top

Volunteer in Kenya - It Will Change You Forever...

  • World's most affordable fees guaranteed
  • Pay your program fees directly to your host families and projects
  • Experienced local staffs to attend to your every need
  • Flexible schedule that leaves evenings and weekends free for fun, travel and exploration

Find the adventurer inside of you. Travel and volunteer in Kenya and forever change your life as well as the lives of others. This is a unique and enchanting opportunity that will not only allow you to help Kenyans, but also explore the original safari destination. Kenya has something for everybody from pristine beaches, snow-capped mountains, diverse wildlife, unforgettable nature, coral reefs, colorful cultures and fascinating histories.

Unfortunately, Kenya is still overwhelmed by problems such as food shortages, poor education, inadequate healthcare, HIV/AIDS, other diseases and slow development. Helping Abroad is inviting you to volunteer in Kenya to work in a variety of projects in Nairobi, Watamu and Maasai Land such as assisting orphanage homes, teaching English in schools, working in clinics/hospitals, promoting HIV/AIDS awareness, aiding community development and preserving local cultures. As a volunteer in Kenya, you will have the unforgettable experience of enriching the lives of others, gaining professional experience, expanding your worldly views and exploring an enthralling and stunning African country and its culture. No matter which project you choose, you will undoubtedly change the lives others while growing individually, professionally and emotionally. Are you ready to discover Africa? Email us now and we will gladly send you more information. Trust us, you won’t regret it!

Program Fee

Helping Abroad volunteers Program starts every 1st and 3rd Monday of each month.

Are you looking for a safe and affordable volunteer abroad experience? Do you want to see the fees you pay, being utilized towards the welfare of the project and host families? Helping abroad, a 501 c 3, offer volunteer programs at unbeatable, low prices. At Helping Abroad, we maintain a level of transparency of funds, especially for volunteers who want to know where and how the fee they pay are being channelized. The volunteer fee is paid directly to the families that host volunteers and the project that volunteers work on. The program fee is divided as registration fee ($299) and weekly fee. The registration fee is used to cover our expenses like advertisement and office expenses. The weekly fee is divided between room/local food (3 times a day, 50-70%) and project donation/ support to local project staff (30-50%) and local coordination fee (10%). The allocation may differ according to location and project type. Therefore, our coordinator will explain these issues before you pay the fees. Please find the breakdown of the cost in a weekly basis below:

Duration All Projects
  1 Week   $150
  2 Weeks   $250
  3 Weeks   $350
  4 Weeks   $450
  5 Weeks   $550
  6 Weeks   $650
  7 Weeks   $750
  8 Weeks   $850
  9 Weeks   $950
  10 Weeks   $1050
  11 Weeks   $1150
  12 Weeks   $1250
Additional Fee
  • Mandatory Comprehensive Travel Insurance $3.49/day
Program Fees cover
  • Accommodation (host family)
  • Food (local food 3 times a day)
  • Airport Pick up/Transfer
  • Program Orientation
  • In-country support
  • Personalized project
  • Pre-departure information
  • Certificate of completion
  • Fundraising ideas and letters
  • Discount for returning volunteers
Program Fees Exclude
  • Visas
  • Airfare
  • Personal expenses on soft drinks and foods
  • Daily transportation
  • Airport return transfer

The program fees will cover expenses that will begin on the first day of the program to the last day of the program. If you arrive before the first day of the volunteer abroad in Kenya program or you decide you stay beyond your program’s last day, you will be responsible for the additional expenses

Volunteer Programs

Work in an Orphanage in Kenya (Nairobi)

Orphanages Children

In 2009, UNICEF estimated that there are 2,600,000 orphans ages 0-17 in Kenya. Make a difference in the lives of these orphans and volunteer in an orphanage in Kenya to help provide needed love, basic amenities and a proper education. Multiple factors such as HIV/AIDS, other diseases, poverty, abuse, simple abandonment and lack of opportunities have increased the number of orphans in Kenya, leaving multiple children alone and without basic care. Helping Abroad partners with several orphanages in Nairobi and Watamu to provide these children with safe environments, basic necessities, education, love and support. Unfortunately, orphanages in Kenya are lacking funds, staff, amenities and governmental support. As a volunteer in Kenya working in an orphanage, you can help local staff who desperately need your help to provide these children with the opportunity to live healthful, secure and constructive childhoods.

