Volunteer in Kenya – Nairobi
Kenya is a land of sweeping savannahs, iconic wildlife and vibrant culture. Volunteering in Kenya offers a unique chance to contribute to community-focused projects while exploring one of East Africa’s most captivating countries.
Whether you’re supporting local schools, helping in childcare centers or assisting with healthcare initiatives, your efforts will directly benefit under-resourced communities.
Make a meaningful difference while experiencing Kenya’s warmth, hospitality and breathtaking landscapes. Learn more about other exciting opportunities to volunteer in Africa here.
Volunteer Opportunities in Kenya
Volunteering Solutions offers a variety of impactful programs in Kenya, all designed to address the real needs of local communities:
-
Teaching English
Assist teachers in local primary and secondary schools by helping students improve their English language skills and confidence.
-
Childcare
Work in daycare centers or children’s homes, supporting staff with daily routines, playing games, teaching basic skills and providing emotional support.
-
Medical & Healthcare
For medical students and professionals, gain hands-on experience by shadowing doctors and assisting in clinics and hospitals in underserved areas.
-
Raptor Conservation Program
Work hands-on with majestic birds of prey in Kenya’s Rift Valley, supporting real rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation efforts while gaining unforgettable field experience in one of Africa’s most breathtaking wildlife settings.
Make a Positive Impact in Kenya
Your time in Kenya can help uplift communities that face economic and social challenges. By sharing your time, skills and compassion, you’ll help create better opportunities for education, healthcare and empowerment.
Beyond your volunteer work, you’ll form lasting relationships, gain new perspectives and grow as an individual – all while making a real difference.
What to Expect When You Volunteer in Kenya
Accommodation:
Volunteers stay in a shared volunteer house in Nairobi with fellow participants. Rooms are basic but comfortable, with access to clean water, electricity and common areas.
Meals:
Two to three meals are provided each day. Enjoy local Kenyan dishes such as ugali, chapati, sukuma wiki and nyama choma, with vegetarian options available.
Work:
Volunteer hours are generally Monday to Friday, with weekends free to explore. Depending on your project, tasks may include classroom support, childcare activities, health awareness sessions or administrative help.
Free Time:
Use your free time to explore Nairobi’s vibrant culture, visit local markets or take weekend trips to national parks and historical sites.
Immerse in the Culture of Kenya
Kenya is known not just for its wildlife but for its rich and diverse culture. Volunteering here offers the chance to live like a local – learning Swahili phrases, joining traditional cooking sessions and participating in community celebrations.
- Nairobi: Visit the Giraffe Centre, David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage or the Karen Blixen Museum.
- Masai Village Visit: Spend a day experiencing traditional life in a Masai community and learning about their customs.
- Local Markets: Wander through bustling markets selling handmade crafts, fresh produce and colorful textiles.
Add-On Tours
Your weekends are perfect for exploring more of Kenya’s incredible landscapes. Plan a trip to Masai Mara for a once-in-a-lifetime safari and witness the Big Five in their natural habitat. Other popular weekend getaways include:
- Lake Naivasha: Enjoy a boat ride among hippos and take a walking safari on Crescent Island.
- Hell’s Gate National Park: Hike through dramatic gorges or cycle alongside zebras and giraffes.
- Amboseli National Park: Spot herds of elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro as the backdrop.
- Mombasa & Coastline: Relax on white-sand beaches or explore Swahili culture in this historic port city.
There’s no shortage of things to do in Kenya – just be sure to plan ahead to make the most of your weekends. For help customizing your excursions, contact traveldesk@volunteeringsolutions.com and we’ll assist with your tour planning.
Apply Now
Ready to experience Kenya in the most meaningful way possible?
Apply now to join a volunteer program that allows you to support local communities, connect with people from around the world and explore the magic of Kenya.
Let your journey start here.
