From sun exposure to mosquito-borne diseases, there are plenty of ways you can inadvertently become sick while traveling in Kenya. Here are some concerns to be aware of during your visit.
If you’re planning a trip to East Africa, you may be wondering: Is Kenya safe to travel? For the most part, the answer is yes—Kenya is a safe destination for international travelers. But there are some health risks and safety tips to take into consideration before you go.
- Staying Healthy in Kenya
- Common Diseases Found in Kenya
- Required Kenya Vaccinations for US Travelers
- Medical Assistance
- Travel Insurance
- Water and Swimming
- Mosquitoes
- Air Quality
- Staying Safe in Kenya
- Crime in Kenya
- Crime Against Women
- LGBTQ+ Safety
- Civil Unrest
- Terrorism
- Climate and Natural Disasters
- Local Laws in Kenya
- Embassies and Consulates in Kenya
- Preparing for Your Kenya Trip
Staying Healthy in Kenya
Common Diseases Found in Kenya
There are a number of serious communicable diseases in Kenya, including:
- Malaria
- Cholera
- HIV/AIDS
- Diarrhea
- Tuberculosis
Check for active warnings and alerts with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ahead of your trip.
Required Kenya Vaccinations for US Travelers
In addition to being up-to-date on your regular vaccinations, such as flu, polio, shingles, and measles, the following are either required or recommended vaccinations for travel to Kenya by the CDC.
- COVID-19: Recommended
- Cholera: Recommended
- Hepatitis A: Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one-year-old or older and infants ages 6-11 months
- Hepatitis B: Recommended for unvaccinated travelers ages 60 or older
- Malaria: Highly recommended to obtain prescription preventative medicine
- Measles: Recommended for infants ages 6-11 months
- Meningitis: Recommended for travelers 2 months old or older traveling to certain areas of Kenya
- Rabies: Recommended for travelers who may be around dogs or wildlife
- Typhoid: Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.
- Yellow fever: Required if coming from known yellow fever-infected country or region
Before you visit Kenya, you should get any recommended or required vaccinations at least a month ahead. Entry and exit requirements can change with little or no warning, so check official government sources for up-to-date information prior to travel.
Medical Assistance
If you find yourself in need of medical treatment during your time in Kenya, you’ll have several options. Kenya’s healthcare system has various levels based upon provided services and the range of people served, starting from community units up to national hospitals. These medical facilities can be summed up as a mix of public and private providers.
Public health care is government-funded and primarily consists of dispensaries and public health centers. Private facilities have become more prominent, with private hospitals found primarily in Nairobi. However, due to high costs, it’s highly recommended for travelers to obtain prime travel insurance to cover sudden medical-related costs.
In larger cities such as Nairobi and Mombasa, there are private hospitals and clinics providing a standard of care that is often similar to Western standards. You’ll find plenty of healthcare options in major cities and urban areas—indeed, the nearest hospital is never far away—but in rural areas, both the availability and the quality of care may be limited.
High-ranking medical facilities in Kenya include:
- In Nairobi, Aga Khan University Hospital is a private facility, considered to be one of the finest healthcare facilities in Kenya.
- MP Shah Hospital, also in Nairobi, offers a wide range of medical services and is known for its patient-centric approach.
- Mater Misericordiae Hospital in Nairobi is operated by the Sisters of Mercy, a Catholic Order of Nuns. It runs several comprehensive care clinics and medical camps and is particularly recognized for its heart health services.
- The Karen Hospital is a multi-specialty private hospital located in this suburb of Nairobi.
If you’re having a medical emergency, call 999. This is the Kenya emergency number and connects you to emergency resources like ambulances, police, and fire departmentss.
Travel Insurance
When planning a trip to Kenya, it’s always recommended to purchase travel insurance beforehand, especially as you can get great coverage for affordable rates. Hopefully you won’t have to use it, but travel insurance has many important benefits. Not only can it protect you from delays, cancellations, and crimes like robberies, but it can also shield you from unexpected medical expenses or common travel issues, such as lost luggage.
Companies like battleface, Allianz, World Nomads, and HTH Worldwide all offer customizable travel insurance plans designed for your needs. While medical care in Kenya can be affordable and easy to find, it doesn’t hurt to have extra coverage just in case—the odds you’ll need it may be slim, but services like medical evacuation don’t come cheap.