Educational Requirements and Project Skills

No specific qualifications or prior experiences are required to volunteer in an orphanage in Kenya. You're expected to have a basic knowledge of English to communicate with the project staff and local people. You should have qualities such as love & passion for children, genuine interest, patience, compassion, endurance and so on. You should also be flexible and have the desire to learn and serve people of a new culture and religion.

Your Responsibilities as a Volunteer

As a volunteer in an orphanage in Kenya, you can who help children educationally, socially, and physically as you work as a role model, buddy and teacher for those who need it the most. Volunteers will work on a variety of activities depending on individual skills and interests and the needs of the orphanages in Nairobi and Watamu. Responsibilities may include:

  • Teaching English
  • Teaching other subjects such as math, science and physical education
  • Helping students successfully finish their homework
  • Promoting health, nutrition and sanitation
  • Singing songs and playing music/instruments
  • Helping children with art projects and drawing
  • Playing games and sports
  • Teaching children personal hygiene
  • Reinforcing life skills and chores such as cleaning and cooking
  • Teaching children to how to garden
  • Working on maintenance such as painting, building, and other activities to improve the facilities
  • Fundraising
  • Assisting orphanage with administrative and organizational tasks
  • Assisting local staff in various daily activities
  • Being a friend to the children
  • Making them smile

Please Note: The work is very flexible. You will get your work schedule from the local orphanage staff. You're expected to work 3 to 4 hours daily from Monday to Friday. If you have a desire to work on weekends, you are more than welcome. Remember, the activities mentioned above are just an outline, the project coordinator might also ask for help with other projects as well.

Teaching English in Schools (Nairobi, Maasai Land) in Kenya

students of teaching project

Volunteer in Kenya teaching English and open doors for your students while exploring a gem of Africa. The demand for English is on the rise in Kenya as international tourism, trade and relations increase. Unfortunately, children from low-income families are left without the opportunity to learn English as many schools lack qualified teachers and adequate resources. As a result, many poor Kenyans are left without the hope of greater career opportunities. Helping Abroad invites you to volunteer in Kenya to teach English so you brighten the futures of your students and enhance their futures. As you have the unique opportunity to immerse yourself into daily Kenyan culture, gain teaching experience, explore vibrant Africa and widen your perspective on the world, you will truly make a difference in the lives of your Kenyan students.

Educational Requirements and Project Skills

No specific qualifications or prior experiences are required to volunteer in the teaching English project in Kenya. You're expected to have a solid knowledge of English to communicate with the project staff and teach local people. You should have qualities such as love & passion for children, genuine interest, patience, compassion, endurance and so on. You should also be flexible and have the desire to learn and serve the people of Kenya within a new culture and religion.

Your Responsibilities as a Volunteer

As a volunteer teaching English in Kenya, your experience will be valuable for both you and your students. Depending on skills and interests, volunteers teaching English in Kenya will work closely with local teachers and follow the set Kenyan English curriculum. Volunteers will work as an assistant to the local English teacher and daily activities may include:

  • Teaching basic English
  • Aiding local teachers with lessons and activities
  • Teaching other subjects such as math or science
  • Organizing extracurricular activities such as music, dancing, sports, art, games, etc.
  • Teaching life skills such as basic business, painting, sewing, cooking, etc.
  • Teaching basic health and sanitation
  • Fundraising for educational programs
  • Assisting with local curriculum development
  • Maintaining the schools
  • Playing with the children
  • Assisting school/organization staff with local projects

Please Note: The teaching schedule is very flexible. You will receive direction from local school/organization staff. You’re expected to work 3 to 4 hours a day from Monday to Friday. You will have enough time to go on holidays and explore Kenya’s tourism.

