Medical Volunteer Project in Kenya

Overview

The Medical and Healthcare Volunteer Project in Kenya is designed to offer enthusiastic volunteers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of underserved communities. Volunteers in this program work in a variety of healthcare settings, primarily medical clinics and hospitals located in and around suburban Nairobi. Whether you're a medical professional, a student, or an aspiring healthcare worker, this program is an excellent chance to contribute to the improvement of public health in one of East Africa's most vibrant cities.

During your program you will get the chance to help in a range of different departments as well as encountering different illnesses that you may not necessarily come in contact with back home.

Some of the major departments where you can get involved in the hospital placement include -

Dental
Burns Unit for Children
Accident and Emergency
Outpatient
Maternity
Gynecology and Obstetrics
Maternal and Child Health
Surgery - 3 times a week
General Wards
Internal Medicine
Critical Care Unit (CCU for HIV/Aids and TB Patients)
Counselling Unit
Pharmacy
Laboratory

Where will I be volunteering ?

Since 2008, we have been placing medical and nursing volunteers for placements in Nairobi, facilitating volunteer opportunities for students and qualified professionals from around the world at different hospitals and clinic projects throughout the city. Majority of the placements are located in suburban Nairobi or in slum communities of Nairobi. The placements are a mixture of smaller hospitals and Level 3 and Level 4 District hospitals.

Your placement location will be assigned based on the availability and logistical factors at the time. Please note that transport to and from the project is not included in the program fee. Your local coordinator will assist you in suggesting the most convenient travel options. Generally volunteers take Uber taxis to the placement, the cost of which can be shared among the volunteers. We recommend budgeting around $5-$7 per day for transportation expenses.

Sample Placement Profile - Tigoni District Hospital

Tigoni Hospital is a Level 4 District Hospital located at Kiambu West district within the Limuru constituency. The hospital has a total of over 200 beds and cots for the inpatient and outpatient departments. Services offered at the hospital include antenatal services. caesarean section, immunisation, tuberculosis diagnosis and treatments, family planning, radiology services and antiretroviral therapy to mention just a few. The number of patients visiting the hospital can vary on a daily basis.

Medical Elective Placements

Volunteering Solutions provides a variety of elective placements tailored to the specific needs of students training in the medical field.These include:

Medical Electives for aspiring doctors and medical students
Nursing Electives for future nurses and healthcare practitioners
Midwifery Electives for students specializing in maternal and newborn care
Dental Electives for dental students looking to gain experience in dental department in hospital

These electives are specifically designed to meet the learning objectives of students in the medical field. Whether you are still in training or a recent graduate looking to broaden your skills, this program offers valuable hands-on experience in a real-world setting.

Volunteering Solutions team in the UK as well as the in-country team in Kenya can help complete any paperwork required, provide risk assessments and sign off on hours to ensure the placement complies with your university requirements.

By volunteering in the Medical Volunteer Project in Kenya, you’ll not only help improve healthcare outcomes in underserved areas, but you'll also gain invaluable work experience that will enhance your professional development and enrich your personal journey.

Volunteer Work Schedule

The general schedule for the volunteers in the program in Nairobi is as follows :-

Sunday - Arrival at the program destination
Monday - Orientation + introduction to the placement (commute + local staff + hospital staff + places to eat, etc.). An orientation session will be conducted by the local coordinator, covering topic areas; such as safety,culture, language, places to visit, behavior,food, and other suggestions about things to do in Kenya.
Tuesday to Fri - Volunteer work
Breakfast - 07:30 am onwards(provided at the accommodation)
Leave for the project - 08:00 am
Working hours at the placement - 09:00 to 04:00 pm
Lunch - 01:00 pm to 02:00 pm (volunteers need to manage lunch on their own)
Dinner - 07:30 pm onwards (provided at the accommodation)

The same volunteer work schedule continues from the second week onwards

Weekends - Free to explore the city, and do activities such as :-

Visit the elephant orphanage, giraffe center and Mamba village
Visit the local markets and buy souvenirs
Go for a safari
Spend time at Karura Forest in the city

For those inclined to travel further away for fun activities, one can go biking to Hell’s Gate National Park in Naivasha (1.5 hours from the accommodation), climb Mt. Longonot (1.5 hours from the accommodation), or visit Thompson Falls (3 hours from the accommodation). One could also go to Mombasa and experience sandy beaches on the weekends.

Note: Please note, the schedule may vary depending on the particular project the volunteer is participating on.

Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities

Volunteer tasks vary and depend on the level of experience, qualifications and medical training. Volunteers' role in the program is majorly observational however basic hands on work may be assigned. Although hands-on work cannot be guaranteed in the program as it depends on your confidence and skill level as well as the consent of the patient and the medical staff, past volunteers have been involved with basic activities such as checking blood pressure, conducting rounds, work in areas of maternal health, surgery, laboratories, counselling and testing.

We offer placements to students at any stage of their studies, from those just starting their medical journey to those looking to enhance their practical skills after graduation. This flexibility allows volunteers to gain experience and broaden their perspectives at different points in their careers.

For medical students, the opportunity to observe procedures, assist in daily healthcare practices, and engage with local healthcare teams provides unique learning experiences that are difficult to find in traditional academic settings. These placements also offer students a chance to see how healthcare systems function in developing countries, giving them a global perspective on medicine.

Project Requirement

Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the time of joining the project. Participants should have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference. Volunteers must provide a clean criminal background check report, CV, Passport Copy as well as other documents and credentials pertaining to their qualifications prior to joining the program. Pre-Medical,Medical,Dental students,Nursing students,CNA’s and midwifery students can join the program. Qualified doctors and nurses can also join the program.This program is open to medical professionals and students from all over the world.

Medical students, including those studying to become doctors or nurses, are welcome to join and assist in clinical work. Depending on your level of experience and the needs of the medical facilities, you may also have the opportunity to observe surgeries, assist in patient care, or engage in specialized treatments under the guidance of local healthcare professionals

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Living

Airport Transfer
Volunteers are picked up from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi by the local coordinator or representative. Those volunteers who are arriving overland or are already in Kenya will be picked up at a meeting point in Nairobi decided beforehand.Nairobi is a major hub for airlines in East Africa and has good international flight connections.

Accommodation
Volunteers in Nairobi are provided accommodation in the Lower Kabete area.The area is located around 20-25 minutes from Westlands and Parklands area which is famous for good restaurants and shopping areas. The CBD (Central Business District) is around 30 minutes away by car.

Volunteers stay in a gated apartment complex in which we use 4-5 different apartments for volunteers. The volunteer apartments are located on different floors such as the ground floor,third floor and fifth floor. The rooms in the apartments are shared rooms with usually four participants sharing one room with two bunk beds. There are some private units also available in the apartment complex for any volunteer interested in having a private room.

Some of the facilities available are hot showers, microwave, induction top, refrigerator and WiFi internet. There is no air conditioning in the apartments as it is not required in Nairobi as such.

Volunteers purchase their bottled water on their own. It can be purchased easily from the local market at walking distance from the apartment complex.

For Laundry, volunteers usually hand wash their clothes or alternatively give clothes to a Laundromat located not far from the volunteer accommodation at walking distance.

Orientation
An orientation about your program will be provided by the local coordinator in Nairobi. Areas like culture, safety, locations, project, transportation and weekend trips are covered in the orientation. During the orientation day, the coordinator will also give you information about the nearest market, help you in getting money exchanged and get a local sim card from the market.

Meals
Volunteers are provided with 2 meals(Breakfast and Dinner) on weekdays and three meals during the weekends. For Breakfast volunteers are given supplies such as Bread, Eggs, Butter/Margarine Spread, Fruits, Tea and Coffee. Volunteers need to cook breakfast on their own.

Lunch is not provided/ included in your fee and volunteers usually take a packed sandwich or fruits to the placement or have food at/ near the project.

For Dinner, food is cooked by the caretaker and cook at house and meals generally include dishes like Lentils, Mandezi, Chapatis, Spaghetti, Pilao, Chips, Githeri (Maize and Beans) and Fruits. In case you are allergic to any particular item or have a particular requirement feel free to inform the coordinators.

Volunteers also purchase supplies from the supermarkets and take with them packed food cooked on their own to the project.

Local Transportation
Volunteers prefer to use mostly Uber or Bolt for their commute to the projects and local malls and places of interest in Nairobi.

During your Free Time
The majority of the volunteers go on safari trips on the weekends.Volunteers usually take the two days or the extended three-day safari. While in Nairobi you can explore the different places of interest in the city. The city has so much to offer and there are a lot of places to see and explore during free time. Places like Masai market,Bomas of Kenya, Giraffe centre and Karura Forest are visited by volunteers during free time and weekends.

Volunteers are also free to plan quick getaways and explore Kenya. We also arrange programs for groups in safari to Masai Mara, Amboseli National Park and Lake Nakuru National Park or the Nairobi National Park. The costs for weekend trips are extra.

