Over 300 nurses have confirmed participation at the 2026 Kenyan Nurses Association of America (KNAA) Conference, scheduled for September 17 – 19 in Towson, Maryland, making this year’s convention the largest in the organization’s history.
“We are thrilled by the number of nurses already registered. This is a powerful show of unity and professional pride,” said KNAA President Jelia Akombe ahead of what is shaping up to be a landmark gathering for the Kenyan nursing community.
“It is exciting that we have such a high number of our colleagues are joining us and we look forward to hosting everyone in Maryland. This conference is our biggest annual platform for learning, leadership, and connection and we want everyone represented.”
In addition to healthcare professionals and administrators, the convention’s guest list also includes a surprise speaker, who will deliver keynote remarks on opening night.
Other invited guests include Kenya’s Labor Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua and Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roselyne Njogu and her Health counterpart Mary Muthoni. Others are Judith Awinja Aluora, Kenya’s Director of Nursing Services and Daystar University Vice Chancellor Laban Ayiro.
The guest list underscores the growing national and international recognition of KNAA’s work within the diaspora, reflecting KNAA’s expanding role as a bridge between diaspora healthcare professionals and national leadership in Kenya.
Mental health focus
The KNAA National Nursing Conference is the largest annual convention and the flagship event for Kenyan healthcare providers in the United States.
The 2026 conference builds on last year’s momentum to feature expanded programming, deeper leadership engagement, and broader national representation.
This year’s event will offer up to 20 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), with sessions covering mental health, HIV treatment innovations, nurse entrepreneurship, cardiovascular and oral health connections, hormonal balance, suicide prevention, and patient data privacy.
Ankie Miriam, the KNAA’s Public Relations Officer says the organization is specifically keen on mental health programs to support the welfare of its members, which aligns with their leadership philosophy rooted in both self-advocacy and collective responsibility.
“If I am not for myself, who will be there for me? But if I am only for myself, what am I,” poses Ankie.
“Through service and collaboration, KNAA remains committed to empowering nurses while fostering a strong and supportive professional community and mental health support.”
The conference will culminate in the KNAA Gala Night an elegant black‑tie celebration on Saturday night.
The surging numbers of participants demonstrate KNAA’s expanding footprint as a leading diaspora professional organization, offering mentorship, continuing education, advocacy, and community support to Kenyan nurses across the United States.
Full‑conference packages were priced at $250 and Gala‑only tickets at $150. Members can make registration payment via Zelle using info@kenyannursesusa.org, or by calling +1 (848) 224-1201.
