Thousands of students joining universities and colleges across Kenya in 2026 will be required to complete several medical-related admission requirements before they can finalize registration and begin their studies.
Among the key requirements are a Students’ Entrance Medical Examination Form and the submission of other health documents specified by individual institutions.
Most universities require students to undergo a medical examination at a government hospital or by a recognized medical practitioner. The completed and signed medical report must then be submitted during the admission and clearance process.
While specific procedures vary from one institution to another, the overall process is largely similar.
Universities Medical Examination Form
The Students’ Entrance Medical Examination Form is a mandatory health clearance document required by most Kenyan universities for new students.
It confirms that a student is medically fit for university studies and records important health information, including medical history, chronic conditions, allergies, and emergency contacts.
Students can download the form together with their admission letter from the university admission portal or official website. They are required to complete the personal details section before visiting a qualified and registered medical practitioner for examination.
The examining doctor completes the medical assessment, records findings such as height, weight, blood pressure, vision and hearing, then signs and stamps the form before it is submitted during registration.
For example, the University of Nairobi states in its joining instructions:
“It is a university requirement that all the students joining the University must complete Part I of this form. Thereafter he/she must complete Part II with the assistance of a qualified and registered medical doctor… The completed form must be submitted to the office of the Director, Health Services… on or before the time of registration.”
The university also requires the examining doctor to provide their full name and Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council registration number before the form is accepted.
SHA Card Requirements for University Students
Some Kenyan universities now require first-year students to present SHA registration details or an SHA card during admission and clearance. The document confirms that a student is registered with the Social Health Authority (SHA) either as an individual contributor or as a dependant under a parent or guardian’s cover.
Students aged 18 to 24 who are enrolled in full-time education may remain under their parent or guardian’s SHA cover until they turn 25, provided they do not earn an independent income apart from scholarships or bursaries. Those who are not covered as dependants are required to register individually with SHA.
Also Read: SHA Medical Cover and University Medical Form Requirements for New Students 2026
Students can register through the SHA online portal or by dialing *147#, while parents or guardians can add eligible students as dependants through the same platform. Universities commonly require students to present a printed SHA registration confirmation or proof of dependant status during registration.
For example, Laikipia University states:
“The completed form and a copy of both the SHA Card and National ID MUST be submitted to the University Medical Officer on the registration day.”
The university also requires students to nominate the Laikipia University Medical Center as their preferred outpatient facility under SHA before admission.
Medical Examination Guide for University Admission
New students are required to complete a Students’ Entrance Medical Examination before reporting to campus. The examination confirms that a student is medically fit for university education, records any chronic illnesses or disabilities, and helps institutions prepare appropriate health support where necessary.
The medical examination form can usually be downloaded from a university’s admissions portal, joining instructions page, or health services section. Students must complete the personal information section before visiting a recognized government or registered medical practitioner for examination.
The examining doctor records findings such as height, weight, blood pressure, vision, hearing, medical history and any ongoing treatment, then signs and stamps the form before declaring whether the student is fit for university education.
For example, Moi University instructs students:
“IMPORTANT: Student is requested to complete part I of this Form; part II should be completed by the Medical Officer examining the student. The completed form should be forwarded to the Medical Officer, Moi University, P.O. Box 3900, ELDORET.”
Students are expected to carry the completed medical examination form to campus during registration and submit it to the university’s medical office together with other admission documents.
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