Introduction
You might have been thinking of volunteering somewhere in Africa, but don’t know where to go yet. Would you like to visit a place with a great culture; and a country to live various adventures? You are thinking to visit a place where it is always sunny. And you want to experience all this while doing something good for somebody else? Then you need to volunteer in Kenya!
Kenya is one of Africa’s most stunning locations, and a country where you can see pristine wilderness, and internationally significant habitats where wildlife roam freely, including rare, unique species and the Big Five (African elephant, Cape Buffalo African leopard, and White/black rhinoceros). This guide is meant to guide you on your decision and give you advice about the safety and cultural considerations to have in mind, before visiting this country.
Top 6 interesting facts about Kenya
About 99% of Kenya’s population is made up of black African’s, but there are also white Kenyans.
Kenya is roughly the size of Texas at 362, 040 square miles.
Kenyans usually drink their beverages hot or at room temperature. Are you up for some hot beer?
Some of the oldest paleontological records of man’s history have been found in Kenya.
Kenya’s Great Rift Valley was formed around 20 million years ago, when the crust of the Earth was split
Men in Kenya are allowed –by law- to have more than one wife.
Fields of interest in Kenya
Kenya hosts a great number of globally important and locally valuable flagship species and habitats, including savannah rangelands and forests, as well as a variety of habitats in coastal and marine environment. Unfortunately, many of the mega fauna, such as lions or rhinos are suffering habitat loss and this, together with indiscriminate hunting have significantly decreased the numbers of many of the wildlife that inhabit this region. If you want to volunteer in Kenya, you might want to know a little more about the riches of this beautiful country.
Fauna
Kenya’s wildlife diversity has garnered international fame, especially for its populations of large mammals (Big Five, like I mentioned before). But Kenya has all types of fauna: from a very diverse population of birds, including flamingos and Masai ostriches, to the majestic Eland. There are many safaris held in Kenya, mostly in the 19 national parks and game reserves, where visitors can take a look at these animals and help these reserves to continue their efforts to protect them.
Flora
The vegetation types in Kenya vary between extremes, and it changes as climate, altitude does. The vast plains of the Nyika plateau, as well as large parts of north-western Kenya and the Mara river basin host dry forests and savannah. But in other parts of Kenya, like in the northern part of the country, show true deserts, which foster different types of forests, depending on the altitude of the area they grow in.
Some of the Kenyan vegetation include the Sphagnum Moss, Rose moss, the African Juniper, the Mexican Cypress; beautiful flowers like the blood Lily, Water Lily, the Gloriosa Lily, and the Yellow Star Grass. Kenya’s vegetation varies as the temperature and altitude varies and it is rich and exotic.
Health
Kenya’s health infrastructure suffers from urban-rural and regional imbalances: it lacks investment, as well as personnel. Kenya struggles against tropical diseases (especially malaria and tuberculosis), and in recent years, HIV/AIDS have also become a public health problem; although estimates of the incidence of infection and propagation of the disease differ widely. The United Nations Development Program claimed in 2006 that more than 16 percent of adults in Kenya were infected with HIV. This prompted government officials to declare it a national disaster. In the year 2004, the Kenyan Ministry of Health announced that HIV/AIDS had surpassed malaria and tuberculosis as the leading disease killer in the country. Due to these conditions, Kenya’s life expectancy has dropped by about a decade.
Additionally to this, maternal mortality is also a health issue in the country. The official data of 2010 maternal mortality shows that the rate per 100,000 births for Kenya is 530, but other sources cite as much as 1,000 deaths per 100,000 births. Women under 24 years of age are especially vulnerable, because they can develop complications during pregnancy and childbirth. This is worse amongst women who live in rural regions of Kenya.
Education
In 1985, the 8-4-4 system of education was introduced in Kenyan schools, which adopted 8 years of primary education, 4 years of secondary school and 4 years of university education. Kenya’s education system has developed and strengthened and the country has boasted a great number of public and private universities as well as middle-level colleges. 85% percent of all children in Kenya attend primary school; of which 75% complete proceed to secondary school, and 60% proceed to higher institutions of education. Since 2003, education in public schools became free and compulsory.
