of Kenya approved the preparation of nurses at bachelors level because the effective management of such patients requires highly skilled and trained personnel who would be able to engage in critical thinking and sound decision-making. 2013,approved-nursing-courses-council-Kenya 19 programmes had been approved, as health care learning institutions continue to recognise the need to build capacity to facilitate health care management and practice at all levels. Nursing regulation Before the establishment of the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) under the Nurses Cap 257 of the Laws of Kenya, the activities of the council were governed by Ordinances. Ordinance number 16 of 4 June 1946 was the first governing tool to be authorised by the Colony and Protectorate of Kenya to address health issues and activities of the nurses in the then Kenya Colony. In 1983, the council was finally acknowledged by an Act of Parliament under the Nurses Act Cap 257 of the Laws of Kenya as the "Nursing Council of Kenya". Mandate The core functions of the Nursing Council of Kenya are to establish and improve standards of all branches of the nursing profession in all their aspects and to safeguard the interest of all nurses. The council establishes and continues to improve the standards of professional nursing and of health care within the community. With the approval of the minister, the council: Establishes and maintains standards of nursing profession and safeguards the interests of nurses and health care within the community Makes provision for the training and instruction of persons seeking registration under the Nurses Act Regulates syllabi and curricula Prescribes and conducts examinations Has regard to the conduct of persons under the Act and takes disciplinary measures Has regard to the standards of nursing care, qualified staff, facilities conditions and environment Compiles and keeps records and registers Approves uniforms and other insignia Advises the minister on matters concerning all aspects of nursing Nursing programmes Nurses in Kenya fall into two main categories: Registered Nurses Enrolled Nurses Basic cadres Kenya Enrolled Nurse [Phased Out] Kenya Enrolled Midwifery [Phased Out] Kenya Enrolled Community Health Nurse [Basic] Kenya Registered Community Health Nurse [Basic] Kenya Registered Nurse Kenya Registered Nurse Midwife Bachelor of Science in Nursing Post basic cadres Kenya Enrolled Community Health Nurse [Post Basic] Kenya Registered Community Health Nurse [Post Basic] Kenya Registered Anaesthetic Nurse Kenya Registered Critical Care Nurse Kenya Registered Mental Health Nurse Kenya Registered Midwife Kenya Registered Nephrology