Kenya

WHY we need you in Kenya

Mombasa-Beach-Kenya

Why Involvement Volunteers International?

Volunteer in Kenya

Do something you’ll remember for the rest of your life! Give back and experience the real Kenya as you volunteer with Involvement Volunteers International. With IVI you will be immersed into the local culture in a safe, supportive and fun environment with other like minded international volunteers who can often become friends for life.  

Our projects in Kenya aim to address the issues affecting rural parts of the country where economic disparity is a significant issue. Our projects allow you to share your unique talents while living like a local in a setting and culture that is likely very different to what you know back home. This inter-cultural exchange can be life changing for all involved.   

When volunteering in Kenya you are very close to incredible natural parks with amazing scenery complete with all the African animals such as Lions, Zebra, Giraffe & Elephants, Wildebeest etc.  Kenya is famous for wildlife safaris, and we can connect you with ‘less touristy’ options at a fraction of the price you’d pay through the standard tourism methods! Ask us how when you apply.  

Volunteer Projects in Kenya

Physical Education with a participant

ENGLISH TEACHING

Volunteer in rural Kenya and help local children improve their English and gain confidence in their speaking abilities. Teach in fun and informal ways, creating engaging lessons for the kids.

Location: Nakuru
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: One Week
Min Age: 16 Years
Special Requirements: N/A

garden beds

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

Help out at a community run garden and farmland, planting seedlings, learning about maintaining a tree nursery and assisting with education efforts on the benefits of reforestation.

Location: Nakuru
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: One Week
Min Age: 16 Years
Special Requirements: N/A

wildlife conservation

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

Are you passionate about wildlife and nature? Join our Wildlife Conservation program and get involved in efforts to conserve local species at a nearby conservancy.

Location: Nakuru
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: 2 Weeks
Min Age: 16 Years
Special Requirements: N/A

building wall

CONSTRUCTION

Are you curious about what it's like to take part in a Community Construction Project? Look no further than our program located in Nakuru, Kenya! Upon arrival, you'll have the chance to work alongside friendly locals on various basic construction projects.

Location: Nakuru
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: One Week
Min Age: 16 Years
Special Requirements: N/A

Participant with a kid

CHILDCARE SUPPORT

Enroll in our Childcare Placement program, where you'll work with daycare and preschool children between 6 months and 6 years old. You'll be placed in either a government or charity-run daycare in rural Kenya.

Location: Nakuru
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: One Week
Min Age: 16 Years
Special Requirements: N/A

_Participant nurse interacting with the community-44

MEDICAL & NURSING

Get ready for an exceptional medical learning opportunity! Gain insight into healthcare service delivery by assisting local staff at a rural hospital in Kenya through our Medical Program.

Location: Nakuru
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: 1 Week
Min Age: 16 Years
Special Requirements: Medical background/ or student

_Catering lessons

WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT

Join a community project that collaborates with 50+ female-run self-help groups in the Nakuru region to empower underprivileged women towards independence and a prosperous future.

Location: Nakuru
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: One Week
Min Age: 18 Years
Special Requirements: N/A

dance-at-refugee-camp-kenya

Music, Dance and Drama Education

This program aims to tackle the absence of music and drama training resources within the camp, providing young individuals with the chance to cultivate their musical abilities into sustainable professions, rather than merely leisure activities.

Location: Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: One Week
Min Age: 18 Years (16 with a guardian of 25+ years)
Special Requirements: N/A

teaching-at-camp-in-kenya

Teaching at Kakuma Refugee Camp

The program emerged in response to the urgent needs of families with young children who were grappling with challenges. These families frequently had no choice but to leave their kids unattended as they went about their daily responsibilities, exposing them to substantial risks within the fragile setting of Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya.

Location: Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: One Week
Min Age: 18 Years (16 with a guardian of 25+ years)
Special Requirements: N/A

smiling

Sports Coaching

Engaging in this sports coaching volunteer project at Kakuma refugee camp offers a transformative experience that will create enduring memories. You'll have the chance to fully integrate into the local community, embrace the rich cultures of refugees, and, above all, create a meaningful impact.

