April 14, 2025, 9:19 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Kenya, an East African country with impressive wildlife, vast savannahs, and beautiful beaches, attracts numerous travelers every year. Whether it’s a safari, beach vacation, or city break — vaccination is essential to minimize health risks. TRAVELBOOK reveals which vaccinations are necessary or recommended for Kenya in the following overview.
The vaccination requirements for a trip to Kenya depend on the individual route, the planned activities, and the personal health situation. While there are no mandatory vaccinations for direct entry from Germany, there are clear requirements for travelers from yellow fever areas. In addition, various vaccinations are strongly recommended depending on the type and duration of the trip. Before departure, it is advisable to seek travel medical advice in order to optimally adjust your vaccination protection.
Overview
Which Vaccinations Are Mandatory for Kenya?
There are no mandatory vaccinations for direct entry from Germany. However, travelers coming from a yellow fever area must provide proof of a valid yellow fever vaccination. This applies to all persons aged 12 months and over.
As the entry regulations of individual countries can vary, it is advisable to find out about current regulations before traveling. A yellow fever vaccination booster is no longer recommended by the WHO, but travelers should check whether Kenya has adopted this recommendation.
Recommended Vaccinations for Kenya
For Travelers in General
- Standard vaccinations (according to the STIKO vaccination calendar, especially measles protection)
- Tetanus, diphtheria, poliomyelitis
- Hepatitis A
- Yellow fever (recommended for travel to many parts of the country, but not mandatory in certain regions such as Nairobi or Mombasa)
For Travelers with Special Risks
- Hepatitis B (for close social contacts or long-term stays)
- Typhoid (in poor hygienic conditions)
- Rabies (for trekking trips or long-term stays in rural areas)
- Meningococcal meningitis ACWY (northern Kenya is in the meningitis belt, risk especially from December to May)
- Dengue fever (individual indication recommended)
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Is There an Increased Risk of Infection in Kenya Without Vaccination?
Yes, there are infectious diseases in Kenya for which there is no vaccine. These include intestinal infections, schistosomiasis, leishmaniasis, filariasis, and sleeping sickness.
Sources
- Tropeninstitut.de: “Your travel destination: Kenya”
- Federal Foreign Office: Travel and safety advice for Kenya