Kenya is a country of great disparity, especially when it comes to healthcare. Access to clean drinking water, proper sanitation, and basic health services are problems for millions of Kenyans, especially in rural areas, as the public healthcare system is overburdened. However, wealthy Kenyans have access and means to purchase private health care and receive better quality treatment. Here is an overview of Kenyas healthcare system.
Public healthcare
Kenya has a public healthcare system which provides primary care, pharmaceuticals, and emergency services. However, the system is severely underfunded and overcrowded, and access to medical care is extremely difficult, especially outside of major cities. Public patients face long wait times, limited access to specialists, and ill-equipped facilities and hospitals. Technically, expats are eligible for public healthcare in Kenya, but they will find it very poor, compared to their home country. All expats are recommended to purchase comprehensive private healthcare before arriving in the country.
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Good to know:
The emergency services number in Kenya is 999. However, services can be very slow. Many private healthcare companies provide their own ambulance services, so note the emergency number of your insurer in case it is needed.
Private healthcare
Due to the shortfalls of the public system, expats should arrange private healthcare before relocating to Kenya. This may be provided by your new employer. Without insurance, out of pocket treatment costs can be extremely high, so ensure you have comprehensive coverage, including emergency evacuation, including air transport, and both emergency and primary care. Private health care is utilised by expats and by Kenyans who can afford it, and patients can access better care, shorter wait times, and access to care of a much higher quality than the public system. The best hospitals can be found in the largest cities, namely Nairobi and Mombasa.
Good to know:
Expats needing extensive surgery or treatment may prefer to return to their home country for treatment, however, South Africa is considered to have the best medical facilities within Africa.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies, known as chemists, are easy to find in Kenya, however, patients should only visit large, national chain pharmacies, as smaller, local pharmacies are often found to sell counterfeit medications. Pharmacies attached to hospitals are also a reliable option. It is recommended to bring copies of your prescription with you when you relocate, and also try to bring along additional supplies of your prescriptions.
Required vaccinations
Before arriving in Kenya, a number of vaccinations are recommended. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends making sure you are up to date on all routine vaccinations, including MMR, polio, tetanus, and the flu shot. Treatment for Hepatitis A and Typhoid is also recommended, as contaminated water and food can be found in Kenya.
Depending on where in the country you are going, cholera, malaria, Hepatitis B, and rabies treatments may also be necessary. Talk to your doctor for more information.
It is important to note that the Kenyan government requires proof of vaccination against yellow fever to enter the country if you are coming from a country where yellow fever is present.
Useful links:
Health information for travellers to Kenya
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