Kenya - Health

Kenya Health for Visitors

Medical facility standards vary, with urban areas having adequate facilities but potentially being extremely limited in other locations.

Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) is Kenya's oldest and largest hospital. It serves as a public tertiary referral hospital for the Ministry of Health.

Nairobi County is home to the largest number of private hospitals in Kenya.

Before receiving treatment, public and private facilities need an up-front payment.

A decompression chamber is available at the Kenyan Naval Base in Mombasa.

If you become seriously ill or injured in a remote area, you'll need to be evacuated to a major city. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

Medical Insurance is required (suggested min. cover USD$50,ooo). This can be purchased locally for USD$125 a year.

Any person between 1 year of age and 59 years of age needs a yellow fever vaccination (i.e. anybody under 60). A certificate will need to be shown to Port Health on arrival.

Vaccine-Preventable Diseases:

Aside from routine vaccinations, it is recommended to be vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B, Measles, Typhoid and Rabies.

In Kenya, poliovirus has been identified in the past year, increasing the risk of exposure for travelers. Vaccination is recommended.

Since October 2022, Kenya’s arid northern region has been affected by a cholera outbreak triggered by the impact of a prolonged and severe drought. Vaccination should be considered for both children and adults traveling to areas with active cholera transmission.

Mosquito-borne Diseases:

Malaria prophylaxis is recommended, as malaria is prevalent on the coast.

Chikungunya virus transmission in Kenya has been observed in the past five years, vaccination may be considered for individuals aged 65 and older and those planning to stay for six months or more.

Dengue, Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever, and African tick bite fever are risks in Kenya.

Prevention:

• Use a repellent containing 20%-30% DEET or 20% Picaridin on exposed skin. Re-apply according to the manufacturer's directions.
• Wear neutral-coloured (beige, light grey) long-sleeved clothing.
• Pre-soak or spray the outer layer of clothing and gear with permethrin.
• Ensure that the hatch and window screens work properly.

Food and Water Concerns:

Tap water is not potable and sealed bottled water is recommended. Avoid ice in drinks. Do not eat food prepared by unlicensed vendors.

Since October 2022, Kenya’s arid northern region has been affected by a cholera outbreak triggered by the impact of a prolonged and severe drought. Vaccination should be considered for both children and adults traveling to areas with active cholera transmission.

Other Concerns:

Do not swim in fresh water, as this may be infected with bilharzia parasites.

AIDS is endemic in East Africa.

Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in Kenya.

Prescription Drugs:

Most prescription medication should be available in Kenya.

Medications for personal use – it is recommended to bring the original prescription and the generic names of any medication, as brand names tend to vary from country to country.

Emergency Numbers:

See Emergencies.

The Ministry of Health has a list of Health facilities in Kenya.

Useful link:

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Last updated:  July 2024