Travel vaccines for Kenya

Safari parks, the coast and Mount Kenya each carry different risks. Malaria tablets are advised for most of the country and yellow fever advice depends on your route.

Vaccines for Kenya

Book this week to give your vaccines time to work.

Some courses can be speeded up. A yellow fever certificate becomes valid 10 days after your vaccine.

Current health alerts

  • Mpox clade I outbreak ongoing.
  • Ebola disease (Bundibugyo virus): nine confirmed cases and two deaths reported as of 23 October 2026, all linked to one case imported from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with no evidence of community spread.

Advised for most travellers

Advised for some travellers, depending on your trip

Yellow FeverRecommended from 9 months of age for most of Kenya, including Tsavo East, Tsavo West, the Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru. Generally not recommended if you are only visiting Nairobi, Mombasa, the North Eastern province or the coastal areas of Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu, Malindi and Tana River. People aged 60 or over should not have it for those low-exposure areas alone.Book now: valid 10 days afterRabiesRabies has been reported in domestic animals.Ask about a faster courseMeningitis ACWYKenya is part of the extended meningitis belt of sub-Saharan Africa.Fits before you flyHepatitis BHepatitis B is common in Kenya.Ask about a faster courseCholeraOutbreaks were reported in several counties, including Nairobi, during 2025.Ask about a faster courseChikungunyaAn outbreak was reported in Mombasa County in mid-2025.Fits before you flyDengueAsk about a faster course
PolioVaccine-derived poliovirus (type 2) has been detected. A booster is advised for some travellers, such as health workers, if they have not had one in the past 12 months.
TuberculosisTB (BCG) vaccine is advised for unvaccinated children under 16 who will live in the country for more than 3 months, and for some health workers. It is not given in pharmacy; ask your GP.
MeaslesMeasles risk is higher than in the UK. Check you have had two doses of MMR, which is free from your GP.

These are suggestions only and may differ from what our expert clinician advises at your consultation.

Entry rules

  • A yellow fever certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
  • Not required if you fly direct from the UK, but check any stopovers.

Malaria

High risk. Tablets are recommended.

  • High risk throughout Kenya: atovaquone with proguanil, doxycycline or mefloquine is recommended.
  • Very low risk in the city of Nairobi and in the highlands above 2,500 metres: awareness and bite avoidance only.
About malaria tablets

Other health risks

Altitude

Mount Kenya rises to 5,199 metres.

Schistosomiasis

Present in fresh water. Avoid swimming or wading in lakes and rivers.

Zika

There is a risk. Pregnant travellers and couples planning a pregnancy should seek advice before booking.

Dengue and other insect-borne infections

Avoid bites day and night. Sleeping sickness, tick bite fever and Rift Valley fever occur in parts of East Africa.

MERS

Reported in camel-owning households. Avoid contact with camels and raw camel milk.

More than one country?

Add each country when you book and we’ll plan for the whole route.

Common questions about Kenya

What vaccines do I need for Kenya?+

For most travellers, Hepatitis A, Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio and Typhoid are advised. Others may be advised depending on your route, how long you stay and what you will be doing. Your pharmacist will only recommend what suits your trip.

Do I need malaria tablets for Kenya?+

High risk. Tablets are recommended. High risk throughout Kenya: atovaquone with proguanil, doxycycline or mefloquine is recommended. Very low risk in the city of Nairobi and in the highlands above 2,500 metres: awareness and bite avoidance only.

Do I need a yellow fever certificate for Kenya?+

A yellow fever certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Not required if you fly direct from the UK, but check any stopovers.

How far in advance should I get vaccines for Kenya?+

Ideally six to eight weeks before you fly, so any courses can be finished. If you leave sooner, still book: many vaccines help close to departure.

Summarised from NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro, checked 10 November 2026. Advice can change, so we check it again at your appointment. Clinical content by Lyneham Pharmacy and Travel Clinic (GPhC registered pharmacy 9010716).

Can’t see your destination? We still cover it.

We show some of our most popular destinations here, but we give travel vaccine advice for wherever you’re going. Tell us your route when you book, or give us a call.

Call 01249 892813