Location: Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: One Week
Min Age: 18 Years (16 with a guardian of 25+ years)
Special Requirements: N/A

kakuma camp women

Women Empowerment

We work with a local nonprofit community-based organisation, established in 2015 within Kenya's Kakuma refugee camp, is dedicated to empowering young individuals, creating a sustainable and secure environment for social change, and offering education to marginalised communities, particularly vulnerable populations.

Location: Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: One Week
Min Age: 18 Years (16 with a guardian of 25+ years)
Special Requirements: N/A

child with plant

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

Kakuma refugee camp is grappling with significant challenges related to deforestation and waste management. This initiative aims to educate local communities about the crucial importance of environmental conservation and proper waste disposal.

Location: Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: One Week
Min Age: 18 Years (16 with a guardian of 25+ years)
Special Requirements: N/A

filling water at kakuma camp

CONSTRUCTION

The program includes the renovation of schools, classrooms, and local houses for vulnerable refugees, as well as initiatives to enhance access to clean water through the installation of safe and hygienic harvest tanks and springs.

Location: Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: One Week
Min Age: 18 Years (16 with a guardian of 25+ years)
Special Requirements: N/A

road trip kenya van

21 DAY VOLUNTEER
ROAD TRIP

Join us on an exciting 21-day expedition across Kenya, where you'll deeply immerse yourself in its varied cultures and storied history. This travel and volunteer program combines community volunteering for 1 week, with 2 weeks of game drives, hikes, and visiting Massai communities! Get ready for 3 weeks of adventure!

Location: Kenya
Start Dates: 1st Mon of each month (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: 3 Weeks
Min Age: 16
Special Requirements: N/A

1 WEEK SUMMER SPECIAL

Our 1 week program offers more than just travel – it's an immersive experience. From traditional Maasai village Boma visits and cultural lessons to engaging in women empowerment projects and hands-on cooking sessions, you'll delve deep into the heart of Kenya.

Location: Kenya
Start Dates: 3rd June 2024, 1st July 2024, 5th August 2024
Min Duration: 3 Weeks
Min Age: 16
Special Requirements: N/A

Kenya

What's Included
  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • Airport Pickup
  • Local Transportation
  • 1 Day Orientation
  • 24/7 In-Country Support
  • Project Materials & Equipment
  • Pre-departure Expert Advice
  • Preperation Tools & Checklists
  • Certificate of Completion

Fees

All prices in USD
  • 1 Week - $465
  • 2 Weeks - $520
  • 3 Weeks - $685
  • 1 Month - $930
  • 2 Months - $1695
  • 3 Months - $2895
Vol House
All prices in USD
  • 1 Week - $645
  • 2 Weeks - $985
  • 3 Weeks - $1380
  • 1 Month - $1895
  • 2 Months - $3680
  • 3 Months - $5460
Vol House
All prices in USD
  • Application Fee - $275
Own Accom

Summer
Special


- 1 Week Summer Special





All prices in USD
  • 1 Week - $485
Own Accom

30 Years Experience

IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally.

Affordable Volunteer Travel

We’re not motivated by shareholder profits.   Our fees are fully transparent to ensure maximum benefit where it is most needed. 

Safe & Responsible Projects

All projects include a dedicated 24/7 in-country management team, operational & risk assessment & overseas support contact.   All projects are personally inspected to ensure very high quality.
 

Work Experience & University Credits

We place thousands of Uni students and can assist you with course credits and in-field experience points.   Many of our project coordinators are qualified practitioners in their respective fields allowing unique in-field supervision and Uni accreditation options

Kenya is a stunning country, featuring almost every terrain and climate from desert, beach, cities and forests.

There is something for every traveler here, particularly for wildlife lovers. It has over 40 National parks throughout the country and holds the some of the world’s most loved and endangered animals. Here you will find lions, leopards, elephants, hippos and so much more! Kenya is famous for its incredible safaris, which are the countries main source of tourism.

Also well known is the semi nomadic Maasai tribe- a hugely symbolic tribe known for its colourful adornments and traditional clothing. Kenya is a nature lovers paradise, with a visit to the Great Rift Valley being a must. For those who enjoy a gentler pace then Kenya also offers some beautiful beaches, its coast stretching almost 80,000 kilometres.

The beach is also sunny for most of the year! The capital, Nairobi is the fifth largest city in Africa, with unique vibes and a vibrant nightlife. This bustling and cosmopolitan city will throw you into Kenyan way of life and be an interesting eye opener.