Dates

November

December

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Available

Filling Fast

Booked Out

Costs

Duration	Program Fee	Choose your currency
1 Week	$350
2 Weeks	$480
3 Weeks	$610
4 Weeks	$740
5 Weeks	$870
6 Weeks	$1000
7 Weeks	$1130
8 Weeks	$1260
Extra Week	$150

Please Note: An application fee of is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.

What are you Paying For?

24 hrs Assistance and support from Staff
Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information
Airport Pickup
Orientation
Food - 2 meals a day
Accommodation
Travel & Medical Insurance(Available at an extra cost)
Certificate of Participation(On Request)

What's NOT Included?

Airfare
Return Trip to Airport (Can be arranged at an extra cost)
Local Transportation
Visas
Vaccinations

FAQ's

Application and Program Details

Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the Kenya volunteer programs?: Yes, the program requirements are as follows:

Volunteers must be 17 years or older at the time of joining the program.

Need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. Keep your expectations real and humble.

The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.

Participants must be in good health.

For Medical /Healthcare Program, participants must be at least 18 yrs old and be a Pre-Medical, Medical, Nursing Students or Medical Professional. Participants possessing other qualifications such as CNA, midwives are also welcome to join the program. All medical program participants need to provide a copy of their certifications/ credentials along with their passport copies.
Can I volunteer as part of a group?: We encourage our participants to volunteer in a group. We take special care in providing you a placement and also customize your itinerary to make sure you get exactly what you are looking for. Also, we can design special group programs for groups of 5 or more. Our programs are designed to be safe, affordable and offer a great group volunteering experience to the volunteers.

In our experience of more than 12+ years we have enabled and facilitated volunteer program placements for college groups, university groups, high school groups, group of families, group of couples as well as groups of colleagues.

Kenya is one of our popular destination among student groups and is highly recommended for family volunteering as well.
What is the best time to apply for volunteer programs in Kenya?: VolSol recommends all its volunteers to apply well in advance. Our major booking seasons are from January to July and September to December.

As we have limited spots available in our programs and we serve on first come first basis, it is strongly recommended to apply for the program and reserve your spot in the program well in advance. You can book your spot in the program by filling an online form and pay the application fee.

Once you complete your application, your individual 'My Account' will be active in which you will receive your placement confirmation after which you can pay the program fees. You can pay the program fees later as well in installments, but 45 days before the program starts.
Can I know more about the Program Location in Kenya?: Volunteering Solutions offers programs in Nairobi and its suburbs such as Kikuyu, Riruta, Zambezi and Kawangware. Popularly known as ‘Green City in the Sun’, Nairobi is the capital of Kenya and is the largest city in the country.
How long does it take to process my application? Will my application be accepted?: After you complete your application, your personalized ‘My Account’ will be active.You will need to upload your CV/Resume along with your photo in the same. Our backend team and the placement site takes around 10-12 days to review your application. After we review your CV and documents, your booking is confirmed and booking confirmation is updated in your ‘My Account’. Some projects need a mandatory criminal background check and the same is mentioned in the project info of your program. Approval of your application depends on your qualification and eligibility criteria for each project.
When do I need to arrive in Kenya for my program? What will happen once I arrive in Kenya?: All volunteers need to arrive on the mentioned program arrival dates.

Volunteers are picked up from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, by the in-country coordinator or representative and will be transferred to the accommodation. Those who are arriving overland or are already in Kenya? will be picked up at a meeting point decided beforehand.

Flights and Visa

Do I need to take a Visa to go to Kenya?: Participants can attain the Visa on arrival at Nairobi airport or can apply for Kenyan Visa beforehand at the nearby embassy. Citizens of most of the countries can get Visa on arrival at the airport in Nairobi. Further details will be provided in the Pre-departure booklet for the participants.
What are the recommended airlines to fly to Kenya?: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi is the busiest airport in East Africa and serves as the hub for international flights in that region. It is well connected with flights from major European, Middle Eastern and Asian cities.

Some of the major airlines operating in Kenya are:

Kenya Airways

British Airways

Turkish Airlines

KLM Dutch Airlines

Swiss Air

Emirates

Etihad Airways

Egypt Air

Accommodation and Living

How do I get to the program location?: After providing the Orientation about city, placement, project and culture, your in-country coordinator will take you to your project placement on the first day and introduce you to everyone. You will be given the directions to reach the project location from your accommodation and briefed about the mode of transport to be used.
What clothing is appropriate? Any cultural restrictions?: We recommend comfortable, casual and semi-casual clothing: sweat shirts, shorts, jeans, skirts and any other daily wear. It is recommended to include warm clothing for nights, especially if you are volunteering in July and August. Avoid flashy and expensive items such as jewelry etc.