Water and Swimming
Due to the risk of waterborne diseases, it’s generally not recommended to drink tap water in Kenya unless you are able to boil it. While the water in urban areas, like Nairobi and Mombasa, is treated, the quality can vary, and the water may still contain harmful bacteria or parasites.
Drink bottled water instead—it’s readily available in most parts of Kenya, just make sure the seal is intact before drinking. Avoid ice in your drink if you can’t be certain the cubes were made from purified water, think twice before eating food that may have been washed in tap water, and use water considered safe for consumption to brush your teeth. Be mindful too that drinking glasses may have been washed in tap water.
Portable water filters or purification tablets can be used to treat tap water if bottled water is not available.
While it’s generally safe to swim in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Kenya, the country’s lakes, rivers, and reservoirs should be avoided as they may contain bacteria or parasites.
Mosquitoes
Whether you’re hitting Kenya’s national parks, safari lodges, or coastal beach resorts, mosquito-borne diseases, like malaria, chikungunya, and dengue fever, can present a problem. Malaria is endemic in many parts of Kenya but particularly prevalent in lower-altitude areas, such as the coast and around Lake Victoria. In Nairobi and highland areas, the risk is lower.
Malaria transmission in Kenya varies depending on altitude and rainfall patterns, but it generally coincides with the rainy seasons. The long rainy season usually occurs from April to June and the short rains from October to December. These periods can lead to an increase in mosquito populations and, consequently, higher rates of malaria transmission.
In some areas, particularly in western Kenya and near Lake Victoria, malaria transmission can occur year-round, so you may need to take antimalarial medication depending on where you’re going. Consult with a health-care provider for advice tailored to your personal health situation and travel itinerary.
To protect yourself from mosquito bites, carry and use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and long pants, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, and sleep under a mosquito net at night.
Air Quality
Air pollution can be a problem within certain parts of Kenya, especially in major cities or industrial areas. In Nairobi, motor vehicle emissions and the burning of solid waste are contributing factors to air pollution; the city has seen increasing levels to rapid urbanization and increased motorization.
Indoor air pollution is also an issue, especially within rural areas. Many households burn wood, charcoal, or animal dung as solid fuels for cooking or heating. This common practice can lead to poor indoor air quality. Also, Kenya’s dry and arid regions produce dust, which also adds to air pollution.
Before going out exploring each day, use AQI to check the air quality in your area. If the quality is bad, try to avoid being outdoors for long periods of time or wear a mask.
Staying Safe in Kenya
Here’s what you as a traveler should know about staying safe in Kenya.
Crime in Kenya
While Kenya is generally a safe destination, there have been issues with street crimes in major urban areas. There’s a high risk of petty crime, with pickpocketing, scamming, and mugging frequently taking place in major cities and around tourist attractions. There have also been reports of carjackings and armed robberies, particularly in larger cities; travelers are advised to keep car doors locked and windows up, especially at night.
In major towns and big cities, like Nairobi, Mosamba, and Kisumu, be wary of pickpocketing in large crowds or at major tourist sites. You should also be alert to common scams, like ATM skimming, credit-card fraud, overcharging for taxi rides, being gifted “free” jewelry, and overly helpful locals who may falsely tell you that a place is closed.
Exercise common sense and keep yourself safe from petty crime in Kenya by:
- Staying in busy, well-lit areas
- Avoid badly lit and unfamiliar areas at night
- Don’t carry large amounts of cash or valuable belongings on your person
- Be aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded areas
- Be careful on public transport and in transportation hubs—don’t get onto empty buses or trains
Crime Against Women
For the most part, female travelers to Kenya may not face any incidents, but there have been reports of street harassment and violent crime.
Try to avoid walking alone in isolated areas, especially after dark. Use reliable transportation options and avoid public transportation at night if possible.
Ensure you stay in a reputable hotel or guesthouse with good security measures, and take care when entering or exiting your hotel room.
Like in any country, stay alert and aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded places where pickpocketing could happen.
Be aware of cultural norms and social cues. It’s important to be friendly but cautious with new acquaintances. In general, dressing conservatively is advised to respect the local culture, particularly when visiting religious sites or rural areas. Kenyan society is predominantly patriarchal and, in some areas, quite traditional.
