How to Volunteer in Kenya

Here are some facts about Kenya and why you might want to help:

  • Approximately 50% of the population live below the poverty line
  • Life expectancy at birth is 56 years
  • As of 2007 the estimated number of people living with HIV/Aids in Kenya is approx 2.5 million
  • The estimated number of orphaned children below 15 years is over 2 million
  • 30% of Kenyan children suffer from stunted growth through malnutrition
  • Over 70% of people have no access to adequate drinking water

Browse our website and find inspiring ways you can give back from working with communities or help the environment. You could even work with the Maasai. Kenya is a popular destination which gets a lot of income from tourists but it is also a country which has severe poverty and also certain areas lack basic infrastructure. 

By applying to volunteer abroad in Kenya you are given the opportunity to make a real contribution and change lives of communities, wildlife and young people. Dive into the local culture and traditions and explore historic cities like Mombasa and all of its tropical beaches. This is a real and unique way to discover the real Kenya!

 

Location of Projects

Most programs are located throughout the country in places like Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru and in more rural areas. There are also programs with animals in places like Oloibor and Rombo and Loitokitok. Here is a brief introduction to the main places:

  • Nairobi is the bustling capital city of Kenya and home to over 3 million people and here you can find most of the projects
  • Mombassa, based on the coast has beautiful beaches and is a great place to visit - probably the most relaxed destination in the country. Mombasa is the second largest city in Kenya and the largest coastal port in East Africa. It has most amenities you need including banks, post offices and supermarkets. There is a good transport network of local minivans (Matatu’s) as they are locally known as and plenty of taxis 
  • Lodwar is a place where you can travel from to see Lake Turkana, the markets down town are worth checking out for the local experience
  • Kisumu is located in the West of Kenya and close to Lake Victoria which is recommended to see
  • Nakuru is a city where you might pass through, there is the Menengai Crater where you can get close to 
  • Ugunja, in the West of the country

 

Community Development Volunteer Programs in Kenya

As a participant on a community project in Kenta you will get to know local people and really help those in need. There are sustainable tourism programs, teaching projects and also educational and training initiatives available You will find out first hand whats its like in a Kenyan community as you will work alongside locally employed staff getting immersed in their culture and tradition.

Some placements are in large cities whilst there are other locations in rural areas where you will experience the rustic charm of the country - both of these places offer different experiences. There are lots of different programs which might appeal to you, some use creative things like art and music whilst there are also awareness campaigns where you can use training and education to improve local peoples lives.

 

Building & Construction Volunteer Projects in Kenya

Flex those muscles and wok with impoverished communities in stunning Nakuru. You can help to give impoverished communities a brighter future building new homes and lending a hand with development projects. Simple housing is in short supply in Kenya and with no scheme in place to help poverty stricken locals, which means that those who can’t afford housing often have to make do with life on the streets.

Your help is needed to assist with essential building work and community renovation; this can range from building or repairing classrooms, orphanages and care centres to building homes for families who need a safe refuge. Schedules and work will vary according to what is needed at the project and when you arrive. You will generally work on the project for around 6 hours a day, Monday to Friday, with your weekends free to explore the incredible natural beauty of Nakuru.

 

Volunteer with the Maasai Mara Tribe 

The Maasai region is located within Kenya and northern Tanzania and on these projects you will get to work with and gain a greater understanding of the local tribes who live here.  The Maasaa are a semi-nomadic community who live a traditional and peaceful lifestyle, you will be able to help conservation and the land they live on or also join teaching placements educating youngsters in local community schools.  Some programs are located in the Masai villages of Kimuka and Olosho Oibor which are around 1 hour away from Nairobi. Living conditions can be rural and basic - this will be an authentic experience like no other!

 

Volunteer with Animals in Kenya

If you like animals you could work on a wildlife conservation program and work alongside locally employed staff, for example zoologists and vets who look after endangered animals. Kenya is famous for its wildlife but animals face many problems on a daily basis like poaching. You can help on the ground with local wildlife conservation organisations which aim to provide sustainable long term efforts in place so animals can live freely in their natural habitat. 

You will get back to basics and experience real African living helping with the daily monitoring and conservation of big cats and elephants as well as learning all about life within a traditional Masai community. Generally your days will start with an early breakfast at around 7am and work on the projects until around 6pm.

 

Medical Volunteering Programs in Kenya

Kenya has a poor public health system and you can work in specially set up areas, hospitals or join outreach teams travelling out into rural areas to help people. There are skilled / non-skilled placements, some you will be required to have a formal education but no previous experience is required for non professional placements.

