Introduction
Volunteering is a wonderful way to give back to your community, gain new skills, meet people, and make a positive impact in Kenya. Whether you have a few hours a week or want to commit to a longer project, there are many opportunities across Nairobi and major counties.
This guide will help you find legitimate volunteer opportunities that match your interests, skills, and available time.
Benefits of Volunteering
Personal Growth
- Learn new skills
- Gain work experience
- Build your CV/resume
- Discover new interests
- Develop leadership abilities
- Improve communication skills
Professional Development
- Network with professionals
- Get references for jobs or school
- Apply your professional skills
- Explore career paths
- Fill employment gaps meaningfully
Social Connection
- Meet like-minded people
- Make friends across social groups
- Feel part of community
- Reduce isolation and loneliness
- Build support networks
Health and Wellbeing
- Sense of purpose and fulfillment
- Improved mental health
- Stay active
- Reduced stress
- Happiness from helping others
Community Impact
- Address local problems
- Support vulnerable people
- Improve your neighborhood
- Be part of solutions
- Leave positive legacy
Types of Volunteer Work Available
Children and Youth
Orphanages and Children’s Homes
- Playing with and mentoring children
- Tutoring and homework help
- Arts and crafts activities
- Sports and recreation
- Life skills teaching
Schools and Education
- Teaching assistant
- Computer/technology instruction
- Library support
- Sports coaching
- Career mentoring
Youth Centers
- After-school programs
- Sports leagues
- Arts programs
- Life skills workshops
- Youth mentorship
Healthcare and Wellness
Hospitals and Clinics
- Patient companionship
- Administrative support
- Health education in communities
- Blood donation campaigns
Mental Health Organizations
- Crisis line support (with training)
- Support group facilitation
- Awareness campaigns
- Peer counseling
Elderly Care
- Visiting elderly in homes or hospitals
- Companionship and conversation
- Reading to elderly
- Help with activities
- Technology tutoring for seniors
Environment and Conservation
Tree Planting
- Community tree planting events
- School greening projects
- Forest restoration
- Urban gardening
Cleanup Campaigns
- Beach cleanups
- River cleanups
- Community cleanup days
- Waste management education
Wildlife Conservation
- Community education programs
- Wildlife monitoring (some organizations)
- Conservation awareness campaigns
Community Development
Food Security
- Food banks and distribution
- Community gardens
- Nutrition education
- Cooking classes for communities
Housing and Infrastructure
- Building homes for vulnerable families
- Painting schools or community centers
- Renovating facilities
- Water and sanitation projects
Skills Training
- Teaching vocational skills
- Computer literacy classes
- Financial literacy workshops
- Business mentorship
Arts and Culture
Museums and Galleries
- Tour guides
- Event support
- Education programs
- Administrative help
Community Arts Programs
- Teaching art to children
- Community theater
- Music programs
- Cultural festivals
Animal Welfare
Animal Shelters and Rescues
- Dog walking
- Cat socialization
- Cleaning and feeding
- Fundraising events
- Adoption events
Wildlife Rehabilitation
- Some centers accept volunteers
- Animal care under supervision
- Education and outreach
Emergency and Disaster Response
Kenya Red Cross
- First aid services
- Disaster response teams
- Blood donation mobilization
- Community health programs
St. John Ambulance
- First aid at events
- Community first aid training
- Emergency response
Finding Volunteer Opportunities
Nairobi Organizations
Children and Education
Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO)
- Location: Kibera and Mathare
- Focus: Education, health, water
- Activities: Teaching, mentoring, community programs
- Website: shofco.org
- Contact: Visit website for opportunities
M-PESA Foundation Academy
- Location: Thika Road
- Focus: Education for bright needy students
- Activities: Mentoring, career guidance
- Contact: Through their website
The Nest
- Location: Karen
- Focus: Abandoned babies and toddlers
- Activities: Childcare, playing with babies
- Note: Strict screening process
- Contact: info@thenest.or.ke
Healthcare
Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH)
- Location: Nairobi
- Activities: Patient support, clerical work
- Contact: Volunteer coordinator office at KNH
Nairobi Hospice
- Location: Nairobi
- Focus: Palliative care
- Activities: Patient companionship, fundraising
- Contact: www.nairobihospice.co.ke
Environment
Green Belt Movement
- Founded by Wangari Maathai
- Focus: Tree planting, conservation
- Activities: Community mobilization, tree nurseries
- Location: Nairobi and across Kenya
- Website: greenbeltmovement.org
Nairobi River Basin Cleanup
- Community cleanup events
- Regular Saturday cleanups
- Check social media for schedules
Community Development
Kenya Red Cross Society
- Locations: Headquarters in South C, branches nationwide
- Activities: Disaster response, first aid, blood donation
- How to Join: Visit county branch, register as volunteer
- Website: www.redcross.or.ke
Habitat for Humanity Kenya
- Focus: Building homes
- Activities: Construction, community development
- Contact: kenya@habitat.org
Mombasa Organizations
Children and Youth
Watoto Wema
- Children’s home in Bamburi
- Educational support
- Life skills programs
Environment
Mombasa Beach Cleanups
- Regular beach cleanup events
- Check with Mombasa County environment office
- Local environmental groups on social media
Community
Kenya Red Cross - Mombasa Branch
- Community health
- Disaster preparedness
- First aid services
Kisumu Organizations
Healthcare
KEMRI (Kenya Medical Research Institute)
- Sometimes has volunteer research opportunities
- Community health programs
Environment
Lake Victoria Conservation Groups
- Water quality monitoring
- Community education
- Beach cleanups
Community
Kenya Red Cross - Kisumu Branch
- Local disaster response
- Community programs
Nakuru Organizations
Environment
Lake Nakuru Conservation Groups
- Wildlife conservation education
- Environmental awareness
- Community outreach
Community
Local Community Centers
- Check with county social services
- Youth programs
- Women’s groups
Eldoret Organizations
Healthcare
Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital
- Volunteer programs
- Patient support
- Community outreach
Sports and Youth
Athletics Kenya Programs
- Youth sports programs
- Coaching opportunities
- Community athletics
Online and Remote Volunteering
Virtual Opportunities
Content Creation
- Write blog posts for NGOs
- Manage social media for charities
- Create graphics and designs
- Translation services
Professional Services
- Accounting/bookkeeping for small NGOs
- Legal advice (if qualified)
- IT support
- Website development
- Grant writing
Education
- Online tutoring
- Curriculum development
- Educational content creation
- Virtual career mentorship
Platforms for Online Volunteering
UN Volunteers Online
- Website: onlinevolunteering.org
- Global opportunities
- Various time commitments
- All skill levels
Catchafire (for skilled professionals)
- Match skills with nonprofit needs
- Project-based
- Flexible hours
Local NGOs
- Many Kenyan NGOs need remote help
- Reach out directly
- Offer your skills
How to Start Volunteering
Step 1: Identify Your Interests and Skills
What Do You Care About?
- Children, elderly, animals, environment?
- Health, education, poverty?
- Arts, sports, community development?
What Skills Do You Have?
- Teaching, coaching, mentoring?
- Professional skills (accounting, IT, legal)?
- Manual skills (building, gardening)?
- Creative skills (art, music, writing)?
- Language skills?
How Much Time Can You Give?
- Few hours per week?
- One day per week?
- Weekends only?
- School holidays or work leave?
- Short-term project or ongoing?
Step 2: Research Organizations
Check Legitimacy
- Registered NGO or CBO?
- Established track record?
- Online presence and reviews?
- Contact information available?
Understand Their Work
- What exactly do they do?
- Who do they serve?
- What impact do they have?
- Are they transparent about their work?
Ask Questions
- What would I be doing specifically?
- What training is provided?
- Who would I work with?
- What support is available?
- What is the time commitment?
Step 3: Make Contact
How to Reach Out
Email (Professional)
Subject: Volunteer Inquiry - [Your Name]
Dear [Organization],
I am interested in volunteering with your organization. I am particularly interested in [specific area: working with children/environmental work/etc.].