Add-on Tours
There’s so much to do in Kenya that one can easily fall short of time. Of course, going for a wildlife safari at Maasai Mara is something that one can never miss! Apart from that, if you happen to be in the country during the “Great Wildebeest Migration”, then you should surely witness it – one of the best natural migrations in the world. In the outskirts of Nairobi, there’s David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust where you can spend a whole day, playing with little elephants and feeding them. Take a tour of the Giraffe Manor or just explore the markets of Nairobi, savoring the flavors of delicious Kenyan cuisine. Day trips can also be arranged for Amboseli National Park, Nairobi National Park, Mombasa, and other places.
Go ahead and choose your weekend tour. In case you have any doubts or wish to customize your trip, simply write to us at traveldesk@volunteeringsolutions.com and we’ll help you plan your weekend!
Quick facts
At a glance
Volunteer Projects you can join in Kenya
Kenya Raptor Conservation & Rehabilitation Program
Work hands-on with majestic birds of prey in Kenya’s Rift Valley, supporting real rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation efforts…
1 Week Special Volunteer Program in Kenya
Be a volunteer for the 1 Weeks Special Volunteer Program in Kenya, work in and around the city…
2 Weeks Special Volunteer Program in Kenya
The 2-Week Special Volunteer Program in Kenya allows volunteers to care for children in a childcare center while…
Childcare Volunteer Program in Kenya
Volunteering in Kenya with children is the most rewarding experience for volunteers. Volunteers work alongside the existing staff…
Volunteer Teaching in Kenya
Volunteer teaching program in Kenya is an opportunity to teach to the children of undeserved communities, directly engage…
Travel on your weekends

2N/3 Days Masai Mara Joining Safari
Step into the wild at the legendary Masai Mara—home of the Big Five and endless savannahs.An unforgettable safari…

1N/2 Days Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha Joining Safari
A weekend safari that packs in big cats, epic landscapes, and unforgettable moments.Experience Kenya’s wild heart at Lake…
What our volunteers say
Explore other destinations
Your questions, answered
How to volunteer in Kenya?
A Kenya volunteer experience is a truly unforgettable way to explore the rich and diverse local culture as well as travelling with a difference. Whether volunteering abroad for the first time or as a returning VolSol alumnus, we can help kickstart your volunteering journey in Kenya today! If you’re looking to make a lasting impact on our volunteer programs in Kenya and truly become a global citizen, our teams are ready for you to get in touch and help find the perfect volunteering opportunity for you.
The ‘how’ in how to volunteer abroad in Kenya is a pretty simple process that our team can guide you through. The hard part is choosing a program that you want to get involved in! Our Kenya volunteer programs offer a breadth of opportunities to work with those in need of the support and contributions you can offer. Our volunteering opportunities in Kenya are based in the capital, Nairobi.
If you want to volunteer with children in Kenya, then we have two options available to you; our Teaching English Program, and our Childcare Program. Both are greatly worthwhile projects that provide support and nurturement to the little ones. If you’ve always wanted to volunteer as a teacher in Kenya, the Teaching English program would be best suited to you. Aspiring educators can expect to work alongside the permanent staff, and assist lessons. In some cases, you may even be able to lead lessons! You can prepare lesson plans, help with assessment and keeping track of progress, as well as perhaps implementing new ideas and teaching methods!
Our volunteer organisations in Kenya also include childcare centres, where those who are interested in child development can get involved! The Childcare program requires volunteers who are ready to make a meaningful difference to the lives of the children, by taking care of them. Your tasks will include teaching and playing with the children, assisting in feeding, dressing, and keeping the children active, as well as engaging profoundly with the locals and understanding the issues and concerns prevailing in the region. Most importantly, you will shower them in love and care, providing them with a loving and safe environment to grow in.
The above two programs would be perfect for teens or students looking for volunteer opportunities in Kenya. If you’re looking for something different over the summer, summer volunteering in Kenya would be the perfect way to spend your time! Our 1 and 2-week specials allow you to travel with a difference and make an impact locally, whilst also getting to enjoy the best that Kenya has to offer!