On HIV / AIDS volunteer programs you might be raising awareness of the disease in local communities in hope of stopping and preventing the spread of the disease, around 5 - 10% of the population suffer from this devastating disease. We work with organisations which can place you in medical centres in places like Mombasa on the East Coast, there are nurses and nurses in training required all the time to help with daily tasks and duties at surgeries. 

You will work side by side with local doctors helping local people who are in need of assistance, most centres lack resources and staff and you might be thrown straight into the action when you arrive. You could help children affected by poverty, abandonment, illness and disease by applying to be a child welfare assistance. On this positions you will be able to help children gain their smiles back by helping with their education and healthcare.

 

Teach in in Kenya

Do you want to build a new future through teaching? There are many ways volunteers are excelling in these areas by using their enthusiasm and experience to help change the lives of the children they are teaching. Many of these schools are based in poor, deprived areas of the city and require urgent assistance from volunteers.

Education is seen as a privilege in Kenya and was reserved until recently for the wealthy families. In recent years school as in theory been made free; however schools still need funding to survive and consequently have asked for scholar subscriptions. This is why it is essential for volunteers to help within these schools, to give kids the opportunity to learn and to gain an education they deserve.

The are placements available at small nurseries, schools and humanitarian feeding centers in places like Nairobi. Many schools help educate underprivileged children and most are run on shoe string budgets with donations allowing them to provide essential commodities like water, food, clothes and teaching materials. You do not need to be a skilled teacher already in the profession to apply, most lessons are very basic - this might be a shock when you see the state of classrooms in this country especially in rural areas. There are roles where you can teach in a classroom or coach sports outdoors - you might also get to do some fun things like painting walls and helping with irrigation/gardening meaning schools can grow their own vegetables organ. 

Some schools are very rustic - in rural areas some don't even have electricity, international participants are encouraged to take books and supplies which will be of great use when in your destination. You will get to take part in a number of roles and flexibility will be a big advantage, most days you will encourage children to learn, read and write better allowing them to practice and improve. You will get guidance from local Kenyan teachers and be free to plan your own lessons, games and activities. 

There are usually literacy clubs set up which are important in helping children and adults improve their skills which can help with long term job prospects. If you have any previous skills working as a teacher these will be put to good use where you can create structured lessons for different abilities, create weekly lesson plans, make tests and homework.

 

Requirements & How to Apply

Most nationalities can apply to volunteer in Kenya but a lot of organisations request you are aged 18+ on the start date. Knowing basic Swahili is not a requirement but you might want to take a phrase book as many local people don't speak English. People are needed all year round and there is no best time to apply, register your interest or request more information today. 

Search our featured programs above to see if you find a placement to match your interests. Find organizations who offer safe packages which include flights, accommodation, meals, transfers, orientation and in-country support. You might be required to pay a fee to join, what’s included in most packages is transfers to and from Nairobi International Airport, all meals and accommodation during your stay and full support and assistance from your co-ordinator throughout your time on your placement. You will usually be responsible for paying for flights, insurance, visa and also bottled water. If you need any help arranging a volunteer placement in Kenya please get in touch.

 

Volunteer in Kenya for Free

If you search our organisations you will find NGO's, small grass roots projects, non-profits who offer free and cheap volunteering programs in Kenya - perfect if you are looking to get away on a budget. Browse our organisation directory if you are looking for free and low cost positions.

 

Kenya Volunteer Reviews & Experiences

"The experience was a real eye opener, living life exactly as local people experience it: cooking, washing etc, was the best way to experience another culture. I felt like we did something valuable for the community, with the community, as asked for by the community, which is exactly what I set out to do" - Caroline, construction project participatant in Kenya with Concordia International Volunteers

"I had an absolutely incredible time in Kenya! The whole group got on fantastically and the projects were fabulous. I did a week of teaching and also got involved with other activities like conservation and gardening for the school vegetable patch. The children are gorgeous and we have all made our own little friends from the playground. Duncan our group leader was great and looked after us perfectly as well as making us laugh!!" Camilla Knox, UK, who volunteering in Kenya with The LEAP Overseas

"I ABSOLUTELY recommend anyone to volunteer, and also I recommend Kenya and projects like the Makimei children’s home or any other home that needs help. It’s been the best experience I've ever had, I loved being there, I think you can understand life from another place once you become a volunteer. I can promise anyone that goes for a volunteer that you won’t regret, you're going to receive much more love that the one you will give." - Milagros, Argentina

"It was a great experience working with children in Kenya for one year! l have learned a lot that have changed my life for the better. l recommend any volunteer from around the world to volunteer in Kenya if you are looking for a life changing venture. It was also great to tour the Maasai Mara and visit local communities." - Racheal Wambura, Australia