we need you in Kenya
- Approx one-third of Kenya's population lives on less than US$1.90 p/day. Your volunteer fees are directly benefiting the local people of this region.
- At least 10 million people in Kenya (approx 1/3 the population are in need of food aid due to frequent severe drought and economic hardship.
- Approx 42% of Kenya's population are below the poverty line, especially in the rural areas where this project is located.
- Volunteering in this region creates employment opportunities for the local coordinators & supplements the farmers enabling competitive opportunities for the farms involved.
can you help?
- You’ll support entire communities and families directly by providing local farmers with field work, administration and promotional activities.
- Help local farmers and communities grow and sustain their business.
- Agriculture is the main economic industry of Kenya and the primary income source for most households. Your support provides lasting opportunity to family businesses
- Due to severe drought and economic inequality, food Security is a major issue in this region. You can assist to make this project sustainable.
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you can do?
- Assist local farmers with landscape maintenance including yard work, lawn mowing, fencing and general work
- Planting, weeding, watering, picking & helping to package fruits & vegetables
- Helping farmers with their livestock, enjoy living like a local
- Educating on various community needs and helping with administration
- Learn more about hydroponic farming and how you can help. This is soil-less farming which is a sustainable way of farming.
Why Involvement Volunteers International?
- Non Profit Organisation & Charity
- Over 30 Years Expertise Globally
- Low Program Fees - From US$295
- Excellent Safety Record, In-Country 24/7 Support & Emergency Assistance
- 1 Application Fee - Multiple Countries


PROJECT NAME: FOOD SECURITY & FARMING
LOCATION: GATANGA VILLAGE, KENYA
START DATES: WEEKLY (SAT/SUN ARRIVALS)
ACCOMMODATION: VOLUNTEER HOUSE (SHARED ROOMS)
MIN DURATION: ONE WEEK
MIN AGE: 16+
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: N/A
PROJECT COSTS: From US$295 P/WEEK + APPLICATION FEE
Overview
In this project you’ll enjoy a unique view of the real Kenya, by living amongst the locals and assisting local farms create sustainable businesses for their families and communities. You’ll be hands on with local farmers and likely will be amazed to see how a farm operates. This is an exciting opportunity to genuinely become immersed in a different culture and lifestyle.
Location
Gatanga Village, located about 1.5 hours by car from Nairobi is your new home while on this placement. This is a quiet village setting which is very safe and accommodating. You’ll find the locals will welcome you with open arms. Here, you will have an incredible opportunity to experience the authentic, rural Kenya.Thika town is located only 20-30 minutes drive away and here there are many restaurants, banks, supermarkets etc. In this region you’ll also find the famous Fourteen Falls, a powerful set of waterfalls and stunning natural beauty.
Project Tasks
- Farm & landscape maintenance including yard work, lawn mowing, fencing and general work
- Planting, weeding, watering, picking & helping to package fruits & vegetables
- Helping farmers with their livestock
- Educating on various community needs
- Gaining knowledge on using nutrient rich water for soil-less farming (hydroponic farming)
Food & Accommodation
Your new home will be at the volunteer guest in Gatanga Village, Kenya. The accommodation is very simple but comfortable and with all the necessities such as lockable rooms, bed linen, hot shower, western style toilets, fresh clean drinking water, laundry facilities (at a small fee) and WiFI in common areas. (Although most volunteers will purchase a pre-paid SIM at Nairobi to use with their personal device. The rooms sleep between 2-4 persons per room with a shared bathroom.
Daily meals consist of mainly Kenyan cuisine, which includes vegetables, potatoes, eggs, bread, pancakes (commonly known as ‘chapati’ and fruits such as avocado, organge & banana. Traditional kenyan meals are often based on corn, potatoes and beans. A staple and popular dish is Ugali, a porridge made out of maize. Irio, is a blend of corn, potatoes and beans dipped into meat or vegetable stews.
You will be provided 3 meals per day on the weekdays, and 2 meals per day on weekends.
Testimonials...






