If you’re researching nursing colleges in Mombasa, you’ll find a solid mix of accredited public and private institutions offering community health nursing and broader health sciences training. Whether you want a Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK)-approved diploma with international licensure prep, or a well-established public college with wide clinical exposure, Mombasa has options worth comparing carefully.
This guide explains everything you need to know about the nursing colleges in Mombasa and their fees, including tuition costs, accreditation status, their programs, entry requirements, fees, and how to choose the right one.
PAY ATTENTION: AFRICANNURSES is in WhatsApp Channels now! Subscribe and read news in favourite messenger
Nursing Colleges in Mombasa: Comparison
| Institution | Location | Key Programme | Duration | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auscare International College | Nyali, Mombasa | Diploma in Community Health Nursing (DCHN) | 3 years | NCK-accredited |
| KMTC, Mombasa Campus | Tudor, next to Coast General Hospital | Diploma in Nursing | 3 years (typical) | NCK-approved |
| KMTC, Port Reitz Campus | Port Reitz, Mombasa | Nursing and other medical/health sciences | Varies by course | NCK-approved |
Nursing Education System in Kenya
Nursing training in Kenya is regulated nationally by the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK), which sets the standards that all accredited nursing colleges in Mombasa and across the country must meet. Understanding the wider system makes it easier to see how the Mombasa institutions fit in.
Certificate Route (entry-level) KCSE certificate → Certificate in Nursing or a related health certificate (around 1 to 2 years) → entry-level practice, often as a health care assistant or enrolled nurse, with the option to upgrade later.
Diploma Route (standard entry) KCSE with a mean grade of C Plain, including required grades in Biology, English/Kiswahili, and a science subject → Diploma in Nursing or Diploma in Community Health Nursing (3 years) → Kenya Registered Community Health Nurse (KRCHN) status, following NCK licensing examinations.
Degree Route (academic/advanced entry) KCSE with university entry grades → Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) at a Kenyan university (typically 4 years) → NCK registration as a Registered Nurse, with pathways into postgraduate study, nursing management, or international licensure.
Specialized and International Route Diploma or degree holders can pursue post-basic specializations locally, or as offered at colleges like Auscare International College, combine their Kenyan diploma with IELTS and NCLEX preparation to pursue registration and employment in countries such as Australia, the UK, the US, or the Gulf states.
KMTC, as Kenya’s largest public medical training institution, anchors the diploma-level route nationally, with campuses across the country including the two in Mombasa covered in this guide. Private colleges like Auscare complement this system by adding flexibility, community health specialization, and a clearer bridge to international nursing careers.
Best Nursing Colleges in Mombasa
1. Auscare International College – Nyali, Mombasa
Auscare International College is fully accredited by the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK), meaning every graduate is eligible to sit the NCK licensing examinations and register as a community health nurse in Kenya. Among nursing colleges in Mombasa, Auscare stands out for combining local accreditation with a clear eye toward international careers.
Key programme: Diploma in Community Health Nursing (DCHN) — 3 years of classroom instruction and supervised community placements, preparing graduates to deliver home, clinic, and community-based care.
Other courses offered:
- Certificate in Health Care Assistant – around 1 year
- Certificate in Community Health & Development – around 1 year
- Diploma in Community Services – around 2 to 3 years
- Diploma in Social Work & Development – around 3 years
- Australian-accredited qualifications – duration varies by course
What makes it different:
- IELTS and NCLEX revision included — preparing graduates for international nursing licensure in Australia, the UK, the US, and Gulf states, alongside their Kenyan qualification
- Flexible payment plans — structured payment arrangements so students don’t need to pay full fees upfront
- Entry requirement: KCSE Mean Grade of C Plain, with C in Biology or Biological Sciences, C in English or Kiswahili, and C- in Physics, Physical Sciences, Chemistry, or Mathematics
Contact: +254 703 686 922 | info@auscareinternational.co.ke
Best for: students who want a community health nursing diploma with a built-in path toward working abroad.
2. Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) – Mombasa Campus
Located in the Tudor area, right next to Coast General Hospital, KMTC’s Mombasa campus is one of the most established public options among nursing colleges in Mombasa. As part of Kenya’s national KMTC network, it offers an NCK-approved Diploma in Nursing alongside other health sciences programs, including clinical medicine, pharmacy, and radiography.
Mode of study: Full-time Entry requirements: Follow KMTC’s official national guidelines — typically a completed application form, academic certificates, national ID, and payment of the applicable fee. Exact grade requirements should be confirmed directly with KMTC or on their official admissions portal.
Programmes offered & duration:
- Certificate in Nursing (KRCHN) – around 2 years
- Diploma in Nursing (KRCHN) – around 3 years
- Diploma in Clinical Medicine – around 3 years
- Diploma in Pharmacy – around 3 years
- Diploma in Radiography – around 3 years
Best for: students who want a nationally recognized public college with proximity to a major referral hospital.
3. KMTC – Port Reitz Campus, Mombasa
KMTC’s Port Reitz campus focuses on medical and healthcare education more broadly, with nursing forming part of its course offering. Like the Tudor campus, it operates under the same national KMTC accreditation and admissions framework.
Programmes offered & duration:
- Diploma in Nursing (KRCHN) – around 3 years
- Other medical and health sciences diplomas – around 3 years, varying by course
Contact: portreitz@kmtc.ac.ke | +254 202 023 763
Best for: students looking for another public KMTC option on the Coast, alongside the Mombasa (Tudor) campus.
