Volunteer in Kenya FAQs
Q. What are the Program locations in Kenya?
Ans. The Programs are located in Nairobi and its suburbs, N Gong, Mombasa.
Q. When do I need to arrive in Kenya for my program?
Ans. You can come one day in advance from your program starting date.
Q. What will happen once I arrive in Kenya?
Ans. Our staff will be there to meet and greet you at the airport and from there you will be taken to the project or hostel depending on the time of your arrival.
Q. When will I know specific details of my placement?
Ans. Once you have applied, we will send you details of your placement usually within 10 working days.
Q. How do I get to the program location?
Ans. Your country coordinator will take you to your placement and introduce you to everyone after giving you a basic orientation about the program/city/culture etc.
Q. I want to know more about accommodation arrangements?
Ans. We provide you with accommodation from your start date to the end of the program. Accommodation will be provided in a host family or volunteer house. You will have your own room, which you would share with another volunteer. You should bring along things like towels and toiletries.Accommodation will be neat, clean and basic.
Q. What will be the food arrangement?
Ans. Volunteers are provided local Kenyan food 2 times a day. Foods served during your volunteer period include traditional Kenya foods like ugali and sukuma wiki (corn meal and greens), githeri (maize and beans), irio as well as chapatis. Kenyan meals also consist of other universal dishes such as beef, fish, rice and pasta.
Q. What is the age range to volunteer?
Ans. The minimum age requirement for our programs in Kenya is 17 years. .There is no upper age limit. You just have to be in good health.
Q. Can couples or families join the volunteer program?
Ans. Yes, couples and families are welcome to join our programs.
Q. How is the climate in Kenya?
Ans. Kenya lies directly on the equator and elevations vary from sea level at the coast to 7,000+ ft. Generally, the days are warm and pleasant and the nights are cool. Summer clothes are worn throughout the year. In some areas, nights can be chilly. In the northern region, days are quite hot. The coast is hot and humid.
There are two rainy seasons; the long rains in April and May and the short rains in November and December. The hottest periods are from January to March and August to November. The coldest months are in July and the beginning of August. Average temperatures in Kenya range from10 Celsius to 35 Celsius.
Q. What vaccinations/immunizations are required?
Ans. Yellow fever vaccination is compulsory for all the travelers visiting Kenya. We advise you to
consult your doctor several weeks before you travel and seek advice regarding the vaccinations to take. A list of recommended vaccinations is provided in the Pre departure Guide provided to volunteers.
Q. What about malaria in Kenya?
Ans. Make sure your doctor knows you are traveling to Kenya (don't just say Africa) so she can prescribe the right anti-malarial medication. Malaria prevention medication should be taken according to your doctor’s instructions before, during and after a visit to affected areas. Malaria is a serious tropical disease, which is spread by night-biting mosquitoes which transmit a parasite. Avoiding getting bitten is important and usually the most effective means to prevent the disease.
Long sleeved shirts and trousers should be worn in the evenings and insect repellent can be used in areas with mosquitoes. If the area you are volunteering has mosquitoes, use a mosquito net at night. The most effective are those treated with an insect repellent.
It is important to treat malaria as soon as symptoms arise. Its symptoms include chills, fevers, headache, nausea and vomiting. If you suspect you have malaria, see a doctor as soon as possible even if you have the treatment for malaria with you so that a correct diagnosis can be made.
Q. What if I get sick while volunteering in Kenya?
Ans. Health care services in Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kisumu and other major towns are good and up to date.Your local coordinator would always assist you in taking you to the hospital and getting teatment done.
Q. Are there more expenses once I arrive in Kenya?
Ans. Your program fee covers you for food, accommodation and insurance.You will need to cover yourself for your personal expenses, such as travelling, telephone, internet, shopping, sightseeing etc.
Q. Where can I change my money in Kenya?
Ans. You can change money in any bank or at the airport by showing your passport.There are also many money changers available in the major cities. You can ask your local coordinator for their locations.
Q. Is it safe to drink the tap water in Kenya?
Ans. It is generally recommended that you drink bottled water during your volunteer stay in Kenya both in Nairobi and whilst upcountry or on a safari. You can buy bottled water from any supermarket and most shops in Kenya.
Q. Is it safe to volunteer in Kenya?
Ans. Kenya is one of the most popular destination for tourists and volunteers. We ensure you are placed in safe environment and you will be very well looked after while volunteering in Kenya. The Kenyan people are very warm and friendly towards foreigners.
