Yes, taking malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended for almost all travelers visiting Kenya. Most of the country, including popular safari destinations like the Maasai Mara, the coast (Mombasa/Diani), and the Lake Victoria region, is considered a high-risk zone for malaria transmission year-round. While the high-altitude city of Nairobi has a lower risk, most medical professionals advise a full course of pills if you are venturing anywhere else. In 2026, common options include Atovaquone/Proguanil (Malarone), Doxycycline, or Mefloquine, each with different side effect profiles that you should discuss with a travel clinic. Beyond medication, you must practice "mosquito avoidance": use DEET-based repellents, wear long sleeves and trousers at dusk and dawn, and always sleep under a treated mosquito net if the room is not fully screened. While Kenya has made strides in distributing malaria vaccines to its local population, these are not yet standard for short-term international tourists, making the daily or weekly pill regimen the most reliable line of defense against a potentially life-threatening illness.