Based on the findings of the Uwezo assessment in 2009: a) literacy levels are low. Girls tend to perform better in reading English and Kiswahili (Swahili), while boys tend to perform better in math; b) literacy levels are lower in public schools than private schools; c) 5% of children are not enrolled in school, and this is particularly bad in rural regions; d) many children are older than expected for their class level, including 40% of the children in class 2, and 60% of children in class 7; e) schools don’t receive support on a regular basis; f) there is a severe shortage of teachers.
One of the biggest problematic in Kenya’s school system is that children are not allowed to repeat year, even if they fail their examinations they pass on to the next year. This means that a lot of children, the ones who fail their examinations, are not receiving the quality in education that they should have and it is eventually harder for them to keep up with the rest of their class.
Technology
Kenya has pioneered a mobile technology economy that competes with technologic trends in the rest of the world. Kenya’s technology services sector has grown form $14 million USD in 2002 to more than $390 million USD in 2013. Some argue that it is easier to pay a taxi fare by mobile phone in Nairobi than it is in New York.
Kenya typically has fewer people connected by landline and therefore finds it easier and cheaper to install mobile Telephone networks and this improved connectivity has boosted Africa’s own “Silicon Valley” in Nairobi (locally nicknamed “Silicon Savannah) that has attracted a range of tech start-ups and venture capital firms. Additional to this, Kenya’s advancement in technology has gained recognition from companies like Google, Intel, Nokia, IBM and Microsoft, and these have established sites in Nairobi. So what comes next for the Silicon Savannah? Some bet for the 5G technology, that is expected to be launched in the next decade, which not only make mobile services faster, but it will boost Kenya’s technological capabilities.
Living costs for a volunteer in Kenya
This is just an estimate of the costs of living as a volunteer in Kenya. While this is only an estimation of what a single person might spend in US Dollars in the country, you should be aware that costs might vary with time. So, saving money to cover your costs of being a volunteer in Kenya is key to have a happy trip! We want to give you a general idea of how the country does economically, and how much money you should consider saving to volunteer in Kenya, to travel and for leisure.
Hotel
$200
Big Mac®
$n.a.
Coca-Cola®
$0.53
Eating out
$2.97
Rental car
$390 /week
Hostel
$11
Marlboro™
$1.98
Beer
$1.79
Fuel
$0.94
Public transport
$0.50
Best time to volunteer in Kenya
Dry season (June-October)
This is best wildlife viewing months in Kenya. Generally, you can watch wildlife every time in the year, but this is the best season to see wildebeest migration. It is unlikely to rain, and the days are sunny with clear skies. Also, there are fewer mosquitoes during this season! You might want to pack enough sun cream, though. Of course, considering that weather is great during this season, you should expect hotels to be packed and to see tourists everywhere.
Wet or “green” Season (November-May)
You will see a much greener and much beautiful scenery during this season. Also, because it is considered to be “low season” for tourism, hotels and tours can be booked at a cheaper price. During this season, you can see newborn animas and in general, you will see plenty of wildlife even though it is easier to spot during the dry season. With exception of the months March-May, it usually rains in the afternoon or the evening during this season and it is unlikely that your day or tours get ruined because of it. Some lodges and camps are closed during this season, from March to May, because rains can be continuous and weather is not as pleasant.
What precautions should I consider as a volunteer in Kenya?
Safety
First of all, you should be aware that the risk of being mugged or pick pocketed in a big city is more frequent than in small cities. And you should exercise common sense and don’t risk being robbed! But we want to give you some safety travel advice, so you can make the best out of your trip as a volunteer in Kenya:
Avoid travel to the northeastern Kenyan counties, like Mandera, Wajir, and Garissa, the coastal counties of Tana River and Lamu, the area of Kilifi county north of Malindi, and the neighbourhood of Eastleigh in Nairobi.
