Overview

Volunteers working in the childcare project work in children home placements or kindergarten placements located in and around the capital city of Nairobi. Placements are primarily located in suburban areas such as Gitaru and Kikuyu. As a volunteer, you will be working with abandoned and vulnerable children at the placement.The children will receive much needed attention, compassion,hope,encouragement,support and love from you.Through the education and compassion they receive from you, the children are empowered to challenge life, poverty and exploitation.

By dedicating your time and skills, you’ll contribute to the growth,well-being,and education of the children while immersing yourself in the local culture. Along the way, you’ll build meaningful connections, gain a deeper understanding of the challenges facing these children, and experience the rewarding feeling of making a difference in their lives.

A chance to do volunteer work in childcare projects in Kenya is a meaningful way to contribute to the betterment of the country. A region replete with many contrasts that include its landscape to demographics, and more so its social and economic inequalities, Kenya is one of the most unequal countries in the sub-region of Africa, according to UNICEF. With rising mortality rates because of several diseases such as HIV and Tuberculosis, unattended and uncared for children are increasing in rising numbers.

By volunteering in the childcare program in Nairobi you will get an incredible opportunity to experience life in Nairobi while making a meaningful impact on the local community.

Why Volunteer in a Childcare Project in Nairobi ?

Volunteering in a childcare project within Nairobi’s slums and poorer areas offers an incredibly impactful and rewarding way to help some of the most vulnerable children in one of the world’s most challenging urban environments. Here are several compelling reasons why you should consider volunteering in these projects:

Supporting Vulnerable Children
Many children in Nairobi’s slums face harsh realities, such as poverty, neglect, and limited access to education and healthcare. By volunteering with childcare projects, you directly contribute to improving their lives. You help provide a safe, nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and find hope for a better future.
Supporting organisations with lack of resources
The needs in the childcare project in Nairobi are immense, but even small efforts can have a powerful impact. Volunteers can do fundraising back home before joining the project and bring valuable resources or donations for the children and the project. Basic essential supplies such as diapers, food supplies, medicines can be in short supply and volunteers can help with donation of these items as well. As a volunteer you will also act as a helper to the caregivers and staff at the project.
Inspire Hope and Positive Change
Children in the slums and poor communities often grow up in difficult circumstances, but they are full of potential. By volunteering in a childcare project, you help instill hope, offer encouragement, and show these children that they are valued and capable of achieving their dreams, no matter their background.
Experience Cultural Immersion
Volunteering in a childcare project offers the chance to immerse yourself in the local culture, understand the daily realities of life for families in poverty, and gain a deeper appreciation for the strength and resilience of the people you work with.

Want to see other ways to make an impact? Check out our Volunteer in Africa programs.

Volunteer Work Schedule

Volunteering Solutions provide accommodation in Nairobi at a volunteer house. The schedule for the volunteers remains as follows;

Sunday - Arrival at the program destination
Monday - Orientation + introduction to the placement (commute + local staff + kids +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, food, and other suggestion over things to do in Kenya
Tuesday to Fri - Volunteer work
Breakfast - 07:30 am onwards (self made by volunteers 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, 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

The tasks and daily work of volunteers under the Childcare Volunteering Program in Kenya varies and depends on the requirements at the project. This may include, but not limited to;

Work alongside the existing staff to care for the children in the childcare center
Take part in feeding, dressing and keeping the children active within the homes
Assist the local staff and caretakers in daily work to help them in a better way; such as cleaning and tidying the homes as well as cooking
Assist in the office of the childcare center if you think you can contribute to make them more organised and run in a more efficient manner
Teach the kids, play with them, prepare their daily records, Get involved in preparing their dishes, help in washing their clothes and some administrative work also
Helping the fundraising initiatives for new developmental projects at the children’s home

Responsibilities at the project will be several. From assisting the local caretakers in preparing nutritious meals for the children to teaching children incorporating interactive and engaging methods. The children at the center are from different age groups, school going as well as toddlers.

Project Requirement

Volunteers must be 17 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. Volunteers need to be flexible, open-minded and have a passion for working with children. You should also be proactive and have the ability to take initiative All volunteers must provide a clean criminal background check report prior to joining the program. A parental consent form shall be required for Under 18 participants joining the program.

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Living

Just pack your bags and land in Nairobi and get working at your volunteering placement. The rest is for us to handle, from your airport transfers, your stay, food and weekend tours, we manage and facilitate everything for you.

Airport Transfer

You will be met by our representative at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi from where you are transferred to the accommodations in Nairobi itself. Volunteers who will be already in Kenya or arriving overland would need to give us their contact details so that the pickup can be arranged from a specific location.

Accommodation

Volunteer Accommodations is provided in a volunteer house or in a homestay. The volunteer house is taken care of by localhost and has all the modern amenities available to ensure a comfortable stay for the volunteers. Some of the facilities available are showers, microwave, and refrigerator in the kitchen and a lounge area for the volunteers. Rooms in the volunteer house are typical dorm style rooms with 4-8 participants of the same gender sharing a room.

