Volunteer in Kenya

Volunteer in Kenya, one of the most naturally stunning countries in Africa, full of natural wonders. From tropical beaches, spectacular scenery to rich culture to unparalleled wildlife, Kenya has abundant natural beauty. In this beautiful country, you can meet the traditional Maasai on their ancestral lands and a volunteer in Maasai Land can learn much from these highly traditional people. Volunteers who travel to Kenya will spot the incredible wildlife and admire the stunning valleys. Adventure in Kenya includes exploration of beautiful villages and diverse cultures. IFRE's programs to host volunteers in Kenya are located in Nairobi and Maasai Land, two vibrant cities. In the IFRE Kenya volunteer program, you serve the local communities, share your experience and compassion by volunteering in a Nairobi orphanage and with local youth while exploring a great African country. An enriching volunteer abroad experience is waiting for you! Hot and humid, Nairobi is the modern capital city of Kenya aka the "Green City in the Sun” referring to the lush greenery throughout the city.

Volunteer Work Projects and Locations

IFRE’s Kenya volunteer program presently supports local orphanages, HIV/AIDS efforts, local schools and NGOs working on different social issues. IFRE’s volunteer projects in Kenya are located in Maasai Land and Nairobi. Volunteers can work in any of these volunteer projects while sharing their love and skill with humanity: the local children, women's groups and communities at large. Volunteers can help in any of these volunteer projects in Kenya:

Volunteer Program Fees & Dates:

Start Dates: Volunteer programs starts on the following (first and third Monday of each month)

IFRE is a 501(c)3 organization, so your program fee will be tax deductible. IFRE Volunteers is proud to offer an extensive assortment of programs at very reasonable prices (and may rank “best priced and best value” among the many volunteer abroad organizations in the USA/Europe/New Zealand). Our programs are now more affordable than ever. We are proud to focus on the humanitarian aspect of our business, not the profit. We work very hard and smart to keep costs down, especially for you the volunteer, as we know the value of your donated time and efforts. We remain devoted to maintaining both the quality of the program and the safety of all volunteers involved. Below is a brief summary of the program fee and services that IFRE Volunteers offers.

IFRE fees comprise of two separate fees. An application fee of $349 USD (covers advertising, staff/office expenses, etc.) and a nominal weekly program fee (covers room/board, insurance, field support, etc).

Language and Cultural Immersion

In Kenya, IFRE offers one week of Language and Cultural orientation in Nairobi. This week long intensive language and cultural immersion program includes: language training, lessons on history, culture, ways of life, visits to local villages/towns/markets, guided Nairobi exploration and local tourist attractions. This IFRE program aims to submerge you in Kenyan culture, history and ways of life to vastly improve your time as a volunteer in Kenya. When you understand the life and culture around you, your experience is richer and more rewarding. However, you can choose to take the Language and Cultural immersion program or go directly into a volunteer project. If you choose to participate in this one week Language and Cultural immersion course, your volunteer program will begin the Monday following this one-week of Language and Cultural Immersion taught in and around Nairobi. This experience should not be missed! So many international travelers wish they could have an opportunity such as this to receive a briefing on customs, language and history.

Find Details of Language & culture program

Arrangement of Room/Food/Supervision

IFRE manages living accommodations, provides meals and supervision for volunteers for the entirety of their stay in Kenya. During the volunteer period, most volunteers stay in our safe and secure Nairobi homebase. IFRE’s Nairobi homebase is located in a beautiful area nearly 30 km from the Nairobi (Jomo Kenyatta) International Airport in the Thome 1 Estate in the Kasarani division of Nairobi. This estate is very safe and manned with onsite security. It is a clean, sparsely furnished home but will meet all your needs as an IFRE volunteer. It is close to the local bus station.

In the Thome 1 Estate you can see beautiful British style houses which belong to some wealthy families of Kenya. Many business families, high ranked government officials and people with high social status live in this village. The nearby local bus (matatu) station is only one km away from the homebase and it is easily accessible by walking. This matatu runs to downtown Nairobi and it is approximately 15 km from IFRE’s homebase in Kasarani. The matatu (van/bus style taxi) fare should be approximately $1 one way. Useful amenities within 2 km of the IFRE homebase are an internet café, restaurant and supermarket. The local police station is also located within approximately 2 km from the IFRE homebase.

Occasionally, depending on volunteer traffic, available projects or distance to a volunteer’s assigned project, we may also place our volunteers with carefully pre-screened host families. Our host families are socially respected and are experienced with hosting international volunteers. They have strong interest in our volunteers’ safety and well being and demonstrate this with caution and care. In most host family situations, volunteers will share a room with another volunteer of the same gender. Another viable option is an at-orphanage stay. Many orphanages in Kenya have set aside special rooms to house international volunteers. Volunteers who have stayed with a host family or at an orphanage describe an enriched experience as a result of having done so. Once you have applied for program placement, you will find the specific details of your accommodations in your personal placement documents for your project.

Volunteer Program Free Time

Volunteers have free time for the duration of their volunteer project, weekends and the Language and Culture program. While IFRE does not arrange activities during this time off, our local staff, members and coordinators can provide priceless assistance in making appropriate arrangements for travel in Kenya. It’s the time for self discovery and learning. It’s time to explore this foreign culture and exotic land. It’s definitely time for a safari in Kenya! Our IFRE local coordinators/staff are available to give you free advice, travel tips and helps to book your travel.

Kenya has coastal beaches and game reserves, not to mention an amazing assortment of safari adventures in Kenya to enjoy. In your free time, you can explore the amazing wildlife, fascinating landscape and colorful cultures and customs. Or you can simply hike in the village. Please discuss your options with our local project staff to find the best way for you to spend your free time in Kenya.

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