CS for Health Aden Duale.
By IP Reporter.
NAIROBI, Kenya — Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has suspended Dr. Lister Onsongo, CEO of the Nursing Council of Kenya, over a regulatory breach involving the irregular placement of nursing students for internship.
The suspension follows revelations that 42 Bachelor of Science in Nursing students from 10 public and private universities were issued internship letters before completing their academic training — a violation of the Nursing Council Act and Public Service Commission guidelines.
All internship letters issued to the affected students have been revoked, and the interns have been directed to vacate their placements immediately.
“As investigations commence, the Ministry has revoked all internship letters issued to the affected 42 students,” Duale said.
“This matter is being treated with utmost urgency to safeguard professional standards, ensure compliance with statutory requirements, and protect the rights of nursing graduates and the public.”
The Ministry of Health has also ordered a comprehensive internal audit of all 2,098 BSc Nursing interns in the 2025–2026 cohort to identify any further irregularities.
The audit aims to strengthen oversight and restore public trust in the regulation of nursing education and deployment.
In the interim, Ann Mukuna, the Council’s Director of Standards and Compliance, has been appointed acting CEO to ensure continuity of operations and leadership during the investigation.
The ministry emphasized that the swift action reflects its commitment to accountability, transparency, and maintaining high standards in the healthcare sector.
Ends.