Healthcare/Medical Project (Nairobi)

Volunteer pampering injured child

Volunteer in Kenya in the Healthcare and Medical Project to gain professional medical experience, discover Kenya’s diverse and vivacious culture and above all, enrich the lives of Kenyans. Helping Abroad invites you to volunteer in Kenya and experience the unique and rewarding mix of humanitarian work, African tourism and professional experience. Helping Abroad partners with hospitals, clinics and nonprofit organizations in Nairobi and Watamu that work hard to provide adequate healthcare to Kenyans, but need your help to do so. In Kenya, many clinics and hospitals lack basic and human resources, hence your help is greatly needed to provide essential treatment and community education. As a volunteer in Kenya working in the Healthcare and Medical Project, you will assist local doctors and nurses to advance basic health, disease prevention and family planning. Act now, go beyond your boundaries and directly impact the lives of others while exploring an unforgettable country.

Educational Requirements and Project Skills

To be a medical volunteer in Kenya and work in clinics and hospitals, you must submit proof of a medical certification such as a medical ID, EMT, paramedic, nursing, etc. Due to liabilities, volunteers must be healthcare professionals and those who lack medical credentials may not participate in this project. You must be flexible when dealing with organizations, doctors, curses and patients. For this project volunteers must be open minded, patient, enthusiastic, hardworking, resourceful, and willing to learn. Helping Abroad will require a copy of volunteer’s credentials, resume and qualifications. Depending on your host organization, additional application materials may be required.

Your Responsibilities as a Volunteer

To be a medical volunteer in Kenya and work in clinics and hospitals, you must submit proof of a medical certification such as a medical ID, EMT, paramedic, nursing, etc. Due to liabilities, volunteers must be healthcare professionals and those who lack medical credentials may not participate in this project. You must be flexible when dealing with organizations, doctors, curses and patients. For this project volunteers must be open minded, patient, enthusiastic, hardworking, resourceful, and willing to learn. Helping Abroad will require a copy of volunteer’s credentials, resume and qualifications. Depending on your host organization, additional application materials may be required.

  • Observing local doctors/nurses
  • Providing basic care
  • Assisting doctors and nurses with patients
  • Administering medicines
  • Learning from doctors and nurses
  • Recording patient details
  • Taking vital details such as height, weight, blood pressure, etc.
  • Promoting disease prevention
  • Organizing and leading educational workshops and training
  • Promoting personal hygiene and sanitation such as clean water, food and nutrition
  • Assisting clinics and hospitals with administrative tasks
  • Assisting with vaccinations
  • Observing basic functions of clinics and hospitals
  • Traveling to remote locations to help provide care to rural Kenyans
  • Teaching the importance of family planning
  • Aiding doctors, nurses and local staff with anything they may need
  • Maintaining and cleaning hospital/clinic areas

Please Note: The above examples of activities may vary depending on individual skills and interests and the needs of the hospital and/or clinic. You will be provided with a very flexible schedule from local staff so you can adjust in the new environment. Along with Helping Abroad in-country staff, these counterparts will support you throughout your project. You will normally work for 3-4 hours a day, 5-6 days a week. All other time you are free to relax and explore the beautiful country of Kenya.

HIV/AIDS Awareness Project (Nairobi)

children from HIV/AIDS awareness project

HIV/AIDS is heartbreaking. Volunteer in the HIV/AIDS Awareness Project in Kenya and play an integral role in preventing the disastrous disease. In 2009, UNICEF estimated that about 1,600,000 Kenyans of all ages are living with HIV/AIDS. Volunteers are urgently needed to educate Kenyans on the causes, effects and preventions of HIV/AIDS and to provide support to those who are already infected. As a volunteer in the HIV/AIDS Awareness Project in Kenya, you promote HIV/AIDS education to protect lives, families and communities while at the same time comforting and caring for Kenyans who are already lamentably dealing with the disease.

Educational Requirements and Project Skills

No specific qualifications or prior experiences are required to volunteer in the HIV/AIDS Awareness Project in Kenya. You're expected to have a basic knowledge of English to communicate with the project staff and local people. You should have qualities such as love & passion for helping others, a genuine interest in disease prevention, patience, compassion, endurance and so on. You should also be flexible and have the desire to learn and serve people of a new culture and religion.

