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East Africa

🇰🇪 Vaccines for Kenya

Entry requirements & recommendations for travel to Kenya

Safari country, and the kind of trip where health prep actually matters. Malaria is present in most areas outside Nairobi and the highlands, so antimalarials are essentially non-negotiable for most itineraries. Yellow Fever is required if arriving from an endemic country, and the certificate needs to be the real stamped booklet — border officials do check. Hepatitis A and Typhoid are standard. Rabies is relevant if you're spending time around animals, which on safari you will be.

Medical disclaimer: This is general information only — not personal medical advice. Requirements and risks change. Always consult a qualified travel health clinic before departure.
Required for entry
Yellow Fever
Certificate required if arriving from endemic country. Recommended if visiting game parks in western Kenya.
💉 1 dose (lifetime)
📅 Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 10 days after vaccination. Certificate valid for life.
🛡 Protects for: Lifetime (single dose).
Required for entry
Recommended by WHO & CDC
Hepatitis A
Food and water contamination risk.
💉 2 doses
📅 Book at least 4 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after 1st dose. Full protection after 2nd dose (6–12 months later).
🛡 Protects for: 1st dose ~1 yr. 2nd dose: lifetime.
Recommended
Typhoid
Contaminated food and water.
💉 1 dose
📅 Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after vaccination.
🛡 Protects for: 3–5 years. Booster recommended if re-exposure.
Recommended
Rabies
Animal exposure risk particularly on safari or in rural areas.
💉 3 doses
📅 Book at least 5 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: After 3rd dose. 2nd dose 7 days after 1st, 3rd dose 21 days after 1st.
🛡 Protects for: Pre-exposure reduces post-bite treatment needed. Boosters based on blood tests.
Recommended
Disease risks
  • ⚠Malaria (most areas below 2500m — Nairobi and highlands lower risk)
  • ⚠Yellow Fever
  • ⚠Rift Valley Fever (outbreaks)
  • ⚠Dengue
Notes: Yellow Fever required from endemic countries; recommended for western Kenya. Malaria prophylaxis for all areas outside Nairobi/highlands. Nairobi city itself: lower malaria risk but prophylaxis recommended.
Approximate cost per person
Required vaccines
~€74
(~$81)
per person · full courses
Yellow Fever (1 dose)€74 ($81)
Recommended vaccines
~€522
(~$568)
per person · full courses
Hepatitis A (2 doses)€140 ($152)
Typhoid (1 dose)€45 ($49)
Rabies (3 doses)€273 ($297)
Malaria tablets (4 weeks) (1 dose)€64 ($70)

💡 Approximate figures based on private European travel clinic rates (April 2026). Actual costs vary by clinic and country. Not all recommended vaccines will apply to every trip — discuss your specific itinerary with a travel health clinic.

Often combined with
TanzaniaUgandaRwandaEthiopia
When to book

Book at least 6 weeks before departure. If you need Yellow Fever vaccination (arriving from an endemic country), the certificate takes effect 10 days after the jab. Malaria tablets need to be started before travel — Malarone 1–2 days before, Doxycycline 1–2 days before, Lariam 2–3 weeks before. Hepatitis A can be done 2 weeks before travel.

Common questions
Do I need malaria tablets for Kenya?
Yes, for most itineraries. Malaria is present throughout Kenya including Nairobi at certain times of year, though risk is lower in the city than in game parks. For safari itineraries including Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, and coastal areas, antimalarials are strongly recommended. Discuss the right antimalarial with your travel clinic as options differ.
Do I need a Yellow Fever certificate for Kenya?
Kenya requires proof of Yellow Fever vaccination if you are arriving from a Yellow Fever endemic country, which includes most of sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America. If you are flying directly from Europe, North America, or Asia you do not need the certificate for entry. However, it is recommended if your safari takes you to areas with Yellow Fever risk.
What vaccines are required for Kenya?
No vaccines are universally required for all visitors. Yellow Fever proof is required if arriving from endemic countries. Recommended vaccines include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Rabies (particularly relevant for wildlife contact), and Meningococcal. Malaria prevention is essential.
Is it safe to eat street food in Kenya?
Food hygiene standards vary widely. Nairobi has good restaurants with reliable hygiene, but food from street stalls carries a real risk of Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Being vaccinated against both significantly reduces this risk. Safe food handling — eating freshly cooked hot food, avoiding salads washed in tap water — also matters.

Data based on WHO International Travel and Health and CDC Yellow Book 2026. Last verified: April 2026. Always verify current requirements with a travel health clinic before departure.