TOWSON, MARYLAND — More than 300 nurses have confirmed participation in the 2026 Kenyan Nurses Association of America (KNAA) National Nursing Conference, scheduled for September 17–19 in Towson, Maryland, in what organizers say will be the largest gathering in the association’s history.
KNAA President Jelia Akombe said the strong turnout reflects the unity and professional commitment of Kenyan nurses in the United States.
“We are thrilled by the number of nurses already registered. This is a powerful show of unity and professional pride,” Akombe said ahead of the conference.
She said the annual conference provides a key platform for professional learning, leadership development and networking among Kenyan healthcare professionals in the diaspora.
“This conference is our biggest annual platform for learning, leadership and connection, and we want everyone represented,” she added.
The three-day conference will bring together nurses, healthcare professionals and administrators, alongside a line-up of invited guests from Kenya.
Among those expected are Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roselyne Njogu, and Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni.
Other invited guests include Judith Awinja Aluora, Kenya’s Director of Nursing Services, and Laban Ayiro, Vice Chancellor of Daystar University.
Organizers have also announced a surprise keynote speaker who will deliver remarks during the opening night.
The high-profile guest list reflects KNAA’s growing engagement with healthcare and government stakeholders in Kenya while strengthening links between Kenyan professionals in the diaspora and institutions back home.
Focus on Professional Development
The KNAA National Nursing Conference is the association’s flagship annual gathering for Kenyan healthcare professionals in the United States.
This year’s programme will offer up to 20 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), with sessions covering a broad range of healthcare and professional issues.
Topics will include mental health, HIV treatment innovations, nurse entrepreneurship, cardiovascular and oral health, hormonal balance, suicide prevention and patient data privacy.
KNAA Public Relations Officer Ankie Miriam said mental health will receive particular attention as the organization seeks to support the wellbeing of its members.
The focus, she said, reflects KNAA’s leadership philosophy of combining self-advocacy with collective responsibility.
“If I am not for myself, who will be there for me? But if I am only for myself, what am I?” Miriam said.
She added that KNAA remains committed to empowering nurses through service, collaboration and professional support.
Conference to Culminate in Gala Night
The conference will culminate in the KNAA Gala Night, a black-tie celebration scheduled for Saturday evening.
The record participation, organizers say, points to the association’s expanding footprint as a diaspora professional organization providing mentorship, continuing education, advocacy and community support to Kenyan nurses across the United States.
Full-conference packages were priced at $250, while gala-only tickets cost $150.
Members could register and make payments via Zelle using info@kenyannursesusa.org or by calling +1 (848) 224-1201.