Your Responsibilities as a Volunteer

Each volunteer in Kenya working in the HIV/AIDS Awareness Project will participate in a wide range of activities, depending on individual skills and interests and the needs of local organizations. Activities may include:

  • Counseling infected patients
  • Working with community groups
  • Preparing materials for educating communities about HIV/AIDS
  • Educating locals about the causes, effects and preventions of HIV/AIDS
  • Taking care of infected Kenyans
  • Helping to provide medication to fight health concerns such as fevers, coughing, diarrhea, etc.
  • Leading and participating in support groups
  • Supporting infected families with basic necessities
  • Maintaining and constructing clinics

Please Note: The work is very flexible. You will receive your work schedule from the local project staff or coordinator in charge of your project. You are expected to work 3 to 4 hours a day from Monday to Friday. You will always have time for tourism and holidays. Your work schedule can always be adjusted to suit your needs. Remember, the activities mentioned above are just an outline. Your project coordinator might also request your assistance in other projects or related activities.

Community Development Project (Maasai Land)

Community Development Project

As a volunteer in the Community Development Project in the Maasai region, you can use your personal skills and educational background to work on wide variety of community development projects such as promoting HIV/AIDS awareness, improving educational environments, construction projects and planning community programs regarding public health and sanitation, to empower the local community. Volunteers may also share their creativity and ideas for future community projects and help local organizations and municipalities with fundraising efforts. Helping Abroad can tailor your project to your needs, ensuring that you gain professional experience while exploring Kenya and increasing the quality of life for local Maasai people.

Educational Requirements and Project Skills

No specific qualifications or prior experiences are required to volunteer in the community development project in Kenya. You should have qualities such as love & passion for international development, genuine interest, patience, compassion, endurance and so on. You should also be flexible and have the desire to learn and serve the people of Kenya within a new culture and religion.

Your Responsibilities as a Volunteer

As a volunteer in the Maasai Community Development Project in Kenya, you can engage yourself in a variety of activities to promote community development. Your responsibilities will vary depending on individual skills and interests and the needs of local organizations. You may also combine this project with other Maasai volunteer programs, such as teaching English. Examples of activities may include:

  • Working with community centers
  • Assisting local nonprofit organizations with current projects
  • Teaching English
  • Helping the local Maasai market their crafts and products to tourists
  • Promoting HIV/AIDS and other disease awareness
  • Assisting with community maintenance and sanitation
  • Planning and leading extra-curricular activities for community members such as singing, dancing, sports, art, games, drawing, talent shows, etc.
  • Working on building projects Fundraising for community projects
  • Sharing ideas for future community projects

Please Note: The volunteer schedule is very flexible. You will receive direction from local nonprofit organizations, municipalities and staff. You’re expected to work 3 to 4 hours a day from Monday to Friday. You will have enough time to go on holidays and explore Kenya’s tourism.

Cultural Conservation (Maasai Land)

Culture conservation Project

Volunteer in the Cultural Conservation Volunteer Project in the Maasai region of Kenya and promote cultural awareness while working with local Maasai to preserve their culture. The Maasai enjoy sharing their highly unique culture with tourists, as people from all over the world travel to see how they live. Sadly, the Maasai have faced hardships and some locals have been forced to leave their families, culture and traditions in search for employment opportunities in larger cities. For this reason, the Maasai need help from others to document their culture and traditions so they can be kept safe forever. Helping Abroad invites you to volunteer in the cultural conservation project in Kenya and live and work alongside the Maasai people to increase tourism, community development and conserve their culture. If you are looking for a truly cultural immersion project, than look no further.

Educational Requirements and Project Skills

No specific qualifications or prior experiences are required to volunteer in the cultural conservation project in Kenya. You should have qualities such as love & passion for diverse cultures, genuine interest, patience, compassion, endurance and so on. You should also be flexible and have the desire to learn and serve the people of Kenya within a new culture and religion.

Your Responsibilities as a Volunteer

As a volunteer working in the cultural conservation project in the Maasai region of Kenya, you will engage yourself in a unique culture and participate in an array of projects, depending on your skills and interests and the needs of the locals. Daily activities may include:

  • Assisting the local Maasai to conserve and document their culture and traditions
  • Understanding Maasai history and traditions
  • Organizing extracurricular activities to engage in the community such as singing, dancing, sports, games, drawing, talent shows, etc.
  • Teaching Maasai people about your culture
  • Teaching English
  • Promoting health and sanitation
  • Promoting tourism and marketing
  • Supporting women’s and children’s groups
  • Encouraging and teaching locals about income-generating activities
  • Helping to increase community pride

Please Note: The volunteer schedule is very flexible. You will receive direction from local organizations and staff. You're expected to work 3 to 4 hours a day from Monday to Friday. You will have enough time to go on holidays and explore Kenya's tourism.

