Travel Vaccines and Advice for Kenya
Kenya is an amazing country to experience wildlife and to take in a gorgeous and diverse landscape. You can find everything from equatorial glaciers to tall mountains to extensive plains.
Many who visit Kenya opt to go on a safari, where they catch glimpses of animals like rhinos, elephants and lions. Hikers will find adventure with Mount Kenya, an impressive peak which offers both day hikes and more ambitious excursions.
Kenya has beautiful beaches that are welcoming to travellers looking for relaxation or to participate in watersports, including diving and snorkeling.
Culturally, Kenya also boasts impressive diversity, with more than 40 different ethnic groups with their own unique traditions.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Kenya?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Kenya?
What is the Climate Like in Kenya?
How Safe is Kenya?
Kenya’s Rules
What Should I Pack To Kenya?
Canadian Embassy to Kenya
Do I Need Vaccines for Kenya?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Kenya. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Kenya: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travellers
to most regions. - Cholera –
Food & Water –
Cases have been reported in multiple regions throughout 2018 and 2019. Vaccination recommended for long-term, humanitarian and healthcare travellers. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for all travellers over 9 months of age, except if travelling to: North Eastern and Coast Province; Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu and Malindi states; and the cities of Mombasa and Nairobi - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June) - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Recommended for some travellers to the region. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Kenya |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
| Cholera | Food & Water | Cases have been reported in multiple regions throughout 2018. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for all travellers over 9 months of age, except if travelling to: North Eastern and Coast Province; Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu and Malindi states; and the cities of Mombasa and Nairobi |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June) |
| Polio | Food & Water | Recommended for some travellers to the region. Single adult booster recommended. |
Routine Vaccinations for Kenya |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
The risk of contracting malaria for is considered moderate by the PHAC. Travellers should consult a travel medicine specialist to determine the best antimalarial for their trip. Dengue and chikungunya are also present in the country. Be sure to bring and use mosquito repellents and netting.
Travellers should also discuss the risk of contacting yellow fever while in Kenya. Vaccination is available at Passport Health locations throughout the country.
Meningitis poses a risk to travellers to Kenya. Be sure you are vaccinated before leaving for your trip.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Kenya
“Just back from my visit to Passport Health, and very happy with the service I received there. Lisa was informative, prepared, and willing to discuss any and all of my travel concerns. I came away feeling much better prepared for my upcoming trip to Kenya. Thank you for being so pleasant and approachable!”
“My husband and I had a terrific experience at Passport Health today. The Nurse met us with a smile and proceeded to give us our information. We had sent along our information sheets earlier, so she was fully prepared. She had documents printed and highlighted our requirements. It was a pleasure and we felt assured that our health coverage on our trip to Kenya will be complete.”
“The staff at Passport Health is one of the best my husband and I have ever met! Our nurse’s professional bedside manner and incredible wealth of knowledge on travel medicine put our minds at ease and helped us better prepare for our trip to Kenya and Türkiye. Thank you!”
“The nurse was very helpful in reviewing the medications that I would need to take for my trip to Kenya. She helped me decipher the recommendations from travel sites to make the right choices for my needs. I would definitely suggest this clinic to others before they travel abroad.”
“The nurse was great. Very helpful with all her advice for getting me ready for my trip to Kenya. Follow up reminders were sent by email the same day for all my future appointments. Answered all my questions, outlined all my medication schedules and was friendly and easy to work with.”
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Kenya?
Canadian citizens with a valid passport need a visa for both tourist and business purposes. This visa can either be a real, paper copy which gets glued into the passport or can be an e-visa which you apply for yourself at home, directly. All fees are able to be paid directly online and you will receive the visa by email.
Kenya Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Kenya? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
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| Tourist Visa | |
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| Business Visa | |
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| Vaccinations | |
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Sources: Embassy of Kenya and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What is the Climate Like in Kenya?
Kenya has a tropical climate, but weather and temperature will vary by region. In Nairobi, the average high temperature is typically in the 20s, with lows in the teens. Temperatures stay relatively consistent in Kenya throughout the year.
- Wet Season – November to May. The heaviest rain usually lasts from March through May, and this entire season features high humidity. Daytime temperatures are often in the high-20s.
- Dry Season – June to October. Kenya’s dry season is its coldest season. Lows are usually in the 10’s. Higher altitudes will experience colder temperatures.
How Safe is Kenya?
The multiple governments have issued travel warnings affecting travel to the border area between Somalia and Kenya due to threats by the terrorist group al-Shabaab. There is a risk of crime and terrorism throughout the country.
Travellers are advised to avoid large gatherings, as they are also prime sites for incidences of crime and terrorism.
Hundreds of people have died in terrorist attacks in Kenya since 2011. The State Department recommends travellers avoid travel to the following regions:
- Northeastern Kenya – Mandera, Wajir, Garissa
- Coastal Areas – Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi
- Nairobi – Eastleigh
Home invasions, burglaries, armed carjackings, muggings and kidnappings have turned violent or fatal. Travellers should be aware they can happen at any time. Matatus, privately-operated buses, are often targeted.
Forced marriages occur and sexual assaults are prevalent. Scams are also frequent in Kenya.
All travellers should be aware of the risks, particularly from terrorists.
Kenya’s Rules
In Kenya, penalties for drug possession, trafficking, and use are severe. There are also strict rules about the sale and consumption of alcohol and cigarettes. Penalties for public intoxication are severe. Smoking is only permitted in public in designated areas.
Travellers who wish to import a firearm must obtain a permit.
Consensual same-sex sexual activity is criminalized in Kenya. LGBT travellers may face harassment and discrimination.
Customs regulations for importing or exporting religious materials, antiquities, currency, wildlife products and other items are strict. Travellers wishing to import or export special items should review these policies.
Under the Kenya Wildlife Service, all tour and safari operators must carry insurance. Travellers should confirm any tour company they plan to use has insurance and should check the safety record of a company and observe all local or park regulations. Travellers should review banned wildlife items under Kenya’s Wildlife Act.
What Should I Pack for Kenya?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Kenya:
- Insect repellent and sunscreen.
- Travellers may experience diarrhea from water or food they are not used to. Bring diarrhea medicine or a traveller’s diarrhea kit.
- Light clothing for hot temperatures, with warmer options for cool nights.
- Umbrella or rain gear if you plan to travel during rainy season.
Canadian Embassy to Kenya
The High Commission of Canada in Kenya is able to provide consular services to citizens travelling to Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and Somalia.
Canadian Embassy Nairobi
High Commission of Canada
Limuru Road, Gigiri
Phone: (254-20) 366 3000
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start travelling safely today!
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