Kenya Health & Vaccinations Guide 2026
Staying healthy during your Kenya trip requires some preparation. This guide covers all the vaccinations, malaria prevention, and health tips you need before travelling to Kenya for safari, beach, or business.
Important
This is a general guide only. Consult a travel health clinic or your doctor at least 6-8 weeks before travel for personalised advice based on your medical history and itinerary.
Required Vaccinations
| Vaccine | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Fever | Conditional | Required if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country. Certificate must be presented at immigration. Also recommended if visiting western Kenya or Maasai Mara |
| COVID-19 | No (as of 2026) | No longer required for entry. Check latest requirements before travel |
| Polio | Conditional | May be required if arriving from a polio-endemic country |
Recommended Vaccinations
| Vaccine | Why | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Spread through contaminated food/water | At least 2 weeks before travel |
| Hepatitis B | Blood/bodily fluid contact | Course of 3 doses over 6 months (accelerated schedule available) |
| Typhoid | Contaminated food/water, especially outside main cities | At least 2 weeks before travel |
| Rabies | If visiting rural areas, caves, or handling animals | Course of 3 doses over 4 weeks |
| Meningitis | If visiting during dry season (Jan-Mar) or northern Kenya | At least 2 weeks before travel |
| Routine | Tetanus, diphtheria, measles - ensure up to date | Check with your GP |
Malaria Prevention
Malaria is present throughout Kenya, especially at the coast, around Lake Victoria, and in low-altitude areas. Nairobi and highlands above 2,500m are generally malaria-free.
Prevention Measures
- Anti-malarial tablets: Consult your doctor. Options include Malarone (atovaquone/proguanil), doxycycline, or mefloquine. Start before travel as directed
- Mosquito repellent: DEET-based repellent (30-50%) on exposed skin, especially at dusk and dawn
- Long sleeves and trousers: Wear after sunset when mosquitoes are active
- Bed nets: Most lodges and hotels provide treated mosquito nets
- Air conditioning: Mosquitoes are less active in cool, air-conditioned rooms
Malaria Risk by Area
| Area | Risk Level |
|---|---|
| Coast (Mombasa, Diani, Watamu, Lamu) | High |
| Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo | Moderate-High |
| Lake Victoria region | High |
| Nairobi | Very Low |
| Highlands (Mount Kenya, Aberdares) | Minimal |
Food & Water Safety
- Drink bottled water - avoid tap water, including ice in drinks outside major hotels
- Eat at reputable places - hotel restaurants and well-known local restaurants are safe
- Avoid raw salads - unless at a quality hotel that washes produce in treated water
- Fruit: Eat fruit you peel yourself (bananas, oranges, mangoes)
- Street food: Stick to freshly cooked, hot food from busy stalls
- Hand hygiene: Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitiser
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is essential for Kenya. Safari lodges and parks are often remote, and medical evacuation by air ambulance can cost USD 50,000+.
- Ensure your policy covers: medical treatment, emergency evacuation, repatriation, and adventure activities (if applicable)
- AMREF Flying Doctors operates air ambulance across East Africa - some lodges include temporary membership
- The nearest world-class hospitals are Nairobi Hospital and Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi
Frequently Asked Questions
Only if you are arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country (e.g., Uganda, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Brazil). If flying direct from the UK, US, EU, or Australia, it is not required but recommended if you plan to visit western Kenya or the Maasai Mara.
No. Always drink bottled or treated water in Kenya. Most hotels and lodges provide bottled water. Avoid ice in drinks unless you are certain it was made from purified water. Brushing teeth with tap water is generally safe in Nairobi hotels but use bottled water elsewhere.