Keep your personal belongings and important travel documents with you at all times! It also makes sense to bring attested photocopies of these documents, in case you loose them!
If you are going out, it does not make sense to take a lot of money with you, as well as jewellery or other fancy possessions. Take only the money you will need and leave everything else back home!
If you are unfortunately robbed, do not resist robbery! Your life is more valuable than any item they can take away from you!
Take care when withdrawing money form a bank or at an ATM!
Do not use unregistered taxis! Doing so increases the risk of becoming a victim of a crime, or being kidnapped.
Terrorist attacks involving shooting, grenades, or other explosives have occurred in the past, and potential terrorist threats (i.e.: bombings, kidnappings, and attacks on planes) are still a threat in Kenya, including the Nairobi area. Common targets are nightclubs and bars, universities, shopping areas, etc. Please be aware of this danger!
Law
Possession, trafficking and manufacture of drugs are serious offences in Kenya. Please do not get involved!
Get all proper vaccinations four to eight weeks before travelling to Kenya.
It is illegal to buy, sell, kill or capture any protected wild animal, as well as trading its parts. Also don’t feed or bother Kenya’s wildlife, you don’t want to do it! A lion could eat you! And that just sucks! It would pretty much ruin your vacation!
Don’t cross the road while speaking on your phone (unless on hands free)!
Don’t lean or sit on ledges!
You won’t be served alcohol at bars, restaurants, etc. after 11pm.
Smoking on the streets of Nairobi’s city centre is against the law, except in designated smoking zones!
If attempt to leave Kenya with products made from endangered species –such as jaguar teeth, ocelot skin and turtle shell- you’ll face a steep fine and jail time.
Social Etiquette
Some codes of etiquette determine social behaviour expectations and are considered to be very important in Kenyan culture. Be aware that, as a volunteer in Kenya, you will need to adapt to these socially accepted interactions. These are just some of the common examples of social etiquette in Kenya:
Every contact between people in Kenya starts with a greeting. Even if you are just shopping, small talk and shaking hands is common practice in Kenya.
Women shake hands with each other, but they shake hands with men only in sophisticated contexts.
Traditionally, Kenyan greeting exchanges last around a minute or two and they are performed in a formal manner. It is very polite to stop to ask people how they are doing, if their day is going ok, etc. and expect an answer.
Hissing (“Tsss!”) is one common way to attract a stranger’s attention. Even though this practice is less common in urban areas, you might experience this often and there is no a reason to be offended by it.
If you are asking questions, avoid answering with YES/ NO, because answering anything in the negative is often considered impolite. When making a question, try not to phrase your query in a negative form (“Aren’t you…?”, “Isn’t it…?”). Your host might take your hand to show you the place around, and this is normal. Don’t panic!
Be also very aware of the “left-hand rule”: it is considered a dirty hand, so avoid using it to eat, pass food to other people or greeting.
Unless you want to get into a fight, NEVER point at someone with your finger, because that is considered to be an obscene gesture
Women should be aware or what they wear, and avoid body fitted clothing, as well as showing “too much skin”, especially in Muslim regions. For your safety, we recommend to dress as conservatively as possible.
Sex between two men is prohibited in Kenya, and homosexuality is still a taboo subject. If you are travelling with your partner, avoid any public display of affection, to avoid confrontation. You might find some gay bars/nightclubs were homosexuality is tolerated, but common attitude towards it is “don’t ask, don’t tell”.
Packing Essentials
Apart from the essential travel documents, like passport, travel medical insurance information, and visa, you should also keep photocopies or scanned copies of these; in case you lose them.
Get protected from the sun! Always carry sun cream with you!
Keep enough cash with you!
Carry a money belt with you to keep your money secure.
Carry appropriate luggage with you: daypacks or backpacks for short excursions and trips around the city; as well as soft shell bags, if you plan on taking bus or train rides in the region.