Kenya is a huge country with its climate changing from tropical along the coast, to arid in the northern regions and then mild inland temperatures.

Kenya receives a large amount of sunshine year-round but generally, the hottest months are between February and March while the coldest months are July to mid-August. The “long rains” start from March to June, while the “short rains” are between October and December.

Due to Kenya being a major hub for migration over the years, it has now become one of the most culturally diverse countries with many different languages spoken.

There are over 40 different ethnic groups in Kenya, including Luo, Kamba, Maasai and more. Each have their own of mother tongue, although Swahili remains the most widely spoken language. You will also find ethnic groups from European, Arab, Indian and Pakistani, who migrated to the country in the 19th century.

Religions such as Christianity and Islam are widely spread, however many local people still believe in the ancestral world, where the dead have a bearing on the living. Today, the majority of Kenya’s culture, dress, music and food has taken strong influence from other parts of Africa, India, Europe and the United States.

In certain parts of the country however, many local communities hold onto their traditional lifestyle and customs. They still wear the clothes, animal skins and jewellery as they did centuries before. Many remote tribes remain completely isolated and indigenous.

Gatanga Village, located about 1 hour by car from Nairobi is the main volunteer center were many of the projects are run from.   This is a quiet village where you will have an incredible opportunity to experience the authentic, rural Kenya.  It’s a lovely little  Close by is the commercial town of Thika, where there are many restaurants, supermarkets etc.  In this region you’ll also find the famous Fourteen Falls which is a powerful set of waterfalls with lots of natural attractions and sightseeing.

Narok County, (Maasai Mara country) in the southwestern region of Kenya is where the Maasai Mara placements are located.   The wilderness landscape in this region is well preserved and as a national reserve area bordering Tanzania, is home to all the typical African animals we know and love.   Buffalo, Elephants, Leopards, Lions, & Rhinos, Wildebeest, Cheeats, Crocs & Zebras).  This region is home to the yearly wildebeest migration where millions of Wildebeast make their way to Tanzania across rivers dodging crocodiles, lions etc.

Nakuru is a city in Kenya that is located in the Great Rift Valley region. It is the fourth-largest urban area in Kenya, with a population of over 500,000 people. The city is known for its beautiful natural scenery,  including Lake Nakuru National Park, which is home to a wide variety of  wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, and rhinos. Nakuru is also a hub for agriculture and is one of the largest producers of pyrethrum, a natural insecticide, in the world. Additionally, the city has a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous festivals and events throughout the year, including the Nakuru Agricultural Show and the Lake Turkana Cultural Festival.

Click on the individual projects to see detailed info and pictures of your accommodation

In Gatanga Village, your accommodation is in a dedicated volunteer house where you will share with other international volunteers.    All volunteers are asked to be environmentally aware and use all resources with restraint, particularly water, paper and electricity. There are occasional power and water cuts during the day (this will just add to your experience of living like a local!). The accommodation is very simple but comfortable and with all of the necessities you will need while here.

In Narok County, you’ll be housed in the school grounds in a homestay.   The living arrangements here are very simple with few amenities, but the locals are very friendly, safe and welcoming to help make you feel at home.   Adjusting to a more simple way of life can be challenging with limited resources, but can also be liberating to see how happy life can be without all the ‘stuff’ we’re used to in our daily lives.   Highly recommended experience! 

You will be expected to clean up after yourself and play your role in keeping the accommodation neat and tidy. The volunteer house is not far from the local Police station and a short walk to markets and shops. Please be aware that smoking is not accepted in public areas or even within the sight of local children and officials. Please refrain from smoking in these public places. The local dress is quite conservative. Small shorts, miniskirts and sleeveless tops are not considered appropriate to wear in the village. Women in particular should cover shoulders and knees.

In Nakuru, you will be accommodated in our volunteer house, with 2-4 sharing a room. Hot showers, Wi-Fi, safety boxes and bed linin are provided. All participants are expected to be environmentally aware and use all resources with restraint, especially electricity. Sometimes there are power cuts during the day, which is part of village life. There is an available water supply. You will have meals provided and rooms cleaned on the weekends, but you will also be expected to clean up after yourself and play your part in keeping the accommodation neat and organised. The location is very close to the green steds international school and is a few minutes walk to the Lake Nakuru National park Southern gate. It is around 15KM from Nakuru town.