Volunteers are placed in local educated host families who also have past experience of hosting volunteers or in volunteers house. Volunteers are informed of all the safety precautions which they have to take during their stay in Kenya during the Orientation session.
Q. What clothing is appropriate? Any cultural restrictions?
Ans. Bring along some comfortable, casual and semi-casual clothing: sweat shirts, shorts, jeans, skirts and any other clothing that you would ordinarily wear. Include warm clothing for nights, especially if you volunteer in July and August. Avoid flashy items.
When out in the community, it is good to follow local etiquette. Female volunteers need to wear pants and/or long skirts. Dressing in Nairobi is quite liberal. However, approach it with cultural sensitivity in mind and you will be fine. Please ask when you are not sure what is and is not appropriate.
Footwear can be hiking boots, old sports shoes or open-toed sandals.
Q. Do I need a visa to enter Kenya?
Ans. Most visitors to Kenya need to obtain a visa including Europeans, Americans and nationals from Commonwealth countries such as New Zealand, Canada, Australia, and the UK. Volunteers need to obtain a tourist visa to enter Kenya. Visas are valid for three months from the date of entry and can be purchased upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.
You can also get a visa before you travel from Kenyan diplomatic missions overseas. You should apply well in advance, especially if you are doing it by mail.
A single-entry Kenya visa costs USD50 and a multiple entry visa USD100. Tourist visas can be extended for a further three month period.
If you are planning on visiting just Kenya, a single-entry visa is all you need. If your travel plans include visiting Uganda or Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro or visit the Serengeti, then you will need a multiple-entry visa if you wish to re-enter Kenya again.
Q. What is the Kenya currency?
Ans. The currency in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling. The shilling comprises 100 cents. Coins are in denominations of 50c, 1, 5, 10, 20 and 40 shillings. Bank notes are in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 shillings.
Importation of foreign currency is unlimited and does not have to be declared on arrival.
The value of the shilling fluctuates. Check the value of the shilling with a currency converter just before you go.
Q. What hours will I volunteer every day?
Ans. Volunteers usually work for 5‐6 hours a day depending on their program. You will have weekend off so you can go to travel on weekends. However some organizations will need you to work on some Saturdays as well.
Q. Are we able to do any sightseeing or travelling in weekends?
Ans. You will usually have 2 free days per week, you can utilize this time for anything you like. Majority of the volunteers choose to go on a Safari.
Ans. The Programs are located in Nairobi and its suburbs, N Gong, Mombasa.
Q. When do I need to arrive in Kenya for my program?
Ans. You can come one day in advance from your program starting date.
Q. What will happen once I arrive in Kenya?
Ans. Our staff will be there to meet and greet you at the airport and from there you will be taken to the project or hostel depending on the time of your arrival.
Q. When will I know specific details of my placement?
Ans. Once you have applied, we will send you details of your placement usually within 10 working days.
Q. How do I get to the program location?
Ans. Your country coordinator will take you to your placement and introduce you to everyone after giving you a basic orientation about the program/city/culture etc.
Q. I want to know more about accommodation arrangements?
Ans. We provide you with accommodation from your start date to the end of the program. Accommodation will be provided in a host family or volunteer house. You will have your own room, which you would share with another volunteer. You should bring along things like towels and toiletries.Accommodation will be neat, clean and basic.
Q. What will be the food arrangement?
Ans. Volunteers are provided local Kenyan food 2 times a day. Foods served during your volunteer period include traditional Kenya foods like ugali and sukuma wiki (corn meal and greens), githeri (maize and beans), irio as well as chapatis. Kenyan meals also consist of other universal dishes such as beef, fish, rice and pasta.
Q. What is the age range to volunteer?
Ans. The minimum age requirement for our programs in Kenya is 17 years. .There is no upper age limit. You just have to be in good health.
Q. Can couples or families join the volunteer program?
Ans. Yes, couples and families are welcome to join our programs.
Q. How is the climate in Kenya?
Ans. Kenya lies directly on the equator and elevations vary from sea level at the coast to 7,000+ ft. Generally, the days are warm and pleasant and the nights are cool. Summer clothes are worn throughout the year. In some areas, nights can be chilly. In the northern region, days are quite hot. The coast is hot and humid.
There are two rainy seasons; the long rains in April and May and the short rains in November and December. The hottest periods are from January to March and August to November. The coldest months are in July and the beginning of August. Average temperatures in Kenya range from10 Celsius to 35 Celsius.
Q. What vaccinations/immunizations are required?
Ans. Yellow fever vaccination is compulsory for all the travelers visiting Kenya. We advise you to
consult your doctor several weeks before you travel and seek advice regarding the vaccinations to take. A list of recommended vaccinations is provided in the Pre departure Guide provided to volunteers.
