When Zanzibar introduced compulsory travel insurance for foreign visitors, the decision attracted considerable criticism, with some arguing that it would discourage tourists and make the islands more expensive to visit. Yet Kenya has now moved in a remarkably similar direction - requiring inbound foreign travellers to carry health insurance with benefits worth at least US$50,000. Once again, an old East African saying comes to mind: “When the flute is played in Zanzibar, they dance at the Lakes.” What was criticised yesterday as an unnecessary burden in Zanzibar may now be emerging as a wider regional policy for protecting visitors, public health institutions and taxpayers.
The Kenyan official announcement appears here: Kenya Gazette Vol. CXXVIII - No. 129, Special Issue, 30 July 2026. If that page is blocked on a particular browser, use the official 2026 Gazette index and select No. 129, dated 30 July 2026:Kenya Gazette - 2026 Editions or
The following notes have been compiled from reports and comments circulating on Kenyan social media. The information concerning the new insurance requirement has been verified against the official Kenya Gazette as given above.
"Every foreigner coming to Kenya will now need to show proof of health insurance worth at least $50,000 before they are allowed in.
Kenya has gazetted new Social Health Insurance Regulations, 2024, making travel health insurance mandatory for all inbound visitors and setting a minimum insurance cover of $50,000, about Sh6.5 million.
The regulations were published in a Gazette Notice dated July 29, 2026, by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale. They are issued under Section 26(6) of the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, read together with Regulation 70(2)(b) of the Social Health Insurance Regulations, 2024.
Kenya has gazetted new Social Health Insurance Regulations, 2024, making travel health insurance mandatory for all inbound visitors and setting a minimum insurance cover of $50,000, about Sh6.5 million.
The regulations were published in a Gazette Notice dated July 29, 2026, by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale. They are issued under Section 26(6) of the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, read together with Regulation 70(2)(b) of the Social Health Insurance Regulations, 2024.
The move marks one of the biggest changes to Kenya’s travel and health policy in years. It brings Kenya in line with a growing number of countries that require visitors to have medical cover before entry.
The rules apply to all “inbound travellers”, people who enter Kenya from another country for a temporary stay.
That includes tourists, business travellers, international students, people visiting friends or relatives, conference delegates, and other foreign visitors. The requirement covers stays of up to 12 months. Visitors planning to stay longer will fall under separate residency and Social Health Insurance Fund registration rules.
The rules apply to all “inbound travellers”, people who enter Kenya from another country for a temporary stay.
That includes tourists, business travellers, international students, people visiting friends or relatives, conference delegates, and other foreign visitors. The requirement covers stays of up to 12 months. Visitors planning to stay longer will fall under separate residency and Social Health Insurance Fund registration rules.
