Kenya’s incredible natural environment and cultural heritage is almost unmatched in Africa. If you’re adventurous – and sensible – it promises the globe’s most magnificent wildlife parks, unsullied beaches, thriving coral reefs, memorable mountain scapes, and ancient Swahili cities.
Kenya’s beauty is compromised by a cluster of familiar problems; HIV remains a major problem, along with cholera and malaria epidemics. Kenya has also experienced major floods and droughts; one drought led to food shortages in mid-2000’s that were deemed a national crisis.
While Kenya’s diverse population has produced a vibrant culture, it is also a source of conflict that has led to ethnic fighting. Other pressing challenges include high unemployment, crime, and poverty; most Kenyans live below the poverty level of $1 a day.
Development in Kenya
Geographically Kenya lies across the equator on the East Coast of Africa. It borders Somalia, Ethiopia and Sudan to the north, Uganda to the west, Tanzania to the south and the Indian Ocean to the east. Kenya covers an area of 225, 000 sq miles (582, 646 sq km); slightly more than twice the size of Nevada, U.S.A.
Kenya has been hit hard by the HIV epidemic with approximately 1.25 million adults and over 100,000 children infected.
Throughout Africa, the AIDS crisis is placing serious strains on societies in a number of ways. First of all, it is draining the already limited health services as greater numbers of HIV patients become in need of care. HIV/AIDS has also increased the mortality rate of healthcare workers making their already depleted numbers in even shorter supply.
HIV/AIDS is also affecting the young adult group in society who are the prime income earners for their household. When young children lose their parents, they are often forced to leave school in order to work. Households with one or more HIV patients have to spend a greater amount of their meagre income on care and funeral costs and cut back on basic necessities and, in order to cope, they may be forced to borrow from other households and use up their savings. This causes many families to fall into further poverty.
Other long-term barriers to economic development in Kenya include electricity shortages, the government’s continued and inefficient dominance of key sectors, corruption, and the country’s high population growth rate.
Volunteer Impact
Volunteers can provide assistance to disadvantaged socio-economic groups within Kenyan communities, focusing primarily on orphaned children, HIV/Aids groups, the Maasai people, and school children.
As a volunteer in Kenya you can provide love, affection, education and support to disadvantaged children. You will help to improve education in schools ensuring children learn and flourish. You can practice and teach preventative healthcare, and hygiene. You will also provide education, inter-cultural exchange and understanding in Kenyan communities.
Locations
Program locations include places like Nairobi, Limuru (50km from Nairobi), Olkajiado (45km from Nairobi), and Nyeri (115km from Nairobi).
What else can I do in Kenya?
Volunteers in Kenya have no shortage of activities to fill up free time. Visit a baby elephant orphanage and witness feeding time, experience the hustle and bustle of market shopping, go on Safari and spy the Big 5! To cool off you can take a trip to the coast and soak up the sun and surf at the beach.
FAQ
Start Date: Weekly
Duration/Length: 2 weeks to 6 months
How to get to Kenya
Most international volunteers fly into Nairobi (Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport) and are met on arrival by a member of staff.
What is accommodation like?
Volunteers are usually accommodated in a Kenyan home stay or on the site of their volunteer placement. Host families have all been carefully selected to provide you with a safe family environment and an insight into Kenyan life.
Are there holidays or festivals I should be aware of when traveling?
There are many festivals in Kenya, however this will not hinder your volunteering as when they are on you will most likely be invited to celebrate with everyone.
What age do I need to be?
You must be 18 years or older to volunteer. There is no upper limit for volunteers; we only require that volunteers are in good health.
What immunisations/vaccinations will I need?
This is a suggestion of what may be needed – please consult with your medical professional or travel specialist for more details.
• Hepatitis A & B
• Polio
• Typhoid
• Yellow Fever
• Diphtheria and tetanus
• Rabies
• Meningococcal (meningitis)
• Cholera
• Malaria (needs to be closely discussed with doctor)
• Tuberculosis
Some of these can be taken in oral form so please discuss with your doctor to see what is best for you. Some people can be affected quite differently to others by medication.
Do I need to speak English to volunteer?
Yes, you need to speak English to volunteer. You may have English as your first or second language. Kenya’s two main languages are English and Swahili. Unless you are hopelessly lost in the bush somewhere, you will probably be able to find someone who speaks English. It is also useful for volunteers to have a working knowledge of Swahili, especially outside the urban areas and in remote parts of the country.
How safe is it to volunteer in Kenya?
Kenya has a democratic electoral process and a stable economy. Travel advisories recommend that visitors exercise a high degree of caution, with some even recommending to avoid non-essential travel. While in Kenya, visitors should avoid rallies or demonstrations and stay aware of the current situation as the details and dates of rallies may change. Most volunteers will be accommodated in a home stay situation. Host families are carefully selected to provide a safe family environment and an insight into Kenyan life. As in many countries, foreigners are perceived as wealthy in Kenya. Although the people are generally warm and friendly towards foreigners, as well as appreciative of the work done by volunteers, not every individual is the same. Volunteer organizations work extremely hard to ensure you are placed in safe environments while volunteering and security policies are in place to achieve this. However, as in any situation at home or abroad, there is no way to erase all potential threats.