Major FAQ's

  • Who will meet me in airport? What should I do if I am delayed or miss my flight? When should I arrive?
  • Please book your flight to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, which is the pick-up point for all Helping Abroad volunteers in Kenya. The Helping Abroad country coordinator will be waiting for you at the "Arrival" gate. Please look for a person with both the Helping Abroad company logo and your name on a sign card. In case your contact person is not there, please contact the Helping Abroad office and we will immediately follow up on your contact persons’ whereabouts. Coordinators’ contact details are available in the pre-departure handbook. If your flight is delayed, immediately contact Helping Abroad so we can make adjustments to your program. Helping Abroad will be responsible for creating the necessary changes in your program.

    The program fee covers expenses from the first day of the program to the last day of the program. If you arrive before the first day of the program and/or stay beyond the last day of the program, you will be responsible for these expenses.

  • What are the visa requirements to volunteer in Kenya?
  • Volunteers must acquire a tourist Visa in their home country prior to departure for Kenya. You can contact your local Kenyan embassy for more information.

  • What do I need to know about health and safety in Kenya?
  • Volunteers should be aware of all health and safety information before traveling to Kenya. You can read about health and safety in Kenya on the website listed below:

  • What immunizations/vaccinations are recommended before arriving in Kenya?
  • We strongly recommend that volunteers obtain vaccinations before arriving in Kenya. You can speak with your health-care provider to determine which vaccinations you will need. Please read CDC recommendations about vaccinations and preventive medicine: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/Kenya.htm

  • What is the local currency and exchange rate?
  • The Kenyan shilling (KES) is the official currency of the country. You can find the exchange rate of the shilling online here. You can exchange money when you arrive at the international airport in Nairobi and ATM machines are also widely available. ATM cards are the best way to get money and Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted in some larger cities. It is a good idea to carry a credit card for large purchases and emergencies. Make sure you notify your bank that you will be out of the country and give them your expected arrival/departure dates. This will prevent your account from being locked and you will be advised about any fraudulent charges.

    Please visit XE, a privately held online foreign exchange tool for rates. XE.com

  • How can I communicate with my family/friends while I am abroad? Is there internet access?
  • If you have an unlocked cell phone that contains a SIM card, we recommend that you bring it because you can buy a Kenyan SIM card upon arrival. Phones are important to have for safety and communication with family and Helping Abroad staff. Internet cafes are widely available in larger cities but less available in rural towns. You will have placement details in your pre-departure packet.

  • How is the climate in Kenya?
  • Kenya is a tropical country close to the equator with sunshine year around and has a rainy season from April to June.

    For accurate weather please visit ACCU Weather (http://www.accuweather.com/)

  • What should I bring?
  • You can purchase basic necessities in Kenya at reasonable prices, but we suggest bringing the following:

    • An unlocked mobile phone (you can use it after buying a Kenyan card)
    • Camera
    • Sleeping bag
    • Mosquito repellent
    • Insect repellent
    • Sunscreen
    • Books about Kenya
    • Map of Kenya
    • Toiletries
    • First aid kit
    • Flash light
    • Electricity adapter/converter
    • Sun glasses
    • Good shoes (for work and travel)
    • Towel
  • Should I bring gifts for my host family?
  • You are not required to bring a gift but it is common courtesy as a token of appreciation for hosting you. If you are working in orphanages or schools, you can bring items such as school supplies and games. Remember that many children will desire what you bring, so you may want to bring a large amount of one item (pencils, pens, notebooks, games, art supplies, etc).

NOTE: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) is derived from generic information about the country, and should not be used as a definitive travel guide. Travel information and situations abroad change constantly, and the information contained here may not be up to date. Participants should consult Helping Abroad staff or travel advisors to verify this information