026.
Documents for both countries
- Nursing certificates and degree or diploma
- Detailed transcripts with theory and clinical hours by area
- Verification of qualification from your training institution
- Verification and good standing from the NCK or NCZ, plus any other regulator where you have worked
- Certified passport copy and proof of name change
- IELTS Academic or OET results
- Employment references
See our NMBI document checklist.
English test
Kenyan and Zimbabwean nurses usually need IELTS Academic or OET for NMBI registration, even though training is in English. Read our IELTS vs OET guide.
Applying for jobs directly
Where active recruitment is restricted, nurses commonly:
- Apply directly through hospital and nursing home career pages
- Complete the aptitude test to register before job hunting
- Network with African nurses already working in Ireland
- Search Irish job boards for staff nurse and adaptation roles
Permit and visa
Kenyan and Zimbabwean citizens need a Critical Skills Employment Permit and an entry visa. Apply for the visa after your permit is approved, and prepare strong supporting documents. Read our nurse visa guide. Critical Skills holders can usually bring their spouse and children; see bring your family to Ireland.
Many Zimbabwean nurses move via the UK
Some Zimbabwean and Kenyan nurses first work in the UK and later move to Ireland. If you do, remember that UK immigration status does not give you the right to work in Ireland. See our UK nurses moving to Ireland guide.
Community and support
African community groups, churches and professional networks are active across Ireland. They offer practical advice on housing, schools and settling in, and many hospitals have staff networks for international and African nurses.
Frequently asked questions
Can Kenyan nurses work in Ireland?
Yes. Kenyan nurses can register with the NMBI and work in Ireland with an employment permit.
Is Zimbabwe on the WHO red list for nurses?
Zimbabwe is on the WHO Health Workforce Support and Safeguards List 2023, which limits active recruitment but not individual applications.
Is KRCHN accepted in Ireland?
KRCHN holders can apply to the NMBI; each qualification is assessed individually.
Do I need IELTS as a Kenyan or Zimbabwean nurse?
Usually yes. IELTS Academic or OET is generally required.
Begin with registration
Follow every NMBI step in our full guide.