How many volunteers are there on site at the same time?
This depends on how many people volunteer at any one time. Usually there are between 5 and 20 volunteers in Kenya. Generally you are placed with one to three other volunteers at your project – this does depend on sign ups for each program at the time of your placement. For example, some placements have fewer volunteers in general, and so you may be the only volunteer in that program at a given time. Please note that due to variation in volunteer numbers, we are unable to confirm the number of volunteers until closer to your placement start date.
What hours am I expected to take part in the program?
Volunteers will usually be required to work between 4 and 6 hours per day, 5 days a week. Weekends and school holidays are free time.
Is there the opportunity to take classes such as language or more cultural activities while on the program?
Yes. You should discuss this with staff if you are interested in using spare time to participate in activities outside of the program.
What clothing is appropriate for the program?
Considering the temperature, we recommend light coloured, cotton clothing that modestly covers your body (knee-length or longer). Along with comfortable sturdy footwear, a pair of sandals/jandals for light walking is also recommended. Don’t forget sunglasses and a hat.
Who organises my visa for my volunteer placement?
You will usually be required to organise your visa through your travel agent or independently. For citizens of most countries, you can do this at the airport when you arrive or before you get to Kenya. Also, our detailed program guide includes links to Kenyan Embassies throughout the world.
What is the climate like in Kenya?
Kenya has a tropical climate. It is hot and humid at the coast, temperate inland, and very dry in the north and northeast parts of the country. There is plenty of sunshine all the year round and summer clothes are worn throughout the year. However, it is usually cool at night and early in the morning. The hottest period is from February to March and coldest in July to August. The average annual temperatures range between 10 degree celsius and 35 degrees celsius. The long rain season occurs from April to June and short rain season from October to December. The rainfall is sometimes heavy and often falls in the afternoons and evenings.
Feedback & Reviews
“My experience in Kenya has been unlike any other in my lifetime. I have discovered more than I ever thought about Kenyan culture, food, history, lifestyle, geography and adventure. I have gone from emotions of anxious to discovery, from sadness to happiness. I have truly been able to fix myself in another culture and social life. Kenyans are the most generous and friendly people I have ever met on the face of earth. This has been an eye opening experience that I know I will never forget. I feel privileged to have had the chance to participate in such a program.” – Lisa
“It is impressive to realize the potential to effect positive change. By bringing in people like me from various areas of the world, you are able to raise consciousness, and we can all return home and the “ripple effect” is put into play. I sent a donation yesterday for Terry Support Home via Courtney Montague; I plan to do some public speaking which will raise more monies to help the orphanage in Machakos. Obviously, this scenario plays out everywhere. And then there is the positive financial effect for those associated with the safaris, the drivers, the host families, etc. You hold more potential than perhaps you can even imagine!” –
“I had a great experience volunteering in Africa. I was very scared leaving home which is my comfort zone and now I have no regrets for my adventure in Kenya. I came across so many things which have helped me grow mentally and emotionally. I have experienced a different culture which I have come to love. I truly suggest anyone who has ever thought about seeing and experiencing new things to take the leap of faith and come to Africa. This is a trip of a lifetime that I will never forget. Most people in Kenya made this trip a pleasure to my life. I have never experienced some things and what I experienced it taught me a lot. Everybody who crosses your path is very welcoming and friendly. Living with host families have really given me the inside look of how life really is and all the hardships that come with life. I have discovered another life and I have seen how precious the life is. Most of us in the western world have been taking life for granted but if you take a trip to Kenya you will really appreciate life.” – Laura
“Become actively involved in the community in which you live. I found living in a homestay was a great experience and challenge. Try and learn words from the language of your country / area as it makes communication a little easier with those who are not at your homestay location. Be prepared to accept those things that are completely foreign to you – cultural norms, behaviours and other protocols that are important to that community. I found that these people showed me more about what was important about life and I am grateful to have met such an incredibly friendly community. Get out and meet / make friends and keep in contact with them whilst you are there and after you leave. What an awesome experience it will be for you.” – Dom
“Going to Kenya was the most rewarding experience of my life so far. I worked for a great organization in Nairobi who were very supportive and offered up a great safari at a discounted price. But the best part of my travels was not watching lions mate 10 feet away, but the children. They are beautiful gems, both inside and out. Their smiles and laughs can light up any room and leave a stamp on your heart that will never go away. I want to say thank you for making it possible for me to go in such a safe and inexpensive manner. I’d do it again in a heartbeat, but next time with my whole family.” – Chas