Pack appropriate clothing and shoes! This means: comfortable, loose-fitting shorts, singlet-tops, kaftans, board shorts, summer dresses, t-shirts, and other items you routinely wear during summer at home.
Walking shoes are a MUST, as you may find that you end up walking several kilometres a day.
Over-the-counter medicines are cheap and available, BUT if you need to take special medication, bring enough with you, as it might be difficult to find it here! Also, no matter where are you staying or how long, be sure to pack anti-Malarial medication recommended by your doctor. Mosquito-borne illnesses are quite common in Kenya and can restrict your ability to travel back home.
Locks for hostel lockers and also for your luggage!
Mosquito nets that are treated with Permethrin will help ensure your safety from Mosquito bites. Also, try to buy bug sprays and Sunblock containing DEET
Prepare for a variety of climates, as temperatures can vary greatly throughout the country.
Don’t forget to pack all the essentials for your electronics –like chargers and pre-charged battery packs.
Key Phrases
Kenya is a multilingual country and English is considered to be one of the official languages in the country. But as a volunteer in Kenya, you might want to learn some phrases in Swahili to communicate, greet and ask for things. This can be perceived as a polite attempt to engage with local people and it is usually well-received. Other languages are spoken in Kenya, and people in rural areas usually speak their native language, but you can pretty much “survive” with some basic English and Swahili.
Hello: Jambo/ hujambo/ Salama
How are you?: Habari gani
Fine (response): Nzuri.
Do you speak English?: Unasema kiingereza?
Goodbye: Kwa heri /Kwa herini (more than one person)
Goodnight: Lala salama
Yes: Ndiyo
No: Hapana
Thank you: Terima kasih (təˌrima ˈkasih)
Yes: Ya (ja)
No: Tidak (ˈtidaʔ)
How to spend your free time as a volunteer in Kenya
At this point, you have already received an extensive amount of information about what you should expect as a volunteer in Kenya. It is time that we tell you all about the fun and interesting activities you’ll get to do in this beautiful country. There is certainly a lot to do and see in Kenya, so I will just mention some of the various places you should go, and some of the activities and festivals you might want to attend. I hope you can enjoy your stay in Kenya fun!
Sights
If you think about Kenya, you probably think about safaris, lions and zebras. And of course, the opportunity to watch wildlife in their natural habitat, one can also experience the whole diversity of Kenyan culture and enjoy all sorts of activities like snorkelling, diving in fish-rich coral reefs, relax on beautiful beaches and experiences the melting pot of cultures and cuisines in Mombasa and Malindi. Kenya has a lot to offer to its visitors, and this is just some of what you could experience as a volunteer in Kenya: stunning sights, crystal clear streams, natural geysers (yes! Geysers) and hot springs. These are just some of the sights and activities we suggest you do, while you volunteer in Kenya:
Maasai Mara National Reserve
It is considered to be the world’s most magnificent game reserves. It borders with Tanzania and it is the northern extension of the Serengeti. This National Reserve forms a wildlife corridor between the two countries and it is named after the red-cloaked Maasai people who live in the park and graze their animals here (as they have done for centuries). This park is famous for the Great Migration: when large groups of wildebeest, zebra, and Thomson’s gazelle travel to and from the Serengeti, during the months of July through October. The park is also known for the incredible predator sightings it offers -especially in the dry months!
By the way, I inserted a picture of another cool reserve in Kenya, that you definitely need to check out, if you are looking forward to interact with giraffes, in a charming yet luxurious place. You’ll find curious giraffes checking out what’s in your plate and in your room window. A dream come true, if you ask me!
Lake Nakuru National Park
It is located in Central Kenya, and it is famous for its huge flocks of pink flamingoes. The lake comprises almost a third of the park’s area and it hostes around 450 species of birds. This park also protects the largest euphorbia candelabrum forest in Africa; which are endemic to the region and make an interesting contrast to the arid landscapes.