While traveling, it is recommended to follow local etiquette and customs. Female volunteers need to wear pants and/or long skirts. Dressing in Nairobi is quite liberal. However, approach it with cultural sensitivity in mind. You will be provided with a kit list in your pre-departure? booklet. As for footwear, hiking boots, old sports shoes or open-toed sandals are recommended.
Can I know more about accommodation and food arrangements?: The accommodations are provided in a volunteer home in Nairobi. The volunteer’s home is well equipped with all the modern amenities to ensure a comfortable stay for the volunteers. In certain cases, volunteers are also accommodated in the orphanage project premises itself.

Volunteers are provided two meals a day. Breakfast usually comprises of toast, tea, fruits, ?and eggs. Dinner usually comprises traditional Kenyan or Western foods.
Are there more expenses once I arrive in Kenya?: Your program fee covers your food, accommodation, airport pick-up, orientation, pre-departure information and in-country staff support. You will need to cover yourself for your personal expenses, such as traveling, airport drop, telephone, the internet, shopping, sightseeing etc. Traveling to Kenya is cheap; however, you should carry around $50 - $75 per week for your basic personal expenses, such as water, local transport, phone etc. The cost for return airport transfer is around $50.

For organizing weekend excursions, the in-country coordinator will help you to book the same at the best prices.
Can vegetarians be accommodated?: Yes - please do ensure that you inform the local team about your food preference and they can help ensure you are able to order the best food! Also, please do mention your specific food preference in the application form as well.
For how many hours will I volunteer every day?: Volunteers usually work for 5 to 6 hours a day, for 5 days a week depending on their program. You will have weekends free to explore in and around the city. However, volunteers need to be flexible, open minded and understand that work requirements can change as well on certain occasions.
Would I have free time during my program ? Can I do sightseeing during my program?: Volunteers work for 5-6 hours in a day for 5 days a week depending on the program requirements. You will have the evenings and weekends free for you to explore in and around the city. During the weekends, you can take a safari to Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru National Park or the Nairobi National Park. You can also go on a short excursion and interact with the locals, learn about their cuisines and customs. In Nairobi, volunteers can visit Masai market, Bomas of Kenya, Giraffe center and Carnivore Restaurant.

We encourage our volunteers to travel. We have designed various weekend tours which can be booked under the ‘Add-on Tours’ section in your ‘My Account’. You in-country coordinator will also help you book and organize the tours once you are in the country.
Where can I change my money in Kenya? Are there ATMs in Kenya?: You can change money at any bank or at the airport by showing your passport. Volunteers can exchange money at the currency exchange counters located at the airport. There are ATMs located all around the capital city, Nairobi.The major banks in Kenya are Barclays, Equity Bank, NIC Bank and Kenya Commercial Bank.

Connect with Past Volunteers

How can I connect with past and current volunteers of Kenya?: We encourage volunteers to get in touch with former Volunteering Solutions participants and also other program participants joining our projects. You are recommended to join the Volunteering">https://www.facebook.com/VolunteeringSolutions/">Volunteering Solutions Facebook Page or Facebook">https://www.facebook.com/groups/volunteeringsolutions/">Facebook Group to connect with other participants and our team.

To read alumni interviews from past participants, visit ?the Meet">https://www.volunteeringsolutions.com/meet-a-volunteer">Meet a Volunteer section on our website.

Health and Safety

Do I need to buy health insurance?: Yes, for all volunteers it is mandatory to have a travel medical insurance. To provide the best option to our participants, we offer comprehensive insurance coverage in collaboration with a leading insurance provider.
How safe is Kenya and Nairobi in particular?: Kenya is one of the most popular destinations of the world visited by many tourists and nature enthusiasts. The Kenyan people are very warm and friendly towards foreigners.

Volunteers are informed about the necessary safety precautions during the Orientation session as well as in the pre-departure information guide. You will have the assistance and support of the in-country coordinator in Kenya. It is strongly recommended to follow the safety rules and regulations provided by the in-country coordinator.
What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?: Participants are recommended to consult their travel doctor before their arrival in Kenya.

All travelers are required to carry an International Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Card) to show proof of yellow fever immunization.

The recommended vaccinations are as follows:

Yellow Fever

Hepatitis A and B

Typhoid