Orientation

A half day orientation will be provided by our staff in Nairobi. Areas like culture, safety, locations, transportation are covered in the Orientation. After your orientation is over, you will be introduced to your project.

Meals

Volunteers are provided with 2 meals(Breakfast and Dinner) on weekdays and three meals during the weekends. Typical meals include Ugali, Chapatti, Chai (Tea), Bread and rice with vegetables and fruits. Volunteers also purchase supplies from the supermarkets and take with them packed food cooked on own to the project.

During your Free Time

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.

Dates

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

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. A 5% international banking fee is charged for credit card payments of program fee in USD/AUD.

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)

What's NOT Included?

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

FAQ's

Accommodation, Meals and Daily Life

How do I get to the program location?: After providing the orientation about city,safety guidelines and your placement, 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.
Can I know more about accommodation and food arrangements?: Volunteers in Nairobi are provided accommodation in 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 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.
For Breakfast volunteers are given supplies such as Bread, Eggs, Butter/Margarine Spread, Fruits, Tea, 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 or near the project.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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.

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 Solutions Facebook Page or Facebook Group to connect with other participants and our team.

To read alumni interviews from past participants, visit the Meet a Volunteer section on our website.
Can you put me in contact with other volunteers who have done this program?: We can only provide contact details for former volunteers who have consented to having their data shared. However, there is a Facebook group for past and current volunteers which you are welcome to join. There are also hundreds of reviews online from our former volunteers as well as social media posts on Instagram, TikTok and our You Tube Channel.
Can I meet other volunteers before I arrive?: The best thing to do is join our Facebook group and put up a post detailing your start date, that way you can connect directly with other volunteers joining at the same time as you.

Flights, Arrival and Visa Information

Do I need to take a Visa to go to Kenya?: Yes, all participants need to apply for Electronic Travel Authorization before going to Kenya. Please visit the following link to apply for the ETA, https://etakenya.go.ke/
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

Health, Safety and Support

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. To view more about the insurance offered by Volunteering Solutions, click here
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. The recommended vaccinations are as follows:
Yellow Fever (If coming from a YFV infected country)
Hepatitis A and B
Typhoid

Program Overview and Application Process

Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the Kenya volunteer programs?: The necessary requirements to participate in the Nairobi, Kenya volunteer projects are as follows:-
All programs have a minimum age for volunteers joining independently. Depending on the program selected, the minimum age is either 17 or 18. For some programs it is possible for volunteers to join below this age if volunteering alongside a parent or guardian.
Volunteers must be in good health, and need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment, and should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.Volunteers need to provide a clean criminal background check before joining the program.
Do I need to know the local language or English to join the volunteer program? If so, what level?: You don’t need to know the local language but you will need some knowledge of English to join our programs in Kenya, but the level required will depend on the program you choose. For the Childcare and Special Needs programs, you will need a minimum of basic English (A1-A2 in the European Framework for Languages) and for the Teaching programs, intermediate level English (B1-B2) is required. However, we encourage volunteers to practice their English as much as possible before arrival to get the best out of their volunteer experience.
Can I know more about the Program location in Kenya?: Volunteering Solutions offers programs in Nairobi and its suburban areas. Nairobi, the vibrant capital of Kenya, is a dynamic city where modern urban life meets rich wildlife and cultural heritage. Known as the “Green City in the Sun,” Nairobi blends bustling markets, contemporary shopping districts, and lively nightlife with wide-open natural landscapes. One of its most unique features is the Nairobi National Park, located just outside the city center, where lions, giraffes, and rhinos roam against the backdrop of skyscrapers. The city also offers meaningful cultural experiences at places like the Karen Blixen Museum, the Nairobi National Museum, and the Bomas of Kenya. Neighborhoods such as Westlands, Karen, and Lavington provide great dining, cafés, and entertainment, while local markets like Maasai Market offer opportunities to shop for crafts and handmade goods. As East Africa’s major hub for travel, business, and international organizations, Nairobi is energetic, diverse, and full of memorable experiences for visitors of all kinds.
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.
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.
How do I apply for a program and when do I need to pay?: You can book your slot by filling the online application form and pay the application fee. You can pay your program fee later and also, in installments, however, the complete payment should be made 45 days prior the start of the program. If you are volunteering in a group, you can also fill a group application form. The initial application fee is refunded in the unlikely event that we’re not able to offer you a place on the program, and you have the flexibility to request a change of start date up until the 45 day payment deadline (this is subject to availability for other dates).
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.
Can I apply with a friend?: Yes! On our application form you can detail the name of the friend(s) or partner you are applying with. You will be placed in the same project and accommodation and in the same dorm (subject to restrictions regarding male and female dorms). There is also the option of a private room upgrade in the volunteer house, subject to availability and the relevant upgrade fee. Please enquire with our team regarding prices and availability.
What happens if the program isn’t available?: We will refund your application fee if the program isn’t available after you have applied.