# How to renew your nursing licence in Kenya: NCK renewal and CPD

> What the Nursing Council of Kenya expects at renewal, how CPD points work, what happens if your licence lapses, and how to stay current without the last-minute rush.

Source: https://monicahr.com/guides/nck-licence-renewal/
Published by Monica (monicahr.com), written by The Monica team, updated 2026-11-05. Topic: Health workers, Kenya.

Every practising nurse and midwife in Kenya needs a current practising licence from the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK). Employers check it, regulators enforce it, and working with an expired licence puts both you and your patients at risk. This guide explains how renewal works and how to keep it simple.

## How often do you renew your NCK licence?

The practising licence is renewed every year. The Council's service charter describes annual renewal, which it calls retention, for practising nurses and midwives. Renewal is done online through the NCK portal, where you log in, confirm your details, upload anything required and pay the fee shown at the time.

Fees and portal steps change from time to time, so always check the current requirements on the official NCK website and portal rather than relying on a screenshot shared in a group.

## How many CPD points do you need?

Renewal depends on continuing professional development (CPD). The Council's service charter lists a minimum of 20 CPD points, completed within the renewal year. CPD can come from accredited training, workshops, conferences and approved online courses. Keep certificates for every activity, because you may be asked for proof.

Do not leave CPD to the last month. Spread it across the year: one short course or workshop every two or three months is far easier than a scramble before your licence expires.

## What happens if your licence expires?

An expired licence means you are not authorised to practise until you renew it. Many employers will take you off the roster, and some will not pay for shifts worked without a valid licence. Renewing late may also carry extra charges. If your licence has lapsed, renew it as soon as possible and tell your employer honestly where things stand.

## Do you need a separate licence for private practice?

Yes. A nurse who runs a private practice, such as a clinic or home-based care service, needs a private practice licence from the Council in addition to the ordinary practising licence. The requirements are stricter, so check them with the Council before you open.

## How can employers check your licence?

Employers increasingly check licences against the Council's public register rather than trusting a photocopy. On Monica, health workers can add their registration number to their profile, and we check it against the Council's public register, so employers can see a verified licence at a glance. That can put you ahead of applicants whose licence has not been checked.

## A simple renewal checklist

1. Note your licence expiry date in your phone calendar, with a reminder two months before.
2. Track your CPD points as you earn them, and keep every certificate.
3. Check the current requirements and fees on the official NCK portal.
4. Renew online before the expiry date, and download your new licence.
5. Update your CV and your Monica profile with the new expiry date.

Looking for your next role? Browse [nursing jobs in Kenya](https://monicahr.com/jobs/roles/nurses/) or read our guide to [nursing careers in Kenya](https://monicahr.com/guides/nursing-jobs-kenya/).