Volunteer in Kenya

In Kenya, volunteers will find a dynamic melting pot of languages, cultures, wildlife and landscapes. The Kenyan Highlands make up one of the most successful agricultural production regions in all of Africa, and contribute to Kenya’s stability. Kenya is roughly the size of France and contains considerable geographic diversity – you will see mountains, deserts, volcanic highlands and wide savannas en-route to the Indian Ocean. Kenya is comfortably warm year-round with heavy rainfall in the spring. Wildlife habitats, including Maasai Mara, protect many native wildlife species including lions, rhinoceros, leopards, buffalo and elephants. Rural areas are rich with tradition, and volunteers can expect to be welcomed again and again by friendly locals.

United Planet is the US and Canadian partner of the International Cultural Youth Exchange, or ICYE. As a volunteer in Kenya, you will be hosted by ICYE Kenya, ICYE’s Kenyan partner organization. ICYE Kenya exists to offer opportunities for cultural understanding between youth from all over the globe and to create a world without prejudices and stereotypes.

United Planet also offers mid-term (4 weeks to 16 weeks) volunteer abroad programs and virtual volunteering and virtual internships in Kenya.  Learn more about all of our volunteer abroad programs and virtual volunteering and virtual internship countries and projects in Africa.

Volunteers assist children from a variety of disadvantaged backgrounds including rescued child laborers, abandoned street children, disabled children, children from troubled families, those who have suffered abuse, and orphans. Volunteer tasks may include assisting the organization with fundraising, supervising the children’s play, developing activities and workshops, or supporting families from low-income communities.

Volunteers assist with projects that aim to encourage youth from disadvantaged communities to further their education and personal development. In addition to promoting the importance of education, individuals may also be encouraged to undertake vocational training where they are able to gain key job skills. Volunteers may create social workshops or run specific skills-based workshops such as language classes, computing, sports, drama or music.

Volunteers can assist with forest rehabilitation, community awareness programs, and environmentally-friendly income generating activities. Volunteer tasks may include planting trees, organizing special events, and taking part in community cultural activities.

Volunteers support local charities with the distribution of quality and affordable medicine to low-income communities. The goal of these projects is to reach remote or immobile individuals in order to promote the development and well-being of inhabitants in rural communities. Volunteers may assist in the daily running of mobile clinics in addition to other tasks.

Experience Kenya’s unique culture by visiting one of the many tribal villages. There are 42 different tribes in Kenya, and in each one there is the opportunity to learn more about the customs, rituals, and daily life of the villagers.

The Maralal Camel Derloy is an annual festival that take place before and after the race. Watch the race as it begins in the centre of town. The excitement in the air is electric from start to finish.

There are different types of safaris that you can go on; walking safaris, balloon safaris, camel safaris, and many more. Each safari will provide you with a closer look into the variety of wildlife that inhabits Kenya.

Visit a prehistoric site during your time in Kenya. The Olorgesailie prehistoric site contains well-preserved examples of human evolution. This is a perfect place to learn not only about Kenya’s history, but your own history as a human being.

• Extensive pre-departure preparation, including a training weekend in New Hampshire with United Planet staff or online
• Food and lodging in your host country
• Airport transfers
• Emergency medical insurance
• In-country orientation upon arrival and ongoing support and supervision throughout your Quest
• Language training
• Mid-year camp (for 1 year volunteers) and final camp
• Monthly stipend for incidental expenses

• 18 – 30 years old
• Citizen or resident of the United States or Canada

• Volunteers are responsible for booking and covering the cost of their own flights (including pre-departure training)
• Volunteers will obtain the necessary visas with support from our Long-Term staff to volunteer in their host country.