One of the most common questions we receive from prospective participants is, "Is it safe to do an internship in Mombasa?" It's a fair question. Moving to a new country—even temporarily—comes with understandable concerns about personal security, hygiene, road and transport safety, the safety of your belongings, accommodation and public spaces, hospital safety, and the risk of contracting endemic diseases such as malaria or being affected by disease outbreaks.
In this article, we explain the main safety considerations for participants, the risks that exist, and the measures Elective Africa has in place to help manage them.
Mombasa is home to many of our programs, and participants enjoy it for many reasons, including its proximity to Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, a Level Six regional referral hospital with a 500-bed capacity and numerous departments for clinical rotations. Over the past 20 years, Elective Africa has safely hosted participants in Mombasa, with no major safety incidents or medical emergencies involving our participants.
That said, no destination is entirely without risk. Like anywhere else in the world, there are personal security and health risks that participants should be aware of. As Elective Africa, we prepare participants for these risks and put measures in place to help mitigate them.
Health Risks
As a coastal city, Mombasa is prone to some tropical and water-borne diseases. It also has a high mosquito population, and malaria remains prevalent in the region. For this reason, many residents sleep under medicated mosquito nets or use other preventive measures to reduce the risk of mosquito bites.
At Elective Africa, we advise participants to begin malaria prophylaxis before travelling and continue taking it throughout their stay where medically appropriate. We also provide mosquito nets and mosquito repellent devices where needed.
Other diseases that may occur in the region include cholera (during outbreaks), typhoid, dysentery, and other gastrointestinal illnesses. To help reduce these risks, Elective Africa maintains high hygiene standards at participant accommodation, promotes safe food preparation practices, and provides access to safe drinking water. We also encourage participants to stay hydrated, eat from trusted food outlets, and report any symptoms early so they can receive prompt medical attention.
Ebola
June 2026 saw an outbreak of the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which later spread into neighbouring Uganda. At the time of writing, however, Kenya has not reported any confirmed Ebola cases, and there is no disruption to Elective Africa's programs.
We continue to monitor updates from public health authorities and will communicate promptly with participants should the situation change. Until then, all activities continue as planned, and we look forward to welcoming more participants throughout the remainder of the summer.
Personal Safety and Security
Personal safety also extends beyond health. Like any city, Mombasa presents everyday risks such as theft, road accidents, fire incidents, occupational hazards within the hospital environment, and targeted harassment based on race, gender, sexuality, religion, nationality, or disability.
These risks are real, but they can be significantly reduced through awareness, sensible precautions, and the right support systems.
Elective Africa has several measures in place to help keep participants safe throughout their stay. These include secure accommodation with controlled access, perimeter security, CCTV, and on-site guards; safe transportation using designated and experienced drivers; and a hospital-based coordinator who oversees participant welfare during placements.
We also conduct a comprehensive safety briefing for every participant upon arrival. During the briefing, we cover practical safety and security measures, including securing accommodation, using designated transport, moving around in groups where appropriate, avoiding unsafe areas, and knowing who to contact in case of an emergency.
Participants are also provided with the Elective Africa Safety Handbook, which contains detailed guidance on health, safety, emergency procedures, and other important information for living and working in Kenya.
Our Commitment to Participant Safety
So, is it safe to complete an internship placement with Elective Africa?
Based on more than 20 years of hosting international participants, our answer is yes. While no destination is completely without risk, our experience, local knowledge, and established safety procedures have enabled us to provide a safe and supportive environment for participants throughout their placements in Kenya and Tanzania.
Our goal is not only to provide an exceptional educational experience, but also to ensure that every participant feels informed, supported, and well cared for from the day they arrive until the day they return home.