Kenya Vaccinations and Travel Advice

Kenya Travel Vaccines and Advice

While traveling to Kenya, please keep in mind some routine vaccines such as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, etc.

As a safari land, Kenya offers an extraordinary show and a feeling of freedom to those who dare to graze this destination. With its wildlife and landscapes shaped by the Rift, this country offers all the extremes to travellers in search of escape. You have white sanded beaches, endless forests, deserts, mountain ranges, savannas, vast plains and plenty more at your disposal. Basically, all the ingredients are there for you to enjoy a taste of adventure. Imagine yourself in a jeep in the middle of a desert, watching the cheetahs and flamingos. Kenya’s discovery offers you the opportunity to enjoy many experiences in one trip. This is the only country in Africa with snow-capped peaks such as Mount Kenya. This destination is also full of paradisiacal beaches like Mombasa which allows you to spend an unforgettable seaside stay.

While traveling to Kenya, please keep in mind some routine vaccines such as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, etc.
A beautiful sunset in Kenya

What vaccines do I need for Kenya in 2021?

The Government of Canada and CDC recommend the following vaccinations for travelling to Kenya in 2021: MeaslesHepatitis ATyphoidHepatitis BMalariaRabiesYellow FeverMeningitisCholera, COVID-19.

Recommended travel vaccinations for Kenya

VaccineDisease Transmission
Traveler’s diarrheaContaminated water/food
Cholera
Typhoid
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis BContaminated body fluids
(blood, sex, razors, needles, etc.)
RabiesInfected Animals
Yellow FeverMosquito bites
MeningitisAirborne Droplets
Influenza

Recommended Medication for Travelling to Kenya

MedicationAdditional Information
Acetazolamide or DexamethasoneRecommended for prevention of acute mountain sickness
Azithromycin or SupraxAntibiotic in case of traveler’s diarrhea
Malarone, Doxycycline or MefloquineRecommended anti-malaria medication

Medical Care in Kenya

Kenya is one of the countries with the most corrupt health system. There is a distinct lack of professionalism and qualifications amongst medical staff in public hospitals. Although the capital of Nairobi is home to private medical services which offer care akin to European standards, the cost is extremely high. For this reason, it is paramount to purchase medical insurance before your trip. Included in the list is the Aga Khan Hospital , the Nairobi Hospital and the AMREF Flying Doctors (+ 254 (0)  731 811 811 or 706 811 811 or 20 699 2000).

Please note that treatment is difficult to access outside of the capital. Also ensure to take a supply of necessary medicines with you, as some drugs are hard to find in the country due to mismanagement of the supply chain. Avoid buying drugs from pharmacists who do not have qualifications to practice.

There is no centralized emergency number, but you can dial 999 for emergency services. Here’s a list of other hospital numbers that may or may not be listed above.

Is Kenya Safe for Travel?

Safety and Security Descriptive
Crime High risk
National parks, safaris and reserves Caution required
Demonstrations Risk of violence
Road safety Minor roads poorly maintained; Caution required
Public transportation Unsafe
Fraud High risk
Maritime transportation Likoni Ferry is unsafe
Women’s safety Caution required
Areas bordering South Sudan and Ethiopia AVOID ALL TRAVEL
Areas bordering Somalia and portion of the Coast region AVOID ALL TRAVEL
Eastleigh neighbourhood of Nairobi Avoid non-essential travel
Northern and Western Kenya Unsafe
Health Cholera and Polio warning
Risk level High degree of caution
Please click here for more information.

Do I Need a Visa to Visit Kenya?

Prior to travel, make sure you check with your transportation company about any passport requirements. This is important as in some cases their regulations on passport validity may be more strict than those of the destination country.

Both, a visa and a passport are required to enter Kenya. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of departure.

proof of immunization against yellow fever might be required.

Please click here for more information.

Embassy of Canada to Kenya information

When travelling to another country, it is important to know where the Canadian embassy is located in the event of:

  • A legal problem
  • A lost passport
  • The need to report a crime

It is advisable to make a copy of your original passport in case you lose it.

Canadian High Commission to Kenya
Street Address:
Limuru Road, Gigiri,
Nairobi, Kenya

Tel.: 254 (20) 366-3000
Fax: 254 (20) 366-3900

Email: [email protected]

Click here to access the high commission’s website