About AKANA

“Rooted in Heritage. Driven by Care. United for a Healthier Tomorrow.”

The Association of Kenyan American Nurse Anesthetists (AKANA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) professional organization uniting Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists of Kenyan origin and heritage in the United States. Our organization is dedicated to fostering excellence, collaboration, and community among Kenyan American Nurse Anesthetists and other interested stakeholders.

Our Mission

Support Network: We provide a robust support network through open communication and collaboration among our members.

Professional Development: AKANA promotes ongoing professional growth and learning opportunities for nurse anesthetists, Student nurse anesthetists, and interested parties in the field of anesthesia.

Advocacy: We advocate for the best anesthesia practices to ensure the highest standards of patient care.

Community Building: Our association fosters a strong sense of community among Kenyan American Nurse Anesthetists and welcomes other interested stakeholders.

Visibility & Advancement: We work to advance the interests and visibility of Kenyan American Nurse Anesthetists within the healthcare field.

Charitable Initiatives: AKANA actively engages in charitable and community-focused projects in Kenya, giving back to our roots and supporting global health initiatives.

Our Vision

To be a leading professional organization that empowers Kenyan American Nurse anesthetists to excel in their careers, inspire positive change in healthcare, and make a meaningful impact in communities both in the United States and Kenya

Who We Are

AKANA brings together professionals who share a common heritage and commitment to excellence in anesthesia care. By uniting our members, we create opportunities for mentorship, networking, and leadership development.

Over the years, AKANA has launched mentorship programs pairing seasoned CRNAs with students (SRNAs), organized annual conferences and virtual grand rounds, and raised funds to support anesthesia education in under-resourced Kenyan hospitals. Each milestone reinforces our commitment to being not just an organization, but a family bound by purpose and pride.

Core Values

  • Excellence: We strive for the highest standards in anesthesia practice, education, and professional conduct.
  • Collaboration: We believe in the power of teamwork, open communication, and shared learning among members and partners.
  • Integrity: We uphold honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior in all our activities.
  • Inclusivity: We welcome diversity and foster an environment where all voices are valued and respected.
  • Service: We are committed to giving back through charitable initiatives and community engagement, both locally and globally.
  • Advocacy: We champion the interests of Kenyan American Nurse Anesthetists and promote best practices in healthcare.

Mentorship

AKANA is devoted to mentoring nurses who have the vision of becoming CRNA’s, being a resource for current SRNA’s, devoted to connecting RN’s who need shadowing opportunities . We have matched up current nurse anesthesia students with one on one mentors, streamlining outreach and support especially as the SRNA’s transition into clinical settings. Finding a CRNA through AKANA is made easy by creating a locator within our website so that nurses looking for CRNA’s to shadow or simply ask questions about nurse anesthesia careers can easily search the map for those close to their location. In the future we plan to host popup webinars for nurses and college students interested in understanding what it takes to become a CRNA.

Leadership

Florence Zilko, CRNA

Interim President

Dr. Crispus Ombui, DNAP, CRNA

Interim Vice President

Peter Omoni, DNP, CRNA

Interim Secretary

Get Involved

Join us in advancing our mission, supporting our community, and making a positive impact both in the United States and Kenya.