Required under OSHA Kenya 2007 for most hires, and mandatory for foreign nationals applying for a work permit. Here's what employers and job seekers need to know.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) 2007 mandates medical examinations at key employment stages: before hiring, at regular intervals, and upon termination.
All employers are encouraged to conduct pre-employment medicals, but certain industries are legally required to do so.
Foreign nationals seeking employment in Kenya must undergo a medical examination as part of the work permit application. Reports are submitted through the eFNS Portal (fns.immigration.go.ke), and a Certificate of Good Health is required for all work permit classes, including Class A (mining) and Class D (general employment). The report must be completed by a registered medical practitioner in Kenya and typically includes a general physical exam, chest X-ray, and blood tests.
Scope varies by industry and job requirements, but a standard screening typically covers three areas.
In 2023, the Ministry of Health published the National Guidelines on Workplace Mental Wellness. Mental health assessments are not yet a mandatory part of pre-employment screening, but forward-thinking employers are incorporating psychological wellness evaluations into their occupational health programmes.
Since October 1, 2024, Kenya's Social Health Authority (SHA) replaced NHIF. The Primary Healthcare Fund (PHF) under SHA covers basic diagnostic tests regardless of contribution status, though most employers still opt for private laboratory services for faster turnaround and comprehensive reporting.
Beyond regulatory compliance, many Kenyan employers invest in comprehensive workplace wellness programmes. The Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) operates wellness networks in Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, and Laikipia, reaching over 150,000 employees with health education, screening, and referral services. These programmes extend beyond basic pre-employment screening to include periodic health check-ups, workplace ergonomics assessments, and occupational disease surveillance.
CA Medlynks provides comprehensive pre-employment and occupational health screening services for employers and individual job seekers across Nairobi. Whether you need a standard pre-employment medical, a work permit Certificate of Good Health, food handler screening, or a complete corporate wellness programme, our team can tailor a package to your industry's requirements.
Address: Daykio Plaza, Ground Floor, Off Ngong Lane, Nairobi
Phone: +254 741 669 175
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This guide has been medically reviewed and is based on current Kenyan OSHA and immigration medical requirements.