You will have all meals provided and rooms cleaned on the weekends.

Traditional Kenyan meals usually consist of corn, potatoes and beans. A staple and popular dish is Ugali, a porridge made out of maize. Another typical meal is irio, which is a blend of corn, potatoes and beans dipped into meat or vegetable stews.  

Your daily meals will consist of mainly Kenyan cuisine, which will be of vegetables, potatoes, eggs, bread, pancakes (commonly known as “chapati”) and fruits such as oranges, bananas and avocados.

Your program in Gatanga includes a 1 day orientation which starts every Monday in Gatanga.  This is an important day to help you become familiar with your surroundings, as well as learning about the local customs, culture and surroundings. Your volunteer program will then commence from Tuesday and throughout the rest of the week
 
Typical Orientation Day Includes:
  • Introduction meeting, General/ house rules, Setting Expectations, Advice on Health and Safety and handling of documents.
  • Kenyan Do’s and Don’ts, Introduction to Kenyan culture & history and Swahili Language Lessons.
  • Tour of house, local area and where you can find nearby shops. This is where you can buy a local SIM card if required.
  • Lunch
  • Tour to a Coffee Factory
  • Hike to a local Waterfall

 

**No orientation is offered in Nakuru. 

An arrival airport pickup is included in the cost of your placement. Accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees. Arrivals are on Saturdays and Sundays (please check the individual project for the pickup window times, as they can differ). 

If arriving outside the pickup times we can arrange a private transfer and extra night’s accommodation, depending on availability, or you can make your own way to the project.          

Bus

Kenya has a large bus network between many of the country’s popular destinations but be advised that roads will be bumpy. For safety reasons, we highly advise to use the long-distance buses during daytime only, as crime increases after dark.

Minivan

Minivans, locally known as “matatus” are another way to get around for short and medium distance journeys. Taking a matatu is a fantastic way to experience the real Kenya and you will often find them decorated in bright and fascinating colours. You can flag down a matatu from the side of the road and nowadays routes and schedules are provided on Google Maps, making it much easier to get around.

Train

The train in Kenya is often named the “Lunatic Express”. It travels between Nairobi and Mombasa three times a week. It is without a doubt a unique experience to travel by train and see the local Kenyan way of life as you pass by. Do be aware that trains have a bad reputation for being extremely slow, often with delays. If you have time on your hands though, this can be a great way to experience the country.

Kenya is a beautiful country with plenty of things to see and do. Here are some of the top activities and attractions to consider:

  1. Go on safari: Kenya is world-renowned for its wildlife and is home to some of the most famous safari destinations, such as Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Tsavo. You can see lions, elephants, zebras, giraffes, and many other animals in their natural habitat.

  2. Visit the coast: Kenya’s coastline is dotted with beautiful beaches and coral reefs. Popular destinations include Mombasa, Malindi, and Lamu. You can swim, snorkel, or just relax in the sun.

  3. Climb Mount Kenya: This mountain is the second-highest peak in Africa and is a challenging but rewarding climb. There are several routes to choose from, ranging in difficulty.

  4. Explore Nairobi: Kenya’s capital city has plenty to offer, including the National Museum, the Karen Blixen Museum, and the Nairobi National Park, where you can see wildlife just outside the city.

  5. Experience Maasai culture: The Maasai people are one of Kenya’s most iconic tribes, known for their distinctive dress and customs. You can visit Maasai villages to learn more about their way of life and participate in traditional ceremonies.

  6. Hike in the Great Rift Valley: Kenya’s portion of the Great Rift Valley offers stunning landscapes and hiking opportunities, including Hell’s Gate National Park, which has natural hot springs and geysers.

  7. Visit Lake Victoria: This is the largest lake in Africa and offers fishing, boating, and birdwatching opportunities. 

Would you like to raise money in order to afford your trip abroad to volunteer? Or perhaps you would like to set up a funraiser to gain enough money to give as a donation to the local project? Crowd funding is a great way to do this. Read this article on Crowdfunding tips to find out how you can raise funds for your trip.

Weekends & Extra Tours

Ready to Volunteer in Kenya?