Lamu
It is a small island located northeast 0f Mombasa that’s too beautiful not to visit. Lamu Old Town is considered a World Heritage Site, by the UNESCO and it is Kenya’s oldest continually inhabited settlement with origins dating back to the 12th century. Its architecture has Arabic, European and Indian influence, but with a discernible Swahili technique. Some visitors say that visiting Lamu is like going back in time! Most of Lamu’s population is Muslim and both men and women dress in traditional attire.
Nairobi
It is Kenya’s capital and its largest city. Today tourists are able to explore the city’s famous historic sites, as well as to enjoy some excellent wildlife-related attractions. Some popular attractions include the Karen Blixen Museum, (which is the restored residence of the famous Danish author Isak Dinesen), the Nairobi National park, now a black rhino sanctuary, among other species; and the Giraffe Centre, where these magnificent long-necked creatures can eat out of visitors’ hands.
Mount Kenya National Park
It is the country’s namesake highest mountain at 5,199m and it located east of the Great Rift Valley. It is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site! The mount was formed by a series of volcanic eruptions which resulted in three glacier-cloaked peaks. The scenery here is breathtaking and the diversity of flora and fauna provides a great opportunity for safaris.
Festivals
Kenya has around 70 different tribes. This means that the rich diversity of cultures makes every community in Kenya very unique in its own way. There are various cultural events that you might want to experience as a volunteer in Kenya that will give you a unique opportunity to experience Kenyan culture. Some cultural events you don’t want to miss are:
Lamu Cultural Festival
Kenyans come together to celebrate both the past and the futures. It celebrates the beliefs and traditions that are the heart and soul of this community, and it takes part in the enchanting island of Lamu! The event is usually held annually in November, and it features great activities like the traditional Swahili poetry, henna painting, donkey races and dhow sailing. It gives visitors the opportunity to experience various Swahili dishes and learn more about the locals simple and peaceful lifestyle.
Lake Turkana Festival
This festival is usually held around May and this festival is so particular, because one of its objectives is to promote understanding and acceptance of different cultures, as well as the promotion of peaceful coexistence. The event features unique performances and demonstrations of ten different ethnic communities which live in the Lake Turkana region. Visitors will have the chance to taste various foods from these communities, as well as being able to visit their unique huts and get an idea of how life is in northern Kenya.
Mombasa Carnival
It is arguably the most popular festival in Kenya. It takes places in November in Mombasa and it features numerous traditions and ethnicity in the country. Mombasa is known as the major cultural hub in East Africa and it depicts a mixture of Arabian and African cultures. During this festival one can enjoy the music, multicultural floats, dance performances and colourful parades. Tourists who visit Mombasa during the festival have the chance to shop for souvenirs and enjoy delicious Kenyan dishes.
Safari Rally
This is one of Kenya’s most popular events for both young and old alike. It is celebrated since 1953 in honour of Queen Elizabeth and it is an internationally acclaimed event. The KCB Safari Rally is part of Kenya’s history and it is a sport loved by Kenyan people, but enjoyed by international visitors as well. It is a fast paced race that takes place through rough terrains and assortments of wildlife. It is definitely something to look forward to.
Food
Some of the best known Kenyan foods include ugali, sukuma wiki and nyama choma, but there is certainly no singular dish that represents the complexity and diversity of Kenya. Different communities have their own, unique foods. These are just some of the foods you will be able to try out, while you volunteer in Kenya:
Ugali
This is undeniably the most common Kenyan food. It is usually made from cornmeal that is added to boiling water and heated until it turns into a dense block of cornmeal paste. It has the consistency of a grainy dough and it is very heavy. A lot of Kenyans eat it along with vegetables and/or a saucy stew. And I am very sorry, but I couldn’t find an image of Ugali I could use, so please enjoy this picture of corn!
Pilau Rice
In other words: Spiced rice! It is a glorious combination of rice cooked with a variety of spices like cumin, cardamon, cinnamon, and cloves. It is usually eaten with meat sew and a few slices of fresh tomato and onions.
