What vaccines do I need for Kenya?

Required: Yellow Fever (required if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country; strongly recommended for all travelers visiting areas below 2,000 meters). Recommended by the CDC: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Malaria prophylaxis, Rabies (pre-exposure recommended for safari, rural, or extended travel), Meningococcal, Cholera.

Is tap water safe to drink in Kenya?

Tap water is not safe to drink in Kenya. Drink bottled or treated water throughout your trip, including in resort areas.

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East Africa

Kenya Travel Health

Reviewed by Alexander Webber, Chief Epidemiologist · Updated 2026-08

Kenya presents moderate to high health risks for travelers, with malaria transmission in most regions below 2,500 meters including coastal areas and wildlife reserves. Safari travelers face additional exposure to animal-borne diseases, insect bites, and remote medical care delays. Altitude illness is relevant for trekkers approaching Mount Kenya above 3,000 meters. Food and waterborne illnesses are common.

Food Safety: High Risk Tap Water: Unsafe Malaria Risk Present

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Vaccines for Kenya

Required for Entry

Yellow Fever (required if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country; strongly recommended for all travelers visiting areas below 2,000 meters)

CDC Recommended

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Typhoid
Malaria prophylaxis
Rabies (pre-exposure recommended for safari, rural, or extended travel)
Meningococcal
Cholera

Source: CDC Travelers' Health — Kenya

Malaria Risk

High risk throughout most of Kenya including coastal regions and wildlife parks. Nairobi and areas above 2,500 meters are lower risk but not risk-free. Prophylaxis strongly recommended. Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine are all options; consult a travel medicine provider.

Food and Water Safety

High Risk Tap water: not safe to drink

Drink bottled or boiled water only. Avoid ice, raw produce, buffet foods, and street vendor items unless you can verify preparation standards. Reputable safari lodges generally maintain high food hygiene.

Key Health Tips for Kenya

Start malaria prophylaxis before departure and complete the full course after returning.
Use DEET-based insect repellent and sleep under a permethrin-treated bed net.
Carry oral rehydration salts and a traveler's diarrhea antibiotic prescribed by your doctor.
Avoid freshwater lakes and rivers due to schistosomiasis risk, particularly around Lake Victoria.

Disease Risks in Kenya

Official Resources

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