Minnesota Lawmaker Eyes Kenyan Nurse Recruits
A Minnesota legislative delegation has traveled to Kenya to explore placing Kenyan nurses in state hospitals amid a worker shortage.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Nursing Jobs
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State Representative Huldah Momanyi-Hiltsley led a healthcare delegation to Kenya, which returned on November 9, 2026, to explore a partnership that would place Kenyan nurses in Minnesota hospitals. No specific vacancies, recruitment numbers, or departure dates have been confirmed.
Why it matters
Minnesota is experiencing a shortage of healthcare workers, and the Minnesota House projected a shortfall of more than 30,000 nurses by 2030, prompting hospitals to look internationally for staff. The effort reflects how states facing workforce gaps are turning to overseas recruitment.
The Minnesota House projected a shortfall of more than 30,000 nurses by 2030, while the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects six-percent growth in registered-nurse employment from 2025 to 2035. Recruitment figures for the proposed Kenyan partnership have not been disclosed.
The players
Huldah Momanyi-Hiltsley
Minnesota State Representative for District 38A, first elected in 2024 as the state's first legislator of Kenyan heritage, who led the healthcare delegation to Kenya.
The details
Representative Huldah Momanyi-Hiltsley led the delegation, which held direct talks with Kenyan stakeholders about a potential partnership. Kenyan nurses seeking U.S. employment must obtain a credentials evaluation, pass the NCLEX-RN, and secure VisaScreen certification.
Timeline
March 2026: Minnesota House projected a 30,000-nurse shortfall by 2030.
2024: Momanyi was first elected as Minnesota's first legislator of Kenyan heritage.
November 9, 2026: The delegation returned from Kenya.
January 2027: Momanyi begins a new two-year term representing District 38A.
Workforce Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects six-percent growth in registered-nurse employment between 2025 and 2035, with about 180,800 openings expected annually nationwide. Minnesota's overseas recruitment push reflects how this national demand is pressing individual states to look beyond domestic pipelines.
For Minnesotans, the shortage may affect hospital staffing levels and patient access to care in coming years. Nurses considering U.S. work from Kenya would need to complete a credentials evaluation, pass the NCLEX-RN, and obtain VisaScreen certification before practicing.
The takeaway
Minnesota's push to recruit abroad signals that workforce shortages in healthcare are now prompting states to pursue international partnerships. Aspiring nurses should verify each licensing step before pursuing a move.
Further reading
Explore more on Nursing Jobs for context on the demand for nurses in Minnesota and nationwide.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kenya Today.
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