Destination guide
Travel vaccines for Kenya
Safari in the Masai Mara, Mombasa's beaches or climbing in the highlands — here's what UK travellers are usually advised before visiting Kenya, including Yellow Fever and malaria.
Overview
What vaccinations do I need for Kenya?
For most UK travellers to Kenya, the core vaccinations are Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A and Typhoid, with your Tetanus, Diphtheria and Polio booster kept up to date. Depending on your trip, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Cholera or Chikungunya may also be considered — Rabies is often added for safari or remote travel. Yellow Fever is recommended for most travellers, and a certificate (which we issue) is frequently needed when travelling on to or between other African countries. Antimalarial tablets are also recommended for most trips, including safari and coastal areas, with lower risk in Nairobi and the central highlands above about 2,500m.
These recommendations are a general guide based on UK travel health advice from TravelHealthPro (UKHSA/NaTHNaC). Whether you're heading for the Masai Mara, Mombasa's beaches or the highlands, we'll confirm exactly what you need — including the right malaria tablets for your route — at a short consultation.
Plan ahead
Book 4–6 weeks before you fly
Yellow Fever must be given at least 10 days before travel for the certificate to be valid, and malaria tablets may need starting before you go, so plan ahead. Travelling sooner? Come in anyway — we'll do what we can.
Recommended vaccinations
Vaccines commonly advised for Kenya
Grouped by how often they're recommended. Your personal list is confirmed at consultation. Vaccine guidance is based on public health information from TravelHealthPro (UKHSA/NaTHNaC).
Yellow Fever (including certificate)
Yellow Fever
Recommended for most travellers to Kenya. A certificate is also required for entry to many neighbouring countries and may be checked — we issue the official certificate.
Hepatitis A
Most travellers
Spread through contaminated food and water — advised for nearly all trips.
Typhoid
Most travellers
Recommended for most travellers to Kenya.
Tetanus, Diphtheria & Polio
Most travellers
A combined booster is recommended if you're not up to date.
Hepatitis B
Some travellers
Advised for longer stays, healthcare work, or possible medical/dental treatment.
Rabies
Some travellers
Often advised — rabies is present and medical help can be far away on safari.
Cholera
Some travellers
Considered for higher-risk trips, relief work, or where sanitation is poor.
Chikungunya
Some travellers
Mosquito-borne illness reported in Kenya, spread by daytime-biting Aedes mosquitoes. A vaccine may be considered for some travellers alongside bite-avoidance measures.
Dengue
Some travellers
Dengue occurs in Kenya. The dengue vaccine may be considered for travellers aged 4 and over who have had a previous, laboratory-confirmed dengue infection — bite avoidance remains essential for everyone.
Measles (MMR)
Some travellers
Make sure you have had two documented doses of MMR, as measles still circulates in many regions.
Meningitis
Some travellers
Advised for risk areas, and required for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
Tuberculosis
Some travellers
BCG is usually only relevant for longer stays or close community contact, typically younger travellers who have not had it before.
Entry rules — separate from your jabs
Yellow fever certificate: what Kenya requires
A yellow fever certificate requirement is a legal condition of entry — it is not the same thing as the vaccine being recommended for your health. The recommendation (when there is one) appears in the vaccine list above; the entry rule is below.
Flying direct from the UK? No yellow fever certificate needed for Kenya
Kenya only asks for a certificate (ICVP) from travellers aged 1 year+ who arrive from — or pass through — a country with yellow fever risk. That catches out multi-country itineraries, so check your whole route, not just your destination.
Separately, yellow fever transmission does occur in parts of Kenya — so the vaccine itself may be advised for your health; see the vaccine list above and we'll confirm at your consultation.
Yellow Fever
Yellow Fever vaccine & certificate for Kenya
Kenya has a risk of yellow fever and the vaccine is recommended for most travellers. The certificate is valid for life and is frequently needed when travelling on to, or between, other African countries. As a registered Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre, we can vaccinate you and issue the official certificate in one visit.
- Recommended for most travellers aged 9 months and over
- Single dose at least 10 days before travel; certificate valid for life
- We're a registered Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre
Malaria & mosquitoes
Malaria in Kenya
Malaria risk is present across much of Kenya, so antimalarial tablets are recommended for most trips — including safari areas. Risk is lower in Nairobi and the central highlands above about 2,500m. We'll recommend the most suitable tablets for your route.
- Antimalarial tablets advised for most safari and coastal itineraries
- Use repellent, cover up at dawn and dusk, and sleep under nets
- Seek urgent help for any fever during or after your trip
FAQ
Kenya travel vaccines — FAQs
Getting ready for Kenya?
Book a quick consultation at our Timperley clinic near Manchester and we'll sort your Yellow Fever certificate, vaccinations and malaria tablets for your trip.