How does the healthcare system work in Kenya, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does the health and healthcare system work in Kenya?

Kenya's healthcare system is evolving, and while the quality of care in urban areas is reasonable, challenges remain in rural areas. For many emigrants, care is not of sufficient quality.
As an emigrant, you can access both public, and private healthcare options.
The best care can be found at private institutions, especially in large cities such as Nairobi and Mombasa.
For some treatments, expats go abroad (for example, to South Africa). To cover this type of medical evacuation, good private health insurance is very important.
KEMSA (Kenya Medical Supplies Authority) is the government organization that runs pharmacies throughout the country. You can go to these kinds of pharmacies for basic care, which is often given by nurses.
Can't the nurses help you? Then you are referred to a medical center. And again, can't they help you there? Then you go to the hospital. Usually, however, foreigners do not use this public system because they can get better and faster care at private clinics.
In Kenya, you have to be careful with fake medication. It's better to go to a large pharmacy affiliated with a hospital, rather than one of the many cheaper pharmacies you see all along the road.
Call 999 for emergency services in Kenya

Public healthcare is largely administered by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), to which residents (including emigrants with work visas) pay a contribution.
For NHIF participants, basic care is inexpensive or even free. However, for more complex treatments, patients sometimes have to pay extra or switch to private care.
Quality in public hospitals varies. In urban areas such as Nairobi, there are reasonable facilities, but rural areas can lack basic services and medicines.
English is often the language of communication in public hospitals.

Private healthcare in Kenya is generally of high quality and popular among people moving to Kenya. Private clinics and hospitals such as Aga Khan University Hospital and Nairobi Hospital offer advanced treatments and shorter waiting times.
Private care is significantly more expensive than public care, so proper insurance is very important.
Expats often choose private care because of better facilities, reliability and faster treatment.

There are general practitioners in Kenya, but not many. The best chance you have is with private medical facilities.
Be aware that there are also many doctors who are focused on money - which can lead to unnecessary tests and procedures and avoiding referring patients when it is actually medically necessary.

Dental care is offered mainly through private practices, although public hospitals sometimes provide basic services.
Dental care in Kenya is generally of good quality, especially in urban private clinics.

Most expectant mothers opt for private health care with English-speaking doctors. Your best bet is to talk to other expats, or check forums to find a good doctor for your pregnancy.
You will generally find the best doctors and facilities in Nairobi.
In private hospitals and clinics, prenatal care is comparable to the West. In public institutions, facilities and care are often limited.
Most deliveries take place in hospitals. Home births occur in rural areas, but this often carries more risks.
Cesarean sections are fairly common in private hospitals in Kenya. So discuss your wishes carefully with your doctor.
Although maternal and infant mortality rates are declining in urban areas, they remain high in remote areas because of limited access to care.
Breastfeeding is the norm in Kenya and it happens everywhere in public.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, is common in urban areas.
Violent crime is common, especially in certain neighborhoods of Nairobi and Mombasa. So don't walk the streets alone in remote areas.
Not even in daylight!
Be vigilant with your belongings, avoid using cabs on the streets (use apps like Bolt or Uber), and don't go out alone after sunset.
Political protests and election periods can lead to unrest. So be careful during these types of events and keep an eye on the security advisories!
There is also a chance of terrorist attacks, including at tourist and entertainment spots.
Kidnapping with a terrorist motive also occurs, especially on the border with Somalia and in coastal areas.
Beware of scams involving fake police officers or security guards. This makes it easy for them to steal your belongings.

There are several diseases that pose health risks, including malaria, dengue and yellow fever.
In higher altitude areas, such as Mount Kenya, you are also at risk of altitude sickness. In addition, heat can be a problem.
It is better to avoid tap water.

In urban areas, roads are reasonably well maintained, but in rural areas they can be poor, especially during the rainy season.
Traffic in Kenya can be chaotic, with little respect for traffic rules. Driving after sunset is not recommended due to poorly lit roads and robberies. There is also a higher risk of car robberies on Airport South Road and Jogoo Road, among others.
Matatu (minivans) and boda-bodas (motorcycle cabs) are popular but notoriously unsafe.
Rather, use cab apps or private drivers.
Domestic flights are an efficient and safe way to travel longer distances.

Is the trip to Kenya and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

While it is not mandatory to have your own health insurance, it is highly recommended. Medical costs can be high because it can be almost as expensive as in the West and sometimes emergency care or medical evacuation is required. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.

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