Nairobi has the best healthcare in East Africa, if you can pay for it: large private hospitals, specialist clinics and pharmacies on every corner. The public system is under much more strain. Most people who can afford it use private care, paid through insurance.

SHA and SHIF

The SHA (Social Health Authority) runs the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), which replaced NHIF in October 2024.

  • Employees contribute 2.75% of gross pay through payroll, with a minimum of KES 300.
  • Everyone else registers and pays directly. Contributions for people without a salary are assessed on household means.
  • Registration is online at sha.go.ke or by USSD, and your dependants should be added to your record.

SHIF covers a set list of services at contracted public and private facilities. Coverage and the list of contracted hospitals have changed often since the launch, so confirm with the hospital before planned treatment.

Private insurance

Most expatriates, and many Kenyans with formal jobs, have private medical cover through an employer or bought directly, from Kenyan insurers or international providers. Check:

  • Inpatient and outpatient limits. Outpatient visits are where most claims happen.
  • The hospital list. Can you use the hospital nearest your home?
  • Maternity, dental and optical, which are often extras.
  • Evacuation cover, if you want the option of treatment abroad.

Hospitals

On the map:

  • Aga Khan University Hospital (Parklands) and The Nairobi Hospital (Upper Hill) - large private hospitals with emergency departments.
  • Kenyatta National Hospital - the country’s largest public referral and teaching hospital.

Other well-known private hospitals include MP Shah in Parklands, Karen Hospital, and Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital for children. Many malls have clinics for everyday problems.

Pharmacies

“Chemists” are everywhere, and pharmacists will advise on minor ailments. Many medicines are available without a prescription. Buy from a registered pharmacy rather than a kiosk, because counterfeit medicines exist.

Emergencies

  • Emergency number: 999, or 112 from any mobile.
  • Kenya Red Cross emergency line: 1199.
  • Private ambulances are often faster. Services include St John Ambulance, and many insurers and hospitals run their own. Save a number in your phone before you need it.

In a serious emergency, going straight to a private hospital’s emergency department is often quickest. They may ask for a deposit or your insurance details before treating anything non-critical.

Staying healthy

  • Water: drink bottled, filtered or boiled water.
  • Malaria: Nairobi’s altitude keeps the risk low, but it is significant on the coast, around Lake Victoria and in much of the rest of the country. See a travel clinic before trips out of the city.
  • Vaccinations: check yellow fever, hepatitis A, typhoid and routine vaccinations with a doctor before you arrive.
  • Altitude and sun: at around 1,700 metres the sun is strong even when it feels cool.

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