KENYA
Healthcare Internships in
Mombasa
Mombasa is Kenya’s second-largest city and a major coastal hub known for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning beaches along the Indian Ocean. With a unique blend of Swahili, Arab, Indian, and European influences, Mombasa offers an exciting and immersive experience for students looking to gain healthcare experience in an international setting. The city boasts historic landmarks such as Fort Jesus, vibrant markets, and a thriving nightlife. During your stay, you can explore white sandy beaches, go on safari in nearby national parks, and experience authentic Swahili cuisine.
Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital (CGTRH) is the largest public hospital in the coastal region of Kenya, serving as a referral center for multiple counties. The hospital has over 700 beds and provides a wide range of healthcare services, including general medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, intensive care, and emergency care. It also serves as a teaching hospital for medical and nursing students from various institutions.
As a healthcare intern at Coast General, you will have the opportunity to observe and assist in different departments, gaining firsthand experience in a high-patient-volume setting. Due to limited resources, medical professionals often rely on clinical skills rather than advanced technology, offering interns a unique learning experience that emphasizes adaptability and problem-solving.
Health Care Overview
After independence in 1963, Kenya has worked to improve health care provision of its current population of 40 million, roughly half of whom reside in rural areas. The country has more than tripled the number of health facilities, improved child survival rates and lengthened life expectancy from 40 to 62 years. The intensification of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the 1990s aggravated health challenges in a country where half the population lives in poverty. There is also an ongoing struggle with a high burden of infectious diseases, including malaria and tuberculosis. In recent years, Kenya faces an increasing incidence of cancers, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Coupled with these are numerous obstacles viz extending health services to impoverished populations, providing adequate financing to maintain and extend health infrastructure at the national, provincial and district levels. Since the 1990s some of Kenya’s early achievements in health have begun to reverse: over the past two decades life expectancy has declined to 53 years, and mortality among children under the age of five has risen.
Currently, the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in Kenya include (all causes):
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HIV/AIDS
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Lower respiratory infections
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Diarrheal diseases
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Tuberculosis
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Malaria
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Cerebrovascular disease
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Ischaemic heart disease
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Perinatal conditions
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Road traffic accidents
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Residence,food and staff
The Elective Abroad (EA) residence in Mombasa is safe, spacious, and comfortable, featuring both communal areas and private suites. All meals are included in your placement, ensuring convenience and a stress-free stay. The EA housing is within walking distance of major shopping malls in the city and just a few minutes away from Mombasa’s famous beaches. Our friendly and knowledgeable Kenyan staff will guide you, help you settle in, and ensure you get the most out of your time in Mombasa.
Kenya requires 3 months in advance applications submissions
Due to Kenya's strict hospital rules and regulations, we require all participants to submit their complete application and paperwork 3 months in advance.