Is It Safe to Intern in Kenya? An Honest Look at Safety, Support, and Setup (2025 Update)

For many students considering a global health internship, safety is a top concern — and rightfully so. Kenya offers some of the most rewarding, hands-on clinical experiences available anywhere, but it’s normal to ask: Is it safe to intern in Kenya?

In this guide, we’ll give you an honest, practical overview of safety in Kenya, including what to expect from day-to-day life, how Go Elective ensures a secure experience, and how you can prepare to make the most of your placement with confidence and peace of mind.

Is Kenya a safe country for students and interns?

Yes — when approached with the right preparation and support, Kenya is safe for interns and volunteers. Like any country, it has areas that are more secure than others, and the key is to stay in well-known, stable regions and work with a trusted local partner.

Interns with Go Elective are placed in carefully vetted, secure locations such as Mombasa, Naivasha, and Kisumu — areas with consistent medical supervision, solid infrastructure, and active community presence.

Common safety concerns for international interns (and how we address them)

1. Health and sanitation

• What to expect: Tap water is not drinkable in most places; use bottled or filtered water. Hospitals may not have the same equipment or supplies as you're used to.
• What Go Elective provides: Clean, filtered drinking water at the residence, guidance on food hygiene, and pre-departure health recommendations. Our programs also include advice on travel vaccinations and emergency preparedness.
  
  

2. Transportation and road safety

• What to expect: Traffic can be chaotic, and matatus (public minibuses) are often overcrowded.
• What Go Elective provides: All internship-related transport is private and pre-arranged, including airport pickup and daily hospital transfers. No need to navigate local transport systems alone.
  
  

3. Crime and personal security

• What to expect: Petty theft can occur in crowded areas or markets, especially if valuables are visible.
• What Go Elective provides: Secure accommodation in safe neighborhoods, local staff on call 24/7, orientation sessions covering safety do’s and don’ts, and the option to store passports and valuables in locked safes.
  
  

4. Political stability

• What to expect: Kenya is a politically active country, and demonstrations can happen. These are rarely violent but should be avoided.
• What Go Elective recommends: Avoid large gatherings and always check in with our local team before traveling outside your placement city. We'll advise you immediately if there are any concerns.

Is it safe for solo travelers, women, and first-time international interns?

Yes — and many of our participants fit exactly that description. In fact, the majority of Go Elective interns are solo female travelers, many of whom are traveling internationally for the first time.

How we make it safe:

• Cohort-based housing: Stay with a small group of fellow interns for safety and companionship
• On-the-ground coordinator: A dedicated staff member supports you from arrival to departure
• Curfews and check-ins: We recommend curfews when necesarilly and daily standard check-ins to keep everyone accounted for

Where are the internship placements, and how safe are they?

Mombasa (Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital)

• Kenya’s second-largest city, located along the coast
• Stable, bustling, and culturally diverse
• Accommodation located in a secure residential area near the hospital
• Popular weekend excursions to Diani Beach and Fort Jesus
  
  

Naivasha (Naivasha County Referral Hospital)

• Peaceful town located in Kenya’s Rift Valley
• Surrounded by lakes, wildlife parks, and hiking trails
• Excellent for outdoor enthusiasts and rural healthcare exposure
• Safe for day trips and solo exploration with team approval
  
  

Kisumu (Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching & Referral Hospital)

• Vibrant lakeside city in western Kenya
• Known for its welcoming communities and laid-back pace
• Interns often engage in outreach programs and community clinics
• Great for public health, nursing, and global medicine interns

All Go Elective accommodations in these locations feature safe, trusted drivers, filtered water, secure gates, and Wi-Fi access.

What about emergency support and health insurance?

We’ve got you covered.

• 24/7 local emergency contact: If anything feels off, you can call or text our coordinator at any time
• Medical backup: If needed, you'll be taken to a private clinic or hospital nearby
• Insurance assistance: While we don't provide insurance directly, we help all students choose an appropriate internship travel insurance policy before departure
• Contingency plans: In case of national emergencies (e.g., civil unrest, health alerts), we activate relocation or evacuation protocols with the help of local authorities and embassies

What you can do to stay safe

While we handle logistics and oversight, your awareness matters too. Here’s how you can take responsibility during your stay:

• Respect local customs 

Dress modestly, avoid flashy jewelry, and greet people respectfully

• Avoid solo night travel 

Use Bolt/Uber or Go Elective transport, and always inform staff of your plans

• Follow your gut 

If something feels off, speak to your coordinator

• Keep essentials on you 

A copy of your passport, phone credit, emergency contacts, and your insurance card

• Don’t skip orientation 

It includes important tips on safety, cultural etiquette, and local navigation

Final thoughts: Kenya is safe for you Internship 

Kenya offers life-changing global health experiences, and safety depends on preparation, planning, and partnership. With Go Elective, your internship abroad is not just coordinated — it's supported, secure, and structured to help you learn, grow, and thrive.

We handle everything from airport pickup to hospital placement and weekend trip planning, so you can focus on medicine, mentorship, and meaningful adventure.

If you're ready to intern in Kenya with peace of mind, Go Elective is ready to welcome you.

> Apply Here

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives, Travel Tips, Dental Internships, Nursing Internships,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Jul 1, 2025