Risk / Health Info for Kenya

Do I need immunizations for Kenya?

Canadian Travel Clinics can help you to organize all the vaccinations you need for travel in East Africa.

In addition to your regular shots, which should be up to date before you leave for Kenya, consider getting vaccinated against cholera, hepatitis A and typhoid. These unpleasant gastrointestinal diseases are easily picked up in areas with poor sanitation and are spread by contaminated food and water. Stick to commercially bottled water in Kenya and avoid using ice in drinks. Be sure to practise good hand hygiene.

Kenya is in the African meningitis belt so meningococcal meningitis shots are recommended, especially for visits between December and June. Meningococcal meningitis is spread person-to-person like a flu or cold, so practise good cough and sneeze etiquette by washing your hands frequently and covering your mouth and nose with your arm when you cough or sneeze.

Should I get a hepatitis B shot?

Travellers who plan to visit Kenya often or stay an extended period should get the hepatitis B shot. Spread by contact with blood or body fluids, hep B is also a risk for people who work in healthcare or dentistry in Kenya, or for anyone who comes in contact with unsterilized needles or engages in unprotected sex. Children are also at risk of hepatitis B through cuts and scrapes.

Can I get medical treatment in Kenya?

Healthcare in Kenya is pretty good, but you will have to pay for any care you receive. You will need travel insurance to make sure you are covered for any medical costs, so check with your provincial or territorial health authority for more information.

The emergency number in Kenya is 999.

Altitude in Kenya

Parts of Kenya are higher than 2,400m, and travellers planning to spend time at a high altitude should take steps to protect themselves against the potentially life-threatening acute mountain sickness. Your healthcare provider can help with this.

Dengue fever in Kenya

There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in Kenya. Dengue fever is also known as breakbone fever because of the severe bone, joint and muscular pains it causes, in addition to flu-like fever and headache. There is no vaccine for dengue fever. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Sleeping with mosquito nets is also recommended.

Malaria in Kenya

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Kenya at certain times of year. There is no malaria vaccine, but there are anti-malaria drugs that should be taken before, during and after travelling to certain at-risk countries. Speak with your healthcare provider six weeks before your trip, as not all prophylaxis regimes are appropriate for all regions and all individuals.

Schistosomiasis in Kenya

The schistosomiasis parasite enters humans through the skin during contact with fresh water. To prevent infection, avoid swimming or paddling in lakes and streams in Kenya. This condition is also known as bilharzia.