Safety and Travel Insurance in Kenya
Kenya, a former British colony, is an attractive destination for travel and expatriation due to its warm climate and relatively low cost of living. While thousands of U.S. citizens travel to or live in Kenya each year without incident, the U.S. Department of State continues to warn visitors to the African nation of the risks associated with their travel.
These risks to personal and public safety, in addition to health risks particular to the region, make private global travel insurance a must for expats and other visitors.
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Health Considerations for Visitors to Kenya
Kenya, in theory, provides public healthcare to its population. Basic primary care is provided to the Kenyans at primary health care centers and dispensaries.
Dispensaries are what Americans would call clinics; they are run and managed by registered nurses, who a nursing officer supervises.
These dispensaries offer outpatient services for minor concerns, such as colds or flu, common rashes or skin conditions, and other uncomplicated issues. In more complicated cases, patients are referred to a physician.
Community hospitals can provide routine surgical and maternity care, while the most complicated cases are handled at the large public hospitals in Nairobi.
While this public system does exist, Kenyans and expats alike tend to use the private system whenever they can afford it.
Some of the Top Hospitals in Kenya
Private Healthcare in Kenya
In the most significant cities, Nairobi and Mombasa, well-respected, reputable private hospitals and practitioners usually provide a high standard of care.
However, for complex cases or sometimes just as a personal preference, many expats from the West choose to be evacuated to South Africa or even to the UK.
Paying for private treatment or evacuation out of pocket is prohibitively expensive; therefore, selecting a global travel health insurance plan that includes emergency evacuation coverage is essential.
Even before you arrive in Kenya, it is a good idea to use the internet to locate the closest hospital to your home and place of work.
Keep their emergency phone numbers and ambulance service numbers (if they differ) in a safe and prominent location.
While there is a public emergency number (999), it will connect you with government-run hospital ambulance services, which are certainly better than not having a number at all, and there will almost always be someone who speaks English.
Vaccinations Required for Visitors to Kenya
Before traveling abroad, it is essential to ensure that your regular immunizations are up to date. The CDC recommends MMR, tetanus, diphtheria, and polio vaccines, as well as an annual influenza (flu) vaccine.
Most travel physicians and clinics also recommend hepatitis A and B vaccines, as well as typhoid and yellow fever vaccines, for travel to this area of the world.
The risk of malaria in Kenya exists, but the size of the risk will depend on where you plan to be. See the CDC’s Kenya recommendations.
Additionally, other insect-borne diseases, such as dengue fever and chikungunya, can be avoided by wearing insect repellent containing DEET.
A note about Travelers’ Diarrhea: Diseases transmitted through food and water remain the leading cause of illness in travelers.
Travelers’ Diarrhea can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites, all of which are commonly found in Kenya (and most of the world) and can contaminate food or water. Do your best to eat at places that cater to other Westerners.
Is the Water Safe to Drink in Kenya?
Bottled water is widely available and is the only guaranteed safe drinking water in Kenya. Even then, make sure you purchase water in a sealed bottle and avoid using unpackaged straws, which can also harbor germs.
Avoid drinking water straight from the tap. If this is the only available source, boil the water and let it cool before drinking.
Common Sense Tips for Staying Healthy and Safe While in Kenya
- Eat and drink food from known sources
- Prevent insect bites by wearing repellent containing DEET
- Avoid animals that are not known to you
- Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose whenever possible.
Personal and Public Safety in Kenya
The governments of the US, Canada, and the UK all recommend that citizens traveling to Kenya be vigilant. This is due to a rise in the number and frequency of terrorist attacks and crime in the country.
Areas that require an exceptionally high degree of caution include the cities of Nairobi and Mombasa, as well as the regions bordering Somalia, Ethiopia, and South Sudan.
Tips for Staying Safe While Traveling in Kenya
- Make a copy of your passport and keep it in your luggage; also, store a password-protected electronic copy online.
- Don’t walk on your own at night in the major cities or on empty beaches
- Do not wear jewelry
- Do not carry too much cash with you
- Wear a money belt that fits under your clothes
- Don’t carry a lot of camera equipment, especially in the major cities
- Beware of thieves posing as police officers or other conmen
- Choose recommended transportation options
- Plan your route ahead of time and avoid unknown or dangerous neighborhoods
Kenya Travel Warnings and Alerts
Before you travel to Kenya, check with your local government for any travel warnings, advisories, or updates.
Finding the Right Travel Insurance for Visitors to Kenya
For individuals planning a move or extended travel to Kenya, there are two essential things to keep in mind:
- There is likely to be limited access to public medical care for foreigners.
- If accessible, public healthcare options will most likely be below the standard of care you expect or feel comfortable using.
Finding a global health insurance plan is critical to planning your travel. Most employers will provide healthcare insurance as a benefits package if you are moving for a job.
Even so, consider an international health insurance plan if you are working in Kenya, are self-employed, or plan to stay for a longer term.
If you will only be working in the country temporarily or traveling for pleasure, a travel medical insurance plan will best serve you.
Best Travel Insurance Plan for Visitors to Kenya
Patriot Platinum Travel Insurance
- Maximum limits up to $8,000,000
- IMG pays 100% of medical expenses in-network
- Evacuation due to Natural Disasters & Political Unrest
Best Travel Insurance Plan for US Citizens Visiting Kenya
Single Trip Platinum Travel Insurance
- For U.S. citizens and residents up to age 95
- Includes pregnancy coverage, baggage loss, trip interruption & more
- 24/7/365 service and assistance
Joe Cronin, President of ICI, is a leading expert in international health, life, and travel insurance. An MBA and founder of multiple global businesses, he helps expatriates and travelers access trusted, comprehensive insurance solutions worldwide.
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