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Healthcare Internships in Kenya
Volunteer in Kenya

Medical Electives in Kenya

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Quick Facts

Start Dates : All Year Round

Duration : 1-12 Weeks

Program Locations : Nairobi

Minimum Age : 18 years+

Certificate : Offered after Program completion

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At a Glance

Currency Used : Kenyan Shillings

Language : Swahili and English

Travel on Weekends to : Experience wildlife safaris in Masai Mara or Lake Nakuru

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Praktische sanitaire voorzieningen in Quenia met Med Trips

Program Overview

Med Trips offers exciting and affordable Medical Electives in Kenya, with placements available in and around the capital city, Nairobi. These internships are ideal for students looking for meaningful international experience while immersing themselves in the diverse culture and breathtaking scenery of East Africa.

This program provides pre-med, medical, nursing, and public health students with the unique opportunity to shadow doctors and nurses in hospitals and community clinics, gaining hands-on exposure and a deeper understanding of healthcare practices in resource-limited environments.

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Highlights

  • Shadow experienced doctors and nurses in hospitals and clinics
  • Observe patient consultations, treatments, and ward rounds in both urban and rural healthcare facilities
  • Connect with medical professionals, international interns, and fellow students from around the world
  • Build your global medical understanding, develop cross-cultural communication skills, and enhance your CV
  • Go on safari in the Maasai Mara, explore Amboseli with Mount Kilimanjaro in the backdrop, or head to Lake Nakuru

Best Medical Elective Placements in Kenya 2026-2027

Nairobi, Kenya

Medical Elective in Kenya

Midwifery, Pre Medical, Physiotherapy, Nursing, Dentistry, Medical
18 years+

The Medical and Healthcare Elective in Kenya is designed to offer enthusiastic interns the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of underserved communities. Interns in this program work in a variety of healthcare settings, primarily medical clinics and hospitals located in and around suburban Nairobi. Whether you're a medical professional, a student, or an aspiring healthcare worker, this program is an excellent chance to contribute to the improvement of public health in one of East Africa's most vibrant cities.

During your program you will get the chance to help in a range of different departments as well as encountering different illnesses that you may not necessarily come in contact with back home.

Some of the major departments where you can get involved in the hospital placement include –

  • Dental

  • Burns Unit for Children

  • Accident and Emergency

  • Outpatient

  • Maternity

  • Gynecology and Obstetrics

  • Maternal and Child Health

  • Surgery - 3 times a week

  • General Wards

  • Internal Medicine

  • Critical Care Unit (CCU for HIV/Aids and TB Patients)

  • Counselling Unit

  • Pharmacy

  • Laboratory

Where will I be doing the Elective ?

We place medical and nursing interns for placements in Nairobi, facilitating opportunities for students and qualified professionals from around the world at different hospitals and clinic projects throughout the city. Majority of the placements are located in suburban Nairobi or in slum communities of Nairobi. The placements are a mixture of smaller hospitals and Level 3 and Level 4 District hospitals.

Your placement location will be assigned based on the availability and logistical factors at the time. Please note that transport to and from the project is not included in the program fee. Your local coordinator will assist you in suggesting the most convenient travel options. Generally interns take Uber taxis to the placement, the cost of which can be shared among the interns. We recommend budgeting around $5-$7 per day for transportation expenses.

Sample Placement Profile - Tigoni District Hospital

Tigoni Hospital is a Level 4 District Hospital located at Kiambu West district within the Limuru constituency. The hospital has a total of over 200 beds and cots for the inpatient and outpatient departments. Services offered at the hospital include antenatal services, caesarean section, immunisation, tuberculosis diagnosis and treatments, family planning, radiology services and antiretroviral therapy to mention just a few. The number of patients visiting the hospital can vary on a daily basis.

Medical Elective Placements

Med Trips provides a variety of elective placements tailored to the specific needs of students training in the medical field. These include:

  • Medical Electives for aspiring doctors and medical students

  • Nursing Electives for future nurses and healthcare practitioners

  • Midwifery Electives for students specializing in maternal and newborn care

  • Dental Electives for dental students looking to gain experience in dental department in hospital

These electives are specifically designed to meet the learning objectives of students in the medical field. Whether you are still in training or a recent graduate looking to broaden your skills, this program offers valuable hands-on experience in a real-world setting.

Med Trips team in the UK as well as the in-country team in Kenya can help complete any paperwork required, provide risk assessments and sign off on hours to ensure the placement complies with your university requirements.

By joining the Medical Elective Project in Kenya, you’ll not only help improve healthcare outcomes in underserved areas, but you'll also gain invaluable work experience that will enhance your professional development.

Weekend Travel Options

    2N/3 Days Masai Mara Joining Safari

    Step into the wild at the legendary Masai Mara—home of the Big Five and endless savannahs.An unforgettable safari adventure under Africa’s wide blue skies.

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    1N/2 Days Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha Joining Safari

    A weekend safari that packs in big cats, epic landscapes, and unforgettable moments.Experience Kenya’s wild heart at Lake Nakuru.

    View details

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