Health Certificate Requirements in Kenya
Health Certificate Requirements in Kenya, Licencing Body & Contacts
Summary of Requirements
- National ID or passport
- Passport photographs
- Medical examination at approved facility
- Laboratory tests (blood and urine samples)
- Payment of examination fees (KES 700-1,500)
- Proof of employment in food/health sector
- Completed medical examination form
Key Contacts
- Ministry of Health: Afya House, P.O. Box 30016-00100, +254-20-2717077
- County Health Offices: Contact your county
- Nairobi City County Health: City Hall, Nairobi
- Approved Testing Labs: River Road & Railways areas in Nairobi
- Email: [email protected]
What is a Health Certificate?
A health certificate verifies that individuals working in food handling, healthcare, and public service sectors are medically fit and free from communicable diseases. These certificates protect public health by ensuring workers do not transmit infections through their professional activities. Food handlers, restaurant staff, healthcare workers, salon employees, and hospitality industry personnel require valid health certificates.
County governments and the Ministry of Health jointly manage health certification programs. County public health departments operate medical examination centers conducting tests and issuing certificates. Approved private healthcare facilities also provide examination services under public health oversight. Certificates remain valid for six months requiring regular renewal to maintain currency.
Medical examinations include comprehensive health assessments screening for infectious diseases. Laboratory tests analyze blood and urine samples detecting conditions including typhoid, tuberculosis, and parasitic infections. Physical examinations assess general health status and identify visible conditions affecting workplace safety. Healthcare providers record results on standardized medical forms submitted to county health departments.
Applicants must visit government-approved health facilities for examinations. In Nairobi, primary testing laboratories operate in River Road behind School Outfitters and near Technical University at Railways. These facilities conduct required tests and issue preliminary results. County health departments review results and issue official health certificates to qualified applicants.
Application fees range from KES 700 to KES 1,500 depending on examination location and certificate type. Payments are made at health facilities or county cash offices. Upon payment confirmation, applicants receive examination schedules detailing when and where to report for testing. Same-day or next-day results are common for straightforward cases.
The online application process is available through county e-services portals. Applicants register accounts using national identification details and contact information. Complete online medical examination request forms and pay fees through mobile money or bank transfers. After payment, the system schedules laboratory appointments. Attend physical examinations at scheduled times bringing identification documents and payment receipts.
Processing takes one day for uncomplicated applications. If test results show health concerns, applicants receive referrals for treatment before certificate issuance. Successfully qualified individuals collect health certificates from county health offices. Certificates must be displayed at workplaces or carried by mobile workers. Employers are responsible for ensuring all staff maintain current valid health certificates throughout employment periods.
Tagged:
