Healthcare in Nairobi
Nairobi's top private hospitals are East Africa's medical hub — English-speaking, well-equipped, and affordable compared to Europe or the US.
Healthcare in Nairobi
Care for foreigners centres on four private hospitals: Aga Khan University Hospital, The Nairobi Hospital, MP Shah, and Karen Hospital. Each has international patient services.
Kenya's Social Health Authority (SHA), which replaced NHIF in October 2024, covers Kenyan residents. Foreigners pay cash, card, or direct-bill via insurance. Aga Khan has the widest international insurer network and a dedicated foreign-patient desk.
Expect upfront deposits without pre-authorised insurance. Keep itemised receipts — Kenyan hospitals produce clean paperwork that travel insurers process without fuss.
Navigating care
Navigating care as a foreigner
Booking — Same-day GP appointments are standard at Aga Khan and Nairobi Hospital outpatient wings. Use their apps or WhatsApp reception.
Payment — M-Pesa is universal — GPs, pharmacies, labs, and even hospital cashiers accept it. Carry a card as backup for larger bills.
Language — Medical care runs in English. Swahili courtesy helps with taxis and support staff but is never required.
Costs
Nairobi private care runs at roughly a fifth of US prices. Aga Khan and Nairobi Hospital publish transparent rate cards on their websites.
| GP visit (private) | $20-50 |
| Specialist consultation | $40-100 |
| ER visit (private) | $80-250 |
| Blood panel (basic) | $25-60 |
| X-ray | $30-70 |
| MRI | $200-450 |
| Dental cleaning | $30-70 |
| Dental crown | $200-450 |
Private hospital rates in Nairobi 2026 USD. Aga Khan and Nairobi Hospital publish rate cards online.
Pharmacies
Modern pharmacy chains operate across Westlands, Karen, Lavington, and Kilimani with long hours. Hospital-attached pharmacies are reliable for prescription fills. Counterfeit medication is a real risk at independent chemists. Stick to hospital pharmacies or the named national chains for anything critical.
Health tips
Water, altitude, vaccinations, and traffic in Nairobi
Never drink tap water
Nairobi tap water is not safe. Use bottled or boiled for drinking, ice, and brushing.
Mild altitude effect
At 1,795m, expect headaches or fatigue for the first two days. Hydrate and skip alcohol.
Food outside trusted kitchens
Stick to busy restaurants. Street food raises GI risk for new arrivals.
Traffic injury risk
Traffic injuries are the top ER visit for visitors. Use ride-hail apps; avoid boda-bodas at night.
Emergency
Emergency number: 999
999 or 112 for all services. Aga Khan and Nairobi Hospital run faster private ambulance lines.
English is the medical working language
All major private hospitals operate in English. Swahili is the second lingua franca but rarely needed for care.
Frequently asked questions
Which hospital should I go to as a foreigner?
Aga Khan University Hospital is the default for internationals — English-speaking, direct-bills most travel insurers, and has a dedicated foreign-patient desk.
Do I need malaria prophylaxis in Nairobi?
Nairobi city itself is above the malaria zone at 1,795m. Prophylaxis is recommended for trips to coastal Kenya, Lake Victoria, or safari lowlands.
Can I pay for healthcare with M-Pesa?
Yes. GPs, pharmacies, labs, and most hospital cashiers accept M-Pesa. Keep a card for larger bills where limits apply.