Nyama Choma
A Kenyan dish that always needs to be mentioned: roasted meat! Kenyans take pride on this dish. It is usually roasted goat or beef meat, but chicken (kuku choma) and fish (samaki choma) are also great and valid choices. Meat fat is usually dipped in a pile of salt for extra flavouring.
Chapati
Chapatis in Kenyan can trace their origin in India. Kenyan style chapatis, though, are made with a flour dough that is wound into a coil, before it is rolled into a flat round circle. The dough is then fried on a normal skillet, so it remains moist and doughy on the interior, while its edges become crispy.
Volunteer Requirements
-You should be at least 18 years old to volunteer in Kenya (although some programs require a minimum of 22 years old).
-You should have an intermediate level of English knowledge; some programs require advanced English-knowledge.
-For some programs a health declaration, and a criminal background check is required.
– To be enrolled or have been already finish at High School or University studies; some programs require to have a studies on Social Sciences, Social Work, Community Development, Medicine, Women Studies, etc.
-You need to send a CV and an application form.
-To have strong inter-personal skills, and experiences in working with a wide variety of people is expected from all volunteers. Other skills like dancing, drawing, sports, etc. can favor you as well!
-You need to commit with the program you choose to volunteer with. This means: do respect the schedule given to you!
Do I need a Visa to volunteer in Kenya?
You have arrived to the boring part of this guide: the part where you need to think about the documentation you need to volunteer in Kenya! But you better get over with it quickly, so you can move on with your plans. Luckily for you, we made all the necessary research you need to get a Visa as a volunteer in Indonesia, so you don’t have to –although you probably should!
To volunteer in Kenya you will need to apply for a Special pass from the immigration department, the Permit Class I in addition to the Entry Visa. Please note that the Single Entry Visa (tourist Visa) alone does not allow anyone to engage in any form of employment whether for pay or not.
Elegibility:
A passport with at least 6 months validity, which has at least two (2) blank pages for visa (amendment and endorsement pages cannot be used for visa).
Two (2) recent colour passport size photographs Note: Do not staple or affixed the photographs on the form.
Two (2) completed and signed application forms. The application form can be downloaded here.
Letter of invitation from the social organization you are working with as a volunteer in Kenya, which describes the purpose of the visit and guaranteeing all transportation and living expenses that will incur during stay.
Return flight itinterary and ticket.
Applicants under 18 years of age should attach a notarized copy of birth certificate + a notarized letter of consent signed by non-travelling legal guardian must be attached if the applicant under 18 years of age travels without the legal guardian.
If you apply from your country of residence, provide a copy of residence/student Visa. This is to confirm that you are staying in your residence country legally.
Inoculation for yellow fever is mandatory, and it is especially required if applicant had previously travelled to areas/ countries infected by yellow fever.
Non-refundable Visa fee of approx. $45 USD.
This Visa allows you to attend conferences, workshops, seminars, etc. BUT does not allow you to work in Kenya. To those who wish to volunteer in Kenya, required authorization from the Director of Immigration Services in Nairobi (P.O. Box 30191, Nairobi Kenya). This can be done by your contact/host in Kenya.
For the permit:
A dully filled and signed Form 25 online form. You will have to print out the form at the end of the application.
A detailed and signed cover letter from the employer/organization, addressed to the Director of Immigration Services.
Copy of your [valid] national passport.
Documents in foreign languages should be translated into English by either the Embassy, Public Notary or authorized/recognized institution.
Copy of any previous permit(s) and or pass(es( held.
Copy of registration certificate of the organization.
Certiied copies of academic and professional certificates of the applicant.
Certificate of registration of the organization.
Apply online here.
If you still have doubts concerning the documentation you need to volunteer in Kenya, do not hesitate to approach the Kenyan Embassy or Consulate nearest to you! And if you have other questions concerning these and other topics, please visit Kenya’s tourism site and get all the answers you need! You are set!
How to find opportunities to volunteer in Kenya
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