Effect of Work-Life Balance on Nurse Retention: Evidence from Kenya’s National Referral Hospitals Workforce Experience

Retention of nurses is proving to be a critical issue in Kenya's health sector, especially among national referral hospitals, where retaining skilled nurses significantly affects the quality of healthcare delivery. Despite the importance of this issue, limited research has explored the influence of work-life balance on retention of nurses in National Referral hospitals in Kenya. This study sought to to determine the effect of work-life balance on retention of nurses in National Referral hospitals in Kenya. The study was underpinned on Herzberg's two-factor theory. To meet these objectives, the study targeted all seven national referral hospitals in Kenya, with a total population of 3830 employees distributed across 3650 nurses and 180 management staff. Using stratified random sampling, a sample size of 263 respondents was determined based on Neyman's formula. The study adopted an explanatory sequential mixed methods approach. Data was collected through structured questionnaires and interviews. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to explore relationships between variables. Results were presented in tables. The ANOVA results revealed that the model was statistical significant in explaining this relationship work-life balance on retention (F = 153.564, p = 0.000). Regression coefficients showed that work-life balance (β = 0.316, p = 0.000) had positive and statistically significant effect on nurse retention. The study consequently concluded that Work-life balance plays a decisive role in shaping retention outcomes in public hospitals. Flexible scheduling, family-friendly policies, and wellness initiatives help employees harmonize their personal and professional obligations. In light of these findings, the study recommends the establishment of flexible scheduling, wellness programs, childcare support, and supervisory training to create work-life integration will create a more resilient and loyal nursing workforce. Keywords: Work-Life Balance, Nurse Retention, National Referral Hospitals, Kenya Health Sector, Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory