Top Hospitals for Clinical Internships in East Africa (With Department Breakdown)

If you're planning a healthcare internship abroad, East Africa offers an ideal blend of clinical depth, cultural immersion, and accessibility. This guide highlights the best hospitals for clinical internships in Kenya and Tanzania — with a full breakdown of departments — and why these placements offer unmatched learning experiences for pre-med, medical, nursing, and PA students.

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Why choose East Africa for your internship?

• Exposure to diverse patient populations with conditions ranging from infectious diseases to advanced trauma
• Hands-on learning in resource-limited settings that sharpen clinical and diagnostic skills
• High-volume referral hospitals with specialist mentorship and teaching rounds
• Affordable, safe, and fully coordinated placements through Go Elective, with cultural and safari opportunities on the side

Here are some hospitals to consider:

1. Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital (CGTRH) – Mombasa, Kenya

One of Kenya’s largest public hospitals, CGTRH serves over 3 million people and is known for its high case volume and accessible teaching environment. This is Go Elective’s most popular partner hospital.

Departments available:

• General Medicine
• Surgery (general, orthopedics, trauma)
• Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Pediatrics and Neonatology
• Accidents & Emergency
• Radiology
• ENT, Ophthalmology, Dermatology (as specialty add-ons), and more.
  

Highlights:

• Full-day clinical immersion alongside Kenyan doctors
• Opportunities for wound care, IV insertion, assisting in deliveries, and case presentations
• Ideal for pre-med, medical, and nursing students

2. Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching & Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) – Kisumu, Kenya

Located in western Kenya on the shores of Lake Victoria, JOOTRH is a top-tier referral and teaching hospital serving more than 10 counties in the region. It’s a key clinical site for Maseno University and the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC).

Departments available:

• Internal Medicine
• Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Pediatrics and Neonatal Unit
• General Surgery and Trauma
• Psychiatry and Mental Health
• Dental and Oral Surgery
• HIV/AIDS Comprehensive Care Center (CCC)
• Eye Unit, ENT, and more.
  
  

Highlights:

• High maternal and child health caseload, including obstetric emergencies and neonatal resuscitation
• Opportunities to engage in mental health rotations, a rarity in many East African hospitals
• Strong focus on community health outreach, making it ideal for public health and nursing students
• Vibrant urban-rural mix that allows students to experience both tertiary and grassroots healthcare delivery

Interning at JOOTRH gives students a deep appreciation for health equity challenges, infectious disease management, and multidisciplinary care — all within a highly organized academic setting supported by a dedicated medical faculty.

3. Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) – Moshi, Tanzania

Affiliated with the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, KCMC is a leading teaching hospital in northern Tanzania, just minutes from Mount Kilimanjaro.

Departments available:

• Internal Medicine
• Surgery
• Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Pediatrics
• Infectious Diseases and HIV Clinics
• Oncology, Orthopedics, and more.
  
  

Highlights:

• Daily morning reports and case reviews
• Rural outreach program opportunities
• Popular among students seeking a balance of clinical learning and weekend safaris

4. Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) – Nairobi, Kenya

KNH is the largest hospital in East Africa and the national referral center in Kenya. It's also the teaching hospital for the University of Nairobi.

Departments available:

• Internal Medicine (cardiology, endocrinology, neurology)
• Surgery (neurosurgery, plastics, urology)
• Pediatrics
• Psychiatry
• Radiology
• Oncology, Hematology, and more.
  

Highlights:

• Tertiary-level care with advanced diagnostics
• Best suited for advanced students or those in formal university exchange programs
• Go Elective recommends alternative hospitals for more hands-on opportunities

Note: You could also consider Mbagathi County Hospital

5. Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) – Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

MNH is Tanzania’s primary referral hospital and hosts students from Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS).

Departments available:

• Emergency and Critical Care
• ENT, Dental, and Ophthalmology
• Oncology (via Ocean Road Cancer Institute)
• Cardiology
• Sickle Cell Disease Clinic, and more.
  

Highlights:

• Large-scale hospital operations and advanced facilities
• Urban exposure to high-acuity care
• Best for students interested in internal medicine, emergency medicine, and global health systems

6. Naivasha County Referral Hospital – Naivasha, Kenya

A growing hospital located near Lake Naivasha and Kenya’s national parks. Known for its warm community of clinicians and accessible hands-on practice.

Departments available:

• Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Pediatrics
• Minor Surgery and Outpatient Care
• Emergency Department
• HIV/TB Clinics, and more.
  

Highlights:

• Close mentorship by clinical officers and consultants
• Fewer students = more access
• Great for pre-nursing, pre-PA, and public health interns

Key factors to consider when choosing your placement

• Level of supervision: Some hospitals encourage independence, others offer structured guidance
• Location and amenities: Urban hospitals may offer more specialties, while rural settings provide more intimacy
• Visa and paperwork support: Go Elective’s local team handles all licensing, accommodation, and transportation
• Accommodation and safety: Placements include airport pickup, secure housing, and cultural orientation

Final thoughts

East Africa offers more than just a clinical elective — it offers a full cultural, professional, and personal growth experience. Whether you're preparing for med school or already in clinical rotations, hospitals in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania provide some of the best opportunities to build confidence, compassion, and competence.

Students applying through Go Elective benefit from a hassle-free, fully supported placement process that includes mentorship, licensing guidance, and flexible durations starting at 2 weeks.

> Apply Here

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives, Nursing Internships,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Jul 2, 2025