Background: The context of work for nurses is rapidly changing due to changes in care, innovative technologies, and emergence of new knowledge. Participation in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in many countries in Africa remains low. Objective: The objective of the study was to explore the challenges facing Nurses while participating in CPD in Western Kenya. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed where 235 stratified and randomly selected nurses and four CPD Coordinators from four County Hospitals in Western Kenya were selected. The Key informants and the respondents for Focus Group Discussions were selected purposively. Data for this research was collected using a semistructured questionnaire, interview schedules and Focus Group Discussion guide. Data analysis was done using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS V. 20). Data was summarized using frequencies; means and standard deviation. The data obtained was presented using percentage distributions, bar graphs and frequencies. Qualitative data was analysed thematically. Results: Majority of the nurses reported staff shortage 199 (85.8%), lack of time due to heavy workload 179 (77.2%) and lack of finance 137 (59.1%). Other challenges included: lack of information on availability of CPD (35.8%), family commitment (28.9%), lack of interest (15.1%) and distance (27.2%). Findings from FGDs showed similar results; staff shortage and heavy workload were cited as major challenges hindering nurse’s participation in CPDs. Key informants reported, lack of written policies for CPD, lack of available guidelines for CPD, lack of coordination with other CPD coordinators. The study recommends employing more nurses, formulating policies affecting CPD and providing financial support to help support CPD activities. Coordinators should organize favorable time and space for CPD activities while ensuring equal opportunities are offered for participation and there is need for coordination with other CPD coordinators either at County level or at National level. .