Q. What about malaria in Kenya?
Ans. Make sure your doctor knows you are traveling to Kenya (don't just say Africa) so she can prescribe the right anti-malarial medication. Malaria prevention medication should be taken according to your doctor’s instructions before, during and after a visit to affected areas. Malaria is a serious tropical disease, which is spread by night-biting mosquitoes which transmit a parasite. Avoiding getting bitten is important and usually the most effective means to prevent the disease.
Long sleeved shirts and trousers should be worn in the evenings and insect repellent can be used in areas with mosquitoes. If the area you are volunteering has mosquitoes, use a mosquito net at night. The most effective are those treated with an insect repellent.
It is important to treat malaria as soon as symptoms arise. Its symptoms include chills, fevers, headache, nausea and vomiting. If you suspect you have malaria, see a doctor as soon as possible even if you have the treatment for malaria with you so that a correct diagnosis can be made.
Q. What if I get sick while volunteering in Kenya?
Ans. Health care services in Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kisumu and other major towns are good and up to date.Your local coordinator would always assist you in taking you to the hospital and getting teatment done.
Q. Are there more expenses once I arrive in Kenya?
Ans. Your program fee covers you for food, accommodation and insurance.You will need to cover yourself for your personal expenses, such as travelling, telephone, internet, shopping, sightseeing etc.
Q. Where can I change my money in Kenya?
Ans. You can change money in any bank or at the airport by showing your passport.There are also many money changers available in the major cities. You can ask your local coordinator for their locations.
Q. Is it safe to drink the tap water in Kenya?
Ans. It is generally recommended that you drink bottled water during your volunteer stay in Kenya both in Nairobi and whilst upcountry or on a safari. You can buy bottled water from any supermarket and most shops in Kenya.
Q. Is it safe to volunteer in Kenya?
Ans. Kenya is one of the most popular destination for tourists and volunteers. We ensure you are placed in safe environment and you will be very well looked after while volunteering in Kenya. The Kenyan people are very warm and friendly towards foreigners.
Volunteers are placed in local educated host families who also have past experience of hosting volunteers or in volunteers house. Volunteers are informed of all the safety precautions which they have to take during their stay in Kenya during the Orientation session.
Q. What clothing is appropriate? Any cultural restrictions?
Ans. Bring along some comfortable, casual and semi-casual clothing: sweat shirts, shorts, jeans, skirts and any other clothing that you would ordinarily wear. Include warm clothing for nights, especially if you volunteer in July and August. Avoid flashy items.
When out in the community, it is good to follow local etiquette. Female volunteers need to wear pants and/or long skirts. Dressing in Nairobi is quite liberal. However, approach it with cultural sensitivity in mind and you will be fine. Please ask when you are not sure what is and is not appropriate.
Footwear can be hiking boots, old sports shoes or open-toed sandals.
Q. Do I need a visa to enter Kenya?
Ans. Most visitors to Kenya need to obtain a visa including Europeans, Americans and nationals from Commonwealth countries such as New Zealand, Canada, Australia, and the UK. Volunteers need to obtain a tourist visa to enter Kenya. Visas are valid for three months from the date of entry and can be purchased upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.
You can also get a visa before you travel from Kenyan diplomatic missions overseas. You should apply well in advance, especially if you are doing it by mail.
A single-entry Kenya visa costs USD50 and a multiple entry visa USD100. Tourist visas can be extended for a further three month period.
If you are planning on visiting just Kenya, a single-entry visa is all you need. If your travel plans include visiting Uganda or Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro or visit the Serengeti, then you will need a multiple-entry visa if you wish to re-enter Kenya again.
Q. What is the Kenya currency?
Ans. The currency in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling. The shilling comprises 100 cents. Coins are in denominations of 50c, 1, 5, 10, 20 and 40 shillings. Bank notes are in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 shillings.
Importation of foreign currency is unlimited and does not have to be declared on arrival.
The value of the shilling fluctuates. Check the value of the shilling with a currency converter just before you go.
Q. What hours will I volunteer every day?
Ans. Volunteers usually work for 5‐6 hours a day depending on their program. You will have weekend off so you can go to travel on weekends. However some organizations will need you to work on some Saturdays as well.
Q. Are we able to do any sightseeing or travelling in weekends?
Ans. You will usually have 2 free days per week, you can utilize this time for anything you like. Majority of the volunteers choose to go on a Safari.