Still not sure? If you’re a medical or nursing student, or perhaps a budding nurse or doctor, you can join our Healthcare Program! You will have an unparalleled opportunity to experience healthcare under a new context and gain invaluable experience in the medical field.
Have we piqued your interest? Good! Are you ready to get started? Even better! Volunteering in Kenya is only a few clicks away; choose your program, click ‘Apply Now’, complete the registration process, and let us take care of the rest. Get in touch with us today for more information on how we can make your volunteering experience in Kenya unforgettable.
Why volunteer in Kenya with Volunteering Solutions?
Volunteering Solutions offers a wide range of programs in over 25 destinations worldwide. In the last 17 years, we have placed over 21,000 international volunteers across various projects and internships, helping them grow personally and professionally while making a difference to the world at large. We’ve hosted teen volunteering groups as well as gap year travellers, youth volunteers as well as family volunteering groups across various destinations.
Not only do we have our experience, but we have many accreditations that attest to our excellence in the field as well as our legitimacy as a volunteering experience coordinator. We are approved by WYSE Work Abroad, Go Overseas, and many other accreditors for volunteering abroad organisations.
We have a dedicated team that ensures that volunteers have a smooth and memorable experience, learning from their peers along the way. From the moment you inquire, through the process of clearing doubts, filling out the application, making payments, accessing the Pre-Departure Guidebook, and reaching the volunteering location followed by Program Orientation – our team supports you every step of the way. We have in-country coordinators and representatives to assist you at the project sites.
Additionally, Volunteering Solutions offers various support services, including:
- Medical and travel insurance at a nominal extra cost
- Fundraising assistance for volunteers facing financial challenges
- Weekend excursions and hikes in Kenya
- Local transportation and airport drop-offs for a minimal extra cost
Upon completing your project, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion, which will significantly enhance your career prospects. This experience will boost your CV/resume and expand your social network. It’s a journey you’ll cherish forever.
Volunteering Solutions also provides tailor-made projects for group volunteering (students, colleagues, or families) where people can work together and explore Kenya most uniquely.
Where to volunteer in Kenya?
Kenya is a land full to the brim of surprises and beauty. From the vast plains of the savannah and the desert, to the endless coastline to the east, Kenya has it all! Our programs are based in the capital, Nairobi, the urban centre.
Nairobi is a fantastically vibrant and diverse city, with so much to do and see! The Nairobi National Park feels truly like an urban jungle, with giraffes, lions, and other wildlife roaming right next to the dense metropolis next door. You can enjoy both the ease and comfortability of the city, alongside the quiet majesty of the great outdoors. It is one of the best places to volunteer in Kenya!
What volunteer opportunities are available in Kenya?
Out of all of our African volunteer destinations, Kenya was one of the first countries we included! Have you always wanted to volunteer in Africa? Here’s what we have on offer:
- 2 Week Special, Kenya
- 1 Week Special, Kenya
- Teaching English Program, Kenya
- Childcare Program, Kenya
- Healthcare Medical Program, Kenya
What are the requirements and eligibility to volunteer in Kenya?
Think you could be a great addition to our team? Let us know if you fulfil the following requirements!
Be at least 17 years or older at the time of joining the project.
Have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment.
Should also be proactive and can take initiative.
Should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.
Should be open to learning, and be friendly with everyone.
Apart from that, a Criminal Background Check Report is essential for volunteers who are joining Childcare, or Teaching programs. And you should be empathic towards the animals if you want to volunteer for wildlife conservation programs.
How much does it cost to volunteer in Kenya?
Our project prices start as low as £298 in Kenya! This is what we include as standard:
- 24 hrs Assistance and support from staff
- Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information
- Pick up from the airport
- Orientation
- Food (2-3 times a day)
- Accommodation
- Travel & Medical Insurance (available at an extra cost)
- Certificate Of Completion
Can I volunteer in Kenya for free?
