Kenya

Have a safe trip with travel vaccines and advice from medical professionals.

Travel health and safety for Kenya 🇰🇪

Kenya is a popular destination for safari tourism, offering a range of safari experiences, from traditional game drives to walking safaris and hot air balloon safaris.

Kenya is known for its diverse landscapes, including the iconic Maasai Mara National Reserve, Mount Kenya, Amboseli National Park, and the Rift Valley. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo), giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, and numerous bird species.

Renowned for its annual wildebeest migration, travelers can enjoy a spectacular natural event that takes place between the Maasai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. The coastal region of Kenya offers beautiful beaches, such as Diani Beach and Watamu, along with opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and water sports.

Offering exciting adventures and amazing sights outdoors, travelers to Kenya should be vigilant against mosquito-borne diseases (ie Malaria, Yellow Fever) by wearing long sleeves and staying up-to-date with routine vaccinations. Entry to Kenya may require the Yellow Fever vaccine depending on your medical history. Speak with a Rockdoc Travel Medicine Professional to assess your entry requirements and risks.

Travel Immunizations for Kenya

What vaccines do I need for Kenya? Get all the information and vaccinations you need to minimize travel health risks.

Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes in certain regions of Africa and South America.

Mild cases: Fever, headache, muscle and joint aches, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting
Severe cases: High fever, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), bleeding, organ failure, and, in some cases, death.
Kenya requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from a yellow fever endemic zone.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A virus can cause liver disease, and in rare cases, liver failure and death.

Can be spread by fecal-oral transmission, consuming contaminated food or water, or close, personal contact with an infected person.
Symptoms may range from mild to severe, including fatigue, jaundice, abdominal discomfort, vomiting, and joint pain.

Typhoid

Typhoid is a bacterial infection contracted through contaminated food or water

Symptoms include high fever, abdominal pain, and gastrointestinal issues.
Typhoid can lead to severe complications if not treated promptly.

Meningitis

Meningitis: an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by various factors, including viral, bacterial, or fungal infections.

If you plan to visit Kenya during the dry season (December to June), particularly the northern regions, consider getting vaccinated against meningitis.

Vaccines are available for certain types of bacterial meningitis, such as meningococcal meningitis and pneumococcal meningitis. Make sure to stay updated on recommended immunizations.
Symptoms include high fever, headache, stick neck, sensitivity to light, confusion, skin rash, and seizures.

Rabies

Rabies is a viral infection transmitted through animal bites.

Symptoms may initially include fever, headache, and discomfort at the bite site, progressing to more severe neurological symptoms. Rabies is fatal if it is not treated before symptoms develop.
Rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.

We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the provided information, however, it is not feasible for us to update daily. Please book a virtual consultation with one of our Travel Medicine Professionals for current, personalized advice and answers to any questions you may have.

Health Canada strongly advises travelers ensure their routine vaccinations are up to date, including:

Chickenpox (Varicella)

Guards against the varicella-zoster virus, responsible for chickenpox.

Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP)

Protects against three different bacterial infections.

Flu (Influenza)

Vaccination against seasonal influenza strains is essential.

Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Provides immunity against all three diseases in one shot.

Polio

Essential for guarding against the poliovirus.

Shingles

Offers protection against a viral infection that causes painful rashes.

COVID-19

The ongoing pandemic necessitates adherence to vaccination guidelines and preventive measures.

Kenya Concerns / Health Canada Recommendations

Malaria

Kenya is a malaria-endemic country. Malaria is a serious and occasionally fatal disease that is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito.

Symptoms may include fever, chills, headache, similar to the flu. Without treatment, malaria can cause severe illness and death.
Malaria can be treated with anti-malarial medications.
Use insect repellents containing DEET, wear long sleeves, long pants, and consider staying in accommodations with screens or bed nets.

Traveler's Diarrhea

Most common illness for travelers, from consuming contaminated food & water

Affects up to 70% of travelers and risks minimized with good hygiene and safe food/drink choices (eg. avoid raw foods, ice in drinks).
Symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, fever, bloating.

Insect Bite Prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. Cover up and use mosquito repellents to protect against infection.

Chikungunya: Symptoms include joint pains, fever, rash, and headache.
Dengue: Symptoms include high-grade fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, rash, and nausea/vomiting.

Zika: Symptoms include rash, itch, mild fever, headache, red eyes, muscle, and joint pains.

Over the Counter Medications for Travel to Kenya

Pain Relief

Medications such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil) can be helpful for managing headaches, muscle pain, or fever.

Anti-Diarrheal Medications

It’s advisable to carry over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide (e.g., Imodium) to treat mild cases of traveler’s diarrhea. However, it’s important to stay hydrated and seek medical attention if diarrhea persists or worsens.

Antacids

Antacids like Tums or Pepto-Bismol can provide relief from indigestion or heartburn, which can sometimes occur when trying new foods or experiencing changes in diet during travel.

Allergy Medications

If you have known allergies, carrying antihistamines like cetirizine(e.g., Reactine) or diphenhydramine (e.g., Benadryl) can help manage allergic reactions to environmental allergens or insect bites.

Motion Sickness Medications

If you are prone to motion sickness, consider carrying medication like dimenhydrinate (e.g., Gravol) to alleviate symptoms during long journeys or when traveling by car, train, or boat.

Hydration

If planning safari experiences, oral rehydration salts are helpful to keep you hydrated during long days in the heat.

Medical Services and Facilities in Kenya

Hospitals: Kenya has a network of public and private hospitals located in major cities and towns. Public hospitals are generally more affordable but may have longer wait times and limited resources. Private hospitals offer higher-quality care but tend to be more expensive. Some well-known hospitals in Kenya include Nairobi Hospital, Aga Khan University Hospital, and Kenyatta National Hospital.
Clinics: There are numerous private clinics in Kenya that provide outpatient services for non-emergency medical issues. These clinics may be more accessible and offer a range of services, including general consultations, vaccinations, and minor procedures.
Pharmacies: Pharmacies, often referred to as “chemists,” can be found throughout Kenya. They provide over-the-counter medications and can also offer advice for minor health issues. Pharmacies are a convenient option for obtaining common medications and basic healthcare products.
Medical Centers and Dispensaries: In more rural or remote areas, medical centers and dispensaries are often the primary healthcare providers. These facilities offer basic medical services, including consultations, vaccinations, and some treatments. They may have limited resources and capabilities compared to larger hospitals.

Consular Assistance in Kenya

Note: There is no reliable centralized number to reach emergency services. Research and carry contact information for local police and medical facilities.

Nairobi - High Commission of Canada

Address: Limuru Road, Gigiri Nairobi, Kenya

Phone: +254 (20) 366-3000

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/kenya/index.aspx?lang=eng

What Our Customers Are Saying

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N. Parniak

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We know how hard it can be for Canadians to get the healthcare they need, when they need it. That’s why Rockdoc is on a mission to help Canadians navigate healthcare. We have decades of experience providing emergent, urgent, and continuing healthcare services and solutions – meeting and exceeding the standard of care for our patients and our communities.

Dr. Sam Gutman

CEO and Chief Medical Officer
MD CCFP, FCFP, EM-SEM

Dr. Shaan Pawa

Associate Medical Director
MD CCFP-EM CTH®

Kristyna Sorensen

Medical Operations Manager
RN, BSN