Purity Nkatha, a 32-year-old mother from Nyeri County, has graduated as a registered nurse from Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) after overcoming systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and major financial hardship.
Nkatha was diagnosed with the chronic autoimmune disease in January 2021. The condition caused severe pain, fatigue and repeated flare-ups that threatened both her health and her studies.
She had already delayed her secondary education and sat for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) years after her peers. To attend KMTC, she left her young daughter in the care of family members.
In early 2025, as she prepared for the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) licensing examination, her symptoms worsened. Her outpatient medical insurance had expired and she could no longer afford essential medication, supplements or the specialised diet required to manage lupus.
With the exam date approaching and her condition deteriorating, Nkatha made a public appeal for assistance. Kenyans responded generously, including a KSh 30,000 donation from the Miriti Trust that enabled her to obtain treatment.
In July 2025 she sat and passed the NCK licensing examination. She has now completed her graduation from KMTC Nyeri Campus and is a fully registered nurse in Kenya.
Speaking after the ceremony, Nkatha said the achievement belonged to everyone who supported her when she could no longer continue alone. She plans to use her experience to advocate for patients living with autoimmune diseases.
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Charles Wealth is an accomplished healthcare administrator with decades of hands-on experience across various healthcare organizations in Nigeria and beyond. Known for his strategic leadership, operational excellence, and deep commitment to advancing the nursing profession, Charles brings a wealth of expertise to healthcare management, policy, and professional development.
As a co-founder and Editor at Fellow Nurses Africa, he plays a pivotal role in shaping content that educates, inspires, and unites nurses across the continent. His editorial vision focuses on amplifying the voices of nurses, highlighting best practices, addressing contemporary challenges in healthcare, and promoting professional growth within the nursing community.
With a strong background in healthcare administration, Charles is passionate about bridging the gap between clinical practice and effective leadership. He continues to contribute significantly to the development of robust healthcare systems and the empowerment of nurses through knowledge sharing and advocacy.