Like everywhere else around the world, volunteering in Kenya comes for a minimal fee, which also covers your airport pickup, accommodation, and pre-departure booklet that contains all the information to get you started on your volunteering journey! Other than that, youll also be provided with meals, pick up and drop from the project site to your accommodation, and most importantly, there will be 24/7 in-country support.
However, you can always fundraise to pay for your meaningful volunteer trip and experience the goodness of travelling abroad to make a difference.
Is it safe to volunteer in Kenya?
We have had volunteer programs in Kenya for over 17 years! Since our inception in 2007, we have sent over 21,000 volunteers to over 25 destinations across the world! We have much experience in providing unforgettable volunteering experiences across the world, and our excellence in the field is a testament to that!
We know what volunteers look for regarding safety and security during their stay. All of our accommodation is located in safe areas, with 24/7 support from VolSol staff. You will be provided with a full orientation about the country, the city, and the local area to ensure you are as best informed as you can be!
Our pre-departure booklet provides comprehensive information about the do’s and don’ts of the area, and how best to respect the cultures and traditions of your destination of choice!
Packing essentials for volunteering in Kenya
Our projects are based in Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, so much of what you may need will be easily available if you forget anything. However, here’s some basics that we suggest taking with you:
- Microfibre towels. Towels are not provided, and microfibre towels are a great space-saving alternative to regular towels. They also dry super quickly, making them useful for beach days as well as regular use.
- A small bum bag to keep your valuables nearby and handy when on the project and in your free time! Nothing worse than having to hold your phone the whole time.
- A mosquito net! Kenya has made great progress in controlling mosquito-borne disease, but being bitten all over still isn’t any fun! Bring strong insect repellent with DEET as well.
What is the best time to volunteer in Kenya?
Like many of our destinations, Kenya does not have a temperate climate with 4 seasons. The dry season is in January, February, and July to October. Temperatures in Nairobi range from the low-mid twenties to the high twenties throughout the year - you’re always guaranteed some rays!
If you’re hoping to go on one of our safari trips, the best times to go also coincide with the dry season. However, if you’re hoping to miss the crowds and avoid the summer costs, January and February are fantastic times to visit! Also a great time to beat those winter blues in the Northern Hemisphere.
Who can volunteer in Kenya?
We welcome volunteers from all over the world and different walks of life! We firmly believe that diversity and inclusion can only make the world a better place. We want to champion global citizens with an international vision and a deep commitment to the betterment of our society. Our volunteers should be compassionate, enthusiastic about change, diligent, and open-minded.
Our projects cater to group volunteering in Kenya, as well as family volunteering groups, student volunteering, gap year travellers, as well as teenage travellers looking to expand their horizons.
You can easily apply to volunteer in kenya and be a part of our mission trips by following a few simple steps. Once you have decided which program you wish to join, and in which destination, you can go ahead and fill out the application form here.
You will receive a welcome email from the team, acknowledging your application. We will then send your Booking Confirmation in 7-10 working days. Once you receive your Booking Confirmation you can log into your account to view your trip details and make your final payments.
If you can’t decide which program to join, or where to travel, you can always write to us at info@volunteeringsolutions.com - and our Program Advisors will assist you.
How to get a visa for Kenya?
Before travelling to Kenya, please ensure that you meet the following general requirements:
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your expected return date.
- Ensure your passport has at least two blank pages for your visa and other necessary stamps upon arrival and departure.
You will also need to apply for Electronic Travel Authorisation. You can click here to do so.
What will I do on a Medical Mission Trip in Kenya?
Looking to take on a medical mission trip to Kenya? Our Nairobi project is a superb opportunity to get involved in healthcare in a new country, and experience medical care under a new cultural context. Your knowledge complemented by the learning you will gain from this program will make you an unrivalled candidate for medical programs, as well as progressing your current career.
To join, you must be 18 years of age and 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. Medical 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 Med, Medical, Nursing students, CNA’s and midwifery students can join the program!
