Vaccinations for Kenya
There are both compulsory for entry and strongly recommended vaccinations for Kenya. All travellers are required to have a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate in order to gain entry to Kenya. Furthermore for most short-term travellers the usual recommended vaccinations for Kenya include cover against the childhood diseases (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Poliomyelitis) as well as cover against the food and water borne diseases of Hepatitis A and Typhoid.
Those planning a more adventurous time, especially if they will leave the normal tourist routes should consider further vaccination cover against diseases including Rabies, Hepatitis B and Meningococcal Meningitis. Tourists should start their vaccines about 4 to 6 weeks before they leave Ireland.
In Kenya, malaria poses a very real risk outside Nairobi. One of the highest risk areas is Mombasa which is where many travellers will find themselves at some time. Malaria is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito and so the first line of defence is to protect yourself against mosquito bites. Malaria Prophylaxis may be prescribed to you during your consultation depending on your itinerary.
In general, travellers to Nairobi find that the level of health care facilities are good. Doctors in Kenya speak English and the level of care they provide is usually excellent for the holiday maker.
Some travellers to Kenya will have no particular itinerary planned and so start their holiday from either Nairobi or Mombasa. Those planning to go off the beaten track should register with the Irish Counsel. Great care should always
be exercised as each year too many tourists have significant problems while trekking off the usual routes. The major risks revolve around food and water borne disease, the risk of rabies, altitude sickness on Mount Kenya, being robbed or simply getting lost!
Please remember, every traveller will require a specialised consultation and this information only contains general guidelines.
Recommended
Yellow Fever
All Travellers
Poliomyelitis
Tetanus
Hepatitis A
Typhoid
Optional
Hepatitis B
Rabies
Meningococcal Meningitis
Cholera
Country Profile
Find out more about the health risks you should be aware of when travelling in Kenya by reading the DFA Kenya country information page
or the WHO Kenya country information page.