What are some health prcautions to take when traveling to East Africa?

Are there any vaccines recommended? What are the local diseases?

Your local health department should have that info. Drink only bottled water.

Mostly Sickle Cell abd chance are you don't carry the gene so the most simplist thing is to have tons of bug and mosqituo spray on you if you aren't fully covered and wear somewhat thick, long sweats or a sweater.

You will probably need to take a course of drugs to protect yourself against malaria. Do take the entire course--not just the first shot or the first two shots. My friend once skipped his last shot, which wasn't to be given until after he'd returned from Africa, and sure enough he came down with malaria. Definitely contact your doctor or the health department, because there may be other vaccinations you're required to get in order to be allowed back in the country after your trip.