While it may be different for travelers, there have been forms of gender-based violence in Kenya, including domestic violence, rape, sexual harassment, coercion, and harmful traditional practices, like female genital mutilation and early marriage, particularly in certain rural and marginalized communities. Unfortunately, these crimes are often underreported due to stigma, fear of retaliation, and lack of confidence in the justice system.
In case of emergencies, carry contact information for essential services, including the local police and your country’s nearest embassy or consulate.
LGBTQ+ Safety
LGBTQ+ travelers to Kenya should be aware that the Kenyan Penal Code criminalizes homosexual activity, including the possibility of a prison sentence of up to 14 years, as a 2019 ruling by Kenya’s High Court upheld these laws.
It’s highly advised for members of the LGBTQ+ community visiting Kenya to dress modestly and avoid showing any displays of public affection.
Civil Unrest
Instances of civil unrest, including protests and demonstrations, do occur in Kenya. These are often tied to local or national political events, economic issues, or security incidents. In the past, there have been instances of violence, particularly around election periods.
Areas where demonstrations and protests commonly occur include city centers, university campuses, and slum areas. Protests may also occur near government buildings, parliament, and official residences. Most protests are peaceful, but they can escalate; security forces have sometimes used tear gas and other crowd control measures to disperse demonstrators.
If you’re traveling to Kenya, it’s important to stay informed about the current situation and follow the advice of local authorities. If a demonstration or protest is taking place, it’s generally advisable to avoid the area, as Kenyan authorities could misinterpret your presence as participation, potentially leading to arrest and legal issues. Check with your embassy or consulate and local news sources for updates.
Monitor local media, and if strikes or riots do take place in the area you’re traveling, stay away from the affected areas and stay indoors.
Terrorism
Terrorism has become a significant concern in Kenya with the occurrence of several high-profile attacks, particularly from the Somalia-based extremist group Al-Shabaab.
Al-Shabaab, which has ties to Al-Qaeda, has targeted Kenya due to its role in the African Union’s military operations against the group in Somalia. Notable attacks include the 2013 Westgate shopping mall attack in Nairobi and the 2015 attack on Garissa University College.
The Kenyan government has taken various measures to counter the threat, including increased security operations, particularly in areas near the border with Somalia. However, the risk remains, particularly in certain regions.
Regions of Kenya that are considered higher risk for terrorism include:
- The counties of Mandera, Wajir, and Garissa, which are close to the Somali border
- Coastal areas, like Lamu County and parts of Tana River County
- Certain parts of Nairobi, particularly Eastleigh.
- While major tourist areas are generally considered lower risk, there have been attacks targeting places visited by foreigners, including hotels and shopping malls.
To avoid terrorist attacks:
- Remain vigilant and stay informed of local news and events
- Avoid strikes, protests, demonstrations, and riots
- Stay indoors and safe during attacks
- Contact emergency services and your country’s embassy
Consult the US State Department’s official site for any relevant travel advisories prior to your departure.
Climate and Natural Disasters
Depending on where you’re traveling in Kenya, you may encounter natural disasters.
Droughts can happen in parts of Kenya, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions, leading to severe water shortages and food insecurity. On the other hand, flooding can occur during the heavy rainy seasons, usually from March to May and October to December. This typically happens within low-lying areas, and can result in displacement, loss of life, and even disease outbreaks. Heavy rainfall can also instigate landslides within hilly or mountainous regions.
While traveling around Kenya, monitor local media and weather reports to try and avoid disaster areas. If you do find yourself experiencing a natural disaster, follow instructions from local authorities and contact your country’s embassy as soon as possible.
Local Laws in Kenya
For your safety, health, and more, it’s important to obey the local laws in Kenya—including those regarding drugs, alcohol, and wildlife, prohibited photography, and carrying identification, such as an international driving permit and your national driver’s license—to avoid getting fined, arrested, or deported.
Embassies and Consulates in Kenya
If something happens to you during your time in Kenya, reach out to your country’s embassy or consulate for assistance. (With very few exceptions, these will be in Nairobi and Mombasa.) While they can’t provide legal assistance, they can offer guidance and advice for next steps.
Preparing for Your Kenya Trip
Obtaining a visa is an essential part of planning your trip. At Entriva, we can easily and efficiently help with every aspect of getting a Kenya visa. Start your visa application process.
Doing your research before traveling helps you avoid issues and be prepared in case of an emergency. For more information on other aspects of travel to Kenya, such as entry requirements, visa extensions, and cultural customs, visit our Kenya content hub.