Kenya Travel Vaccines and Advice
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.
Kenya/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: Measles, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Malaria, Rabies, Yellow Fever, Meningitis, Cholera, COVID-19.
Recommended travel vaccinations for Kenya
| Vaccine | Disease Transmission |
|---|---|
| Traveler’s diarrhea | Contaminated water/food |
| Cholera | |
| Typhoid | |
| Hepatitis A | |
| Hepatitis B | Contaminated body fluids (blood, sex, razors, needles, etc.) |
| Rabies | Infected Animals |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito bites |
| Meningitis | Airborne Droplets |
| Influenza |
Recommended Medication for Travelling to Kenya
| Medication | Additional Information |
|---|---|
| Acetazolamide or Dexamethasone | Recommended for prevention of acute mountain sickness |
| Azithromycin or Suprax | Antibiotic in case of traveler’s diarrhea |
| Malarone, Doxycycline or Mefloquine | Recommended 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 |
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.
A 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]