Malaria
Malaria risk is high across most of Kenya throughout the year, including coastal regions, the Lake Victoria basin, western highlands below 2,500 metres and most safari game parks. Nairobi city and high-altitude areas above 2,500 metres have very low malaria risk, where mosquito bite prevention is the main protective measure.
Plasmodium falciparum is the dominant malaria species in Kenya and can cause severe illness if not treated promptly.
Travellers to high-risk areas should use:
- Prescription antimalarial medication
- DEET-based insect repellent
- Long sleeves and trousers after sunset
- Mosquito nets where appropriate
Antimalarial tablets are prescription-only medicines and are not prescribed on site. Where required, we will refer you to an Independent Prescriber for individual assessment.
Rabies
Rabies is endemic in Kenya, particularly in dogs and other mammals. Pre-exposure rabies vaccination should be considered for longer stays, rural travel, safari activities, cyclists, runners, children and anyone working with animals.
If you are bitten, scratched or licked on broken skin by any mammal:
- Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and clean water for 15 minutes
- Apply antiseptic if available
- Attend hospital or A&E immediately
Rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) is hospital-only treatment and is not available in UK community pharmacies.
Altitude
Travellers trekking Mount Kenya may reach elevations of up to 4,985 metres at Point Lenana. At these altitudes there is a risk of acute mountain sickness, high altitude pulmonary oedema and high altitude cerebral oedema.
Preventative advice includes:
- Gradual ascent with rest days
- Adequate hydration
- Awareness of symptoms such as breathlessness at rest, confusion, loss of coordination and persistent vomiting
Descent is the most important treatment for altitude illness. Altitude planning should be discussed during your travel consultation.
Other Health Risks
- Road traffic accidents are the most common cause of serious injury in UK travellers to Kenya. Seatbelts should always be used, night driving should be avoided where possible, and informal motorcycle taxis should be used with caution.
- Schistosomiasis (bilharzia) is present in Lake Victoria. Travellers should avoid swimming, paddling or wading in freshwater lakes and rivers.
- Dengue fever and chikungunya are present in parts of Kenya, particularly coastal and urban areas. Mosquito bite protection is essential throughout the day.
- Sun exposure, heat and dehydration are frequently underestimated during safari travel. Regular hydration and sun protection are strongly advised.
Visiting Friends and Relatives
Travellers visiting family in Kenya (Visiting Friends and Relatives, or VFR travellers) are considered higher risk for infections such as typhoid, hepatitis A and malaria by UKHSA guidance.
Even for repeat travel, a pre-travel health review is strongly recommended to ensure vaccines and malaria prevention remain appropriate.
When to Book
We recommend booking your Kenya travel vaccination appointment four to six weeks before departure.
If yellow fever vaccination is required for your itinerary, it must be administered at least 10 days before arrival for the certificate to be valid.
What We Can Supply
Vaccines provided during your consultation are subject to current Patient Group Direction (PGD) coverage and stock availability at the time of your appointment.
During your visit we can:
- Assess your travel itinerary and health risks
- Provide personalised travel vaccination advice
- Administer appropriate travel vaccines
- Support malaria prevention planning
- Refer to an Independent Prescriber where required
Antimalarials and altitude medication are prescription-only medicines and are not prescribed on site. Where appropriate, we will refer you to an Independent Prescriber, NHS GP or private prescriber.
Our pharmacist-led travel clinic supports travellers from Rochdale, Manchester and across Greater Manchester with expert Kenya travel vaccinations, malaria prevention advice and personalised safari travel health consultations.
Our clinic offers free on-site parking, refreshments during your visit and convenient access from across Greater Manchester.