FAQ...
If you like working in the outdoors and don’t mind rolling up your sleeves or a bit of sweat on your brow and some friendly banter with fellow volunteers, support staff and local farmers, than maybe this project is just right for you!
You don’t need any past experience to be approved, just a willingness to help support local people and a desire to help. Our local coordinators are there to ensure you’re settling in and adjusting to the climate and culture successfully. It can be very hot in Kenya, so it’s important you’re ready for the heat when working outdoors!
Volunteering on this project is a great way to support local farmers. Farming is very labor intensive and so any assistance with daily tasks has a massive, lasting impact on families and the community as a whole. Before you begin, your orientation will cover all the do’s and dont’s and how best to really help make a difference.
Kenya Program Fees USD | ||||||
Projects | 1 week | 2 weeks | 3 weeks | 1 month | 2 months | 3 months |
Standard Projects-Kindergarten & Primary School Teaching | 295 | 445 | 665 | 875 | 1775 | 2700 |
Specialty Projects-Cultural Orientation Week | 325 | 575 | 825 | 1055 | 2055 | 3150 |
-One off application fee of US$275 applies in addition to the above program fees -Application fee covers unlimited placements or countries at time of booking!! (maximum 12 week period) *Please note the Maasai Mara Woman’s Empowerment costs an additional $30 p/week for mandatory donation Click Here to convert the above prices to your local currency -We DO NOT charge any credit card fees! (unlike some of our competitors) |
- Accommodation
- 3 meals p/day weekdays / 2 meals p/day weekends
- Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
- Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
- 1 day orientation
- Daily transportation to project
- In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
- Fundraising support
- University course credits (where applicable)
- Certificate of Completion
- Airfares
- Travel Insurance
- Tours, Souvenirs & spending money
Included in the program fees is 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
Complimentary Arrival Transfer
An arrival airport transfer is included in the cost of your program fee for arrivals on Saturday or Sunday.
For Saturday arrivals, a transfer is included free of charge, but you will have to pay for an additional nights accommodation at US$50 p/night including meals. For transfers outside of standard times, a transfer can be arranged for approx US$40.
Arriving by Plane
There are four meeting times as follows:
Option A – Saturday 10:00am
Option B – Saturday 2:00pm
Option C – Sunday 10:00am
Option D – Sunday 2:00pm
Kenya Airways fly daily between Mombasa, Malindi, Lamu, Kisumu and Nairobi. Another popular airline is Air Kenya, which flies regularly between Nairobi, Mombasa, Malindi, Lamu, Amboseli, Maasai Mara, Meru, Nanyuki and Samburu.
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.
Sunday – Arrival
Monday – Orientation Day
Tuesday to Friday – Volunteering
A typical day of volunteer work on the farm lasts approx 4-6 hours, with a break for lunch. The tasks you will help with depend greatly upon the season and the priority of needs at the time. Activities will vary depending upon your own knowledge, skills and ability. A typical day might look like:
- Breakfast
- Assisting farmers on the farm/plantation
- Lunch
- Assisting farmers on the farm/plantation
- Free time
- Dinner
- Free time
Saturday & Sunday – Free Time to Explore
During your free time after hours and on weekends, there are many places to explore in the surrounding areas.
For example, you can visit the Fourteen Falls in Thika, go trekking up to Mount Kenya (a stunning snow-capped peak), visit the amazing Mombasa beach or head out on a weekend of sightseeing in Nakura or Nairobi and explore national parks rich with native African wildlife.
See the below ‘Weekends & extra tours’ slider for more info on things to do in the area.
On this project, modest clothing, long sleeves and long trousers give the best protection when working outdoors. Clothing needs to cover the knees and shoulders. Bring work gloves, work shoes or boots, a water bottle, hat and sun protection.
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.
30 Years Non Profit 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.
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Ready to Volunteer in Kenya?






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