Your role in the hospital will depend on your level of experience, qualifications, and medical experience. If you are a pre-med/nursing student, you will be involved in a more observational role with the opportunity to carry out some basic tasks, such as checking blood pressure, temperature, and cleaning wounds! You will also carry out administrative work.
Medical and nursing students will be able to do the above, as well as other tasks suited to their qualifications and knowledge. You will be able to do the ward rounds checking in with patients and work in areas of maternal health, surgery, laboratories, counselling, etc. Don’t forget to bring along your scrubs and lab coats!
Our healthcare volunteer project in Kenya is always very popular, with people going throughout the year! Think that you could be the perfect match? Join our medical volunteer project in Kenya today!
Is it possible to join short term volunteer programs in Kenya?
We understand that not everyone has an extended period of time for a volunteer experience in Kenya, which is why we have created our 1 and 2 week special programs to give those who want the chance to volunteer abroad in Kenya the best experience possible.
Our one and two-week specials allow you to truly become a global citizen and immerse yourself wholly in the culture and traditions of Kenya. You are able to make an impact locally to those who depend on the NGOs we work with, as well as see the treasures and monuments that earmark each era of Kenyan history.
Our one-week volunteer program in Kenya allows for you to involve yourself in our childcare program and provide the children with the care and attention they need! You will be giving back to the community during the week, and over the weekend you can experience the majesty of the savannah in Nairobi National Park - the only national park in the world that’s located in the area of a capital city!
Are you looking for volunteer travel in Kenya for a little bit longer? Our two-week special could be the project for you! You’ll spend the weekdays volunteering in the centre of Nairobi and getting to know the children on the project. The first weekend you will go on safari, to Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha. You will stop for some time at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint on the way to enjoy the amazing views of the largest Valley in the world, said to be visible from outer space.
The last day of volunteering, you will experience Nairobi up close and personal. From Mamba village where you will witness the unique Nile crocodile to beautiful landscapes and ostrich farms. Enjoy some scrumptious traditional food in the village with your group.
Later in the day, we will take you to Bomas of Kenya. This is a tourist village which displays several traditional villages belonging to Kenyan tribes. You can see different aspects of Kenyan culture including living styles, arts, culture, crafts, music and dances.
There’s so many options to travel short-term in Kenya, you’re spoilt for choice! Get in contact with us now to discuss options.
Is it possible to join long term volunteer programs in Kenya?
If youre looking to volunteer for more than 2 weeks, you are more than welcome to! We can cater stays up to 24 weeks, so you can spend the best part of the year with us in Kenya! A popular choice for many volunteers is to begin with a 2-week special, and extend your stay with us on the project of your choice.
Worried you’ll be bored? No way! Nairobi is a treasure trove of hidden gems and friendly locals to make your time as memorable as possible. You can also join a safari! They range from day safaris to 3-day extravaganzas. Experience the awe-inspiring big 5 in all their glory over the weekend, and you can start off the week by telling your new friends all about it!
Want to know more about what trips are available to you? Just email traveldesk@volunteeringsolutions.com for more information on this!
Will I have free time to explore Kenya during my volunteer trip?
Of course, when you are travelling to a new country, it’s obvious that you’d want to explore and experience the area, making the most of your journey.
You can spend your afternoons exploring the local areas, enjoying the cuisine in quaint cafés in the centre. You can spend time soaking up the rays in Uhuru park, where many families enjoy doing the same!
Feel like your money is burning a hole in your pocket? Then take yourself down to the Village market in Gigiri. A beautiful little spot where you can buy little trinkets to remember your trip to Kenya by! Spinner’s Web is another hidden gem full of crafts and hand-made items from local artisans!
If you’re looking for something to get the adrenaline going, you can visit the top of Kenya’s 6th tallest building! The Kenyatta International Convention Centre has views all over the city, and you can visit the top if you’re feeling brave enough!
With so much to explore, you’ll never want to leave!













