Volunteer Programs in Kenya

The most popular places to volunteer in Kenya are Nairobi, Mombasa, and rural areas for conservation efforts and community development. However, depending on your volunteer project, you could end up in many different parts of Kenya.

8 Best Volunteer Opportunities in Kenya

It's difficult to volunteer in Kenya for free. Volunteer projects charge a fee so that they can continue to operate and make an impact in Kenya. You may be able to secure a scholarship to volunteer abroad, or you can fundraise through FundMyTravel.

How to (Almost) Volunteer in Africa for Free

Yes, Kenya is safe to volunteer! As with anywhere in the world though, you'll need to use common sense and practice caution in order to stay safe, especially when traveling alone.

Visit UN Volunteers to see if they're accepting volunteers in Kenya. It should be noted that UN Volunteers only accept volunteers who have applicable skills for a placement, such as nursing or construction.

9 Resources to Find Paid Volunteer Work Abroad

You'll enter Kenya on a tourist eVisa and then apply for a Volunteer Permit once you're in the country. The process and price for both the eVisa and Volunteer Permit may vary depending on your nationality.

International Visas: What You Need to Know

Latest Program Reviews

Life changing experience

September 17, 2025by: Natanja K - SwitzerlandProgram: Make a Lasting Impact as a Life Skills Volunteer in Kenya

10

In the beginning, I wasn’t sure if going to Kenya for a social project was the right decision. But from the very first call with Tom, I felt an instant sense of trust and warmth. I was welcomed with open arms and felt part of something meaningful right away. The experience truly changed my life — whether it was hearing the touching stories of the children, working on the streets, or speaking in schools. Every moment was deeply moving, and I always felt safe, supported, and cared for. I can wholeheartedly recommend this journey.

My daughter Jane and I at BetterMe...what an experience!!

September 17, 2025by: Guido Colaers - BelgiumProgram: Teaching & Community Support in Kenya

10

My daughter Jane went at Better Me for the thirth time and she asked me to come with her, I was hesistant at first but I'm so glad I went along. As a 50year old Belgian father, I was surprised by everything I saw on arriving in the African continent: another world opened my eyes, a culture shock! I don't have experience in education or teaching, so I proposed to help as a handyman. The first days I gave a helping hand to Lawrence by making concrete, installing doors and a new closet in the kitchen and while we worked, I made connection with the little boys and we played together...football, painting, coloring, hide and seek, catcher,...I made them laugh, they made me laugh...unforgettable those little faces! When they had to work in the garden, I was with them to help and little by little also the bigger boys opened up more and more. One day the bigger boys and girls guided me to hike up to the hill: a challinging walk with a beautifull view over Kisumu and Lake Victoria as a reward...I was one of them :)... In the evening when the boys went to sleep, I was not always sure: should I cry or laugh? As a father from the wealthy Europe I was effected by the situation buth finally I am convinced that despite the minimal comfort, these kids are doing well: they have education and school, they have good food, they receive love from the many employees and volunteers...they have a future, thanks to Better Me! A lot of thanks to my daughter Jane for taking me along and off course to Better Me for the big work they do everyday and for the unforgettable experience they gave to me. One day, I will be back! Guido from Belgium.

Life changing experience

September 17, 2025by: Natanja K - SwitzerlandProgram: Make a Lasting Impact as a Life Skills Volunteer in Kenya

10

In the beginning, I wasn’t sure if going to Kenya for a social project was the right decision. But from the very first call with Tom, I felt an instant sense of trust and warmth. I was welcomed with open arms and felt part of something meaningful right away. The experience truly changed my life — whether it was hearing the touching stories of the children, working on the streets, or speaking in schools. Every moment was deeply moving, and I always felt safe, supported, and cared for. I can wholeheartedly recommend this journey.

My daughter Jane and I at BetterMe...what an experience!!

September 17, 2025by: Guido Colaers - BelgiumProgram: Teaching & Community Support in Kenya

10

My daughter Jane went at Better Me for the thirth time and she asked me to come with her, I was hesistant at first but I'm so glad I went along. As a 50year old Belgian father, I was surprised by everything I saw on arriving in the African continent: another world opened my eyes, a culture shock! I don't have experience in education or teaching, so I proposed to help as a handyman. The first days I gave a helping hand to Lawrence by making concrete, installing doors and a new closet in the kitchen and while we worked, I made connection with the little boys and we played together...football, painting, coloring, hide and seek, catcher,...I made them laugh, they made me laugh...unforgettable those little faces! When they had to work in the garden, I was with them to help and little by little also the bigger boys opened up more and more. One day the bigger boys and girls guided me to hike up to the hill: a challinging walk with a beautifull view over Kisumu and Lake Victoria as a reward...I was one of them :)... In the evening when the boys went to sleep, I was not always sure: should I cry or laugh? As a father from the wealthy Europe I was effected by the situation buth finally I am convinced that despite the minimal comfort, these kids are doing well: they have education and school, they have good food, they receive love from the many employees and volunteers...they have a future, thanks to Better Me! A lot of thanks to my daughter Jane for taking me along and off course to Better Me for the big work they do everyday and for the unforgettable experience they gave to me. One day, I will be back! Guido from Belgium.