Fees at Nursing Colleges in Mombasa
Exact fee schedules for nursing colleges in Mombasa vary by institution and are best confirmed directly with the college, since public and private fee structures differ significantly:
- Auscare International College does not publish a single fixed fee on request, but offers flexible, structured payment plans so students can spread costs rather than pay everything upfront.
- KMTC campuses follow standard national KMTC fee structures, which are set centrally and are generally more affordable than private colleges, though students should confirm current figures directly with the campus admissions office.
Because fee structures can change between intakes, always request the latest fee schedule in writing before enrolling at any nursing college in Mombasa.
READ ALSO: Advanced Nursing Roles: Nurse Practitioner & Specialist Career Paths in Africa
General Entry Requirements
While specific requirements vary slightly by institution, most nursing colleges in Mombasa expect:
- A KCSE certificate with a mean grade of at least C Plain
- A minimum grade of C in Biology (or Biological Sciences) and C in English or Kiswahili
- A minimum grade of C- in Physics, Physical Sciences, Chemistry, or Mathematics
- A completed application form, academic certificates, and a national ID
- Payment of the applicable application or registration fee
How to Choose the Right Nursing College in Mombasa
With a handful of nursing colleges in Mombasa to choose from, here’s what matters most:
- Check NCK accreditation first. Accreditation from the Nursing Council of Kenya is what allows a qualification to lead to registration as a nurse in the country — always verify this before applying.
- Match the programme to your career goals. Community health nursing (Auscare) suits students aiming at grassroots and home-based care, while KMTC’s broader diploma and health sciences offerings suit students wanting wider clinical hospital exposure.
- Consider added support. Auscare’s built-in IELTS and NCLEX preparation is a clear advantage for students eyeing international nursing careers, while KMTC offers deeper integration with hospital-based clinical training.
- Confirm entry requirements and fees directly. Both KCSE grade requirements and current fees should be verified with the institution before applying, since these details can be updated between intakes.
Nurse Salaries in Kenya
Nurse pay in Kenya is largely structured around government job groups, set by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) and negotiated by unions such as the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN), though private-sector pay can vary more widely:
- Entry-level nurses (diploma/KRCHN holders, Job Group H/J) typically earn a basic salary of KES 45,000 to 65,000 per month, plus allowances of KES 10,000 to 20,000 — bringing total monthly pay to roughly KES 55,000 to 85,000 in public hospitals.
- Mid-career nurses (Job Group K/L) generally earn a higher basic salary in the range of KES 65,000 to 85,000 per month, before allowances.
- Senior and specialized nurses (advanced job groups, degree holders, or those in supervisory roles) can earn considerably more, particularly with added allowances for risk, extraneous duty, and specialization.
- Private sector pay varies significantly by employer and location, and in many cases starts lower than public-sector government scales, though top private hospitals and NGOs can offer competitive packages with added benefits.
Because pay scales are periodically revised through union negotiations, graduates of nursing colleges in Mombasa and elsewhere in Kenya should confirm current job group rates directly with the Public Service Commission or their employer before making career decisions based on salary alone.
READ ALSO: 20 Best Nursing Colleges in South Africa: Full List of SANC-Accredited Schools & How to Apply
FAQs About Nursing Colleges in Mombasa
Which is the best nursing college in Mombasa? Auscare International College and KMTC’s Mombasa (Tudor) campus are generally considered the top nursing colleges in Mombasa , Auscare for community health nursing with international licensure prep, and KMTC for its established public reputation and hospital proximity.
Is Auscare International College accredited? Yes. Auscare International College is fully accredited by the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK), allowing graduates to sit NCK licensing examinations and register as community health nurses.
What are the entry requirements for nursing colleges in Mombasa? Most require a KCSE mean grade of C Plain, including a C in Biology and English/Kiswahili, and at least a C- in Physics, Chemistry, or Mathematics, though exact requirements vary by institution.
Do any nursing colleges in Mombasa prepare students for international nursing careers? Yes. Auscare International College includes IELTS and NCLEX revision as part of its programme, helping graduates pursue licensure in countries like Australia, the UK, the US, and Gulf states.
How much do nursing colleges in Mombasa charge in fees? Fees vary by institution — KMTC follows standard national public college rates, while Auscare offers flexible payment plans. Always confirm current fees directly with the college.
Where is KMTC’s Mombasa campus located? KMTC’s main Mombasa campus is in the Tudor area, next to Coast General Hospital, with a second campus at Port Reitz.
How much do nurses earn in Kenya? Entry-level nurses in public hospitals typically earn a total of KES 55,000 to 85,000 per month including allowances, with mid-career and senior nurses earning more depending on job group, specialization, and sector.
PAY ATTENTION: AFRICANNURSES is in WhatsApp Channels now! Subscribe and read news in favourite messenger
Conclusion
Mombasa offers a focused but solid range of nursing colleges, from the internationally-minded Auscare International College to the well-established KMTC public campuses. Whichever of these nursing colleges in Mombasa you choose, prioritize NCK accreditation, compare entry requirements and fees, and confirm your programme aligns with your long-term career goals, whether that’s community practice in Kenya or a future nursing career abroad.
