Health & safety: Kenya
Tap water
Not safe
Food safety
Caution
Can you drink the tap water in Kenya?
Tap water NOT safe. Bottled everywhere.
Food safety in Kenya
Major resorts + restaurants safe. Street food in Nairobi + Mombasa risky. Stick to busy turnovers.
Vaccinations
Required for entry
- Yellow Fever if arriving from risk countries OR coming from Kenya to certain countries
Recommended by CDC/WHO
- Hepatitis A + B
- Typhoid
- Yellow Fever
- Rabies
Always check the CDC traveler's health page 4-6 weeks before departure for current recommendations.
Altitude warnings
Nairobi (1,795m). Mt Kenya (5,199m). Kilimanjaro just over border (5,895m).
Mosquito-borne diseases
Malaria year-round (high risk Mar-May, Nov rains). Dengue + Chikungunya on coast.
Heat risk
Coast Dec-Mar humid 30°C+. Highlands mild.
Emergency medical infrastructure
Nairobi hospitals + flying-doctor service. Rural areas + safari country limited. Evacuation insurance essential.