About me:
- Background: [Brief relevant info]
- Skills: [What you can offer]
- Availability: [When you can volunteer]
I would love to learn more about volunteer opportunities and how I can contribute to your work.
Thank you for your time.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email]Phone Call
- Be polite and professional
- Briefly introduce yourself
- Ask about volunteer opportunities
- Listen to their process
- Take notes
In-Person Visit
- Professional appearance
- Bring ID and CV if possible
- Be respectful of their time
- Ask to speak with volunteer coordinator
Step 4: Application and Screening
Common Requirements
- ID or passport copy
- Certificate of Good Conduct (for working with children)
- CV/Resume
- References
- Health check (for healthcare settings)
Screening Process
- Application form
- Interview
- Background check
- Orientation session
- Training
Be Patient
- Good organizations screen carefully
- This protects both volunteers and beneficiaries
- Process may take weeks
Step 5: Training and Orientation
What to Expect
- Organization’s mission and values
- Policies and procedures
- Safety and security
- Your specific role and responsibilities
- Who to contact for questions
- Reporting structure
Ask Questions
- Clarify anything unclear
- Understand boundaries
- Know what’s expected
- Learn about resources available
Step 6: Start Volunteering
First Days
- Arrive on time (or early)
- Dress appropriately
- Bring required items
- Be open to learning
- Ask questions
- Observe experienced volunteers
Build Relationships
- Be friendly and respectful
- Learn names of staff and other volunteers
- Communicate openly
- Show reliability
Making the Most of Volunteering
Be Reliable
- Commit only what you can fulfill
- Show up on time
- Give notice if you must miss
- Follow through on commitments
Stay Professional
- Respect confidentiality
- Maintain appropriate boundaries
- Follow organization policies
- Represent organization positively
Be Open to Learning
- Accept feedback gracefully
- Ask for guidance when unsure
- Learn from experienced people
- Adapt to organization’s way of doing things
Communicate
- Update supervisor on your work
- Share concerns appropriately
- Ask for help when needed
- Give feedback constructively
Take Care of Yourself
- Don’t overcommit
- Set boundaries
- Take breaks when needed
- Ask for support if feeling overwhelmed
- Know it’s okay to stop if not right fit
Volunteer Rights and Safety
Your Rights as Volunteer
- Safe working environment
- Clear role description
- Appropriate training
- Supervision and support
- Expenses reimbursement (if promised)
- Recognition and appreciation
Red Flags
- Asked to pay to volunteer (except for specific programs where this is clear upfront)
- No proper screening process
- Unclear about what you’ll do
- Put in unsafe situations
- Inappropriate requests
- No supervision or support
- Organization seems unprofessional
Safety Tips
Working with Children
- Never be alone with a child in private
- Follow child protection policies strictly
- Report concerns immediately
- Maintain professional boundaries
In Communities
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Don’t carry valuables
- Travel in groups when possible
- Leave if situation feels unsafe
General
- Share your schedule with family/friends
- Keep phone charged
- Trust your instincts
- Report incidents to organization
Costs and Expenses
Free Volunteering
Most local volunteering is free:
- No payment to volunteer
- Organization covers activity costs
- You provide your time and skills
Expenses You May Cover
Transport
- Most local organizations don’t reimburse
- Factor this into your decision
- Consider nearby opportunities
Meals
- Usually not provided
- Bring your own food/water
- Some organizations provide lunch
Special Requirements
- Uniform or specific clothing (sometimes)
- Certificate of Good Conduct: KES 1,000
- Medical check (if required): KES 500-2,000
Paid Volunteer Programs
Some organizations have “volunteer abroad” programs where you pay for:
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Program coordination
- Often targeted at international volunteers
- Local volunteers usually don’t need these
Be Careful: Research thoroughly before paying to volunteer.
International Volunteer Programs in Kenya
Legitimate Programs
VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas)
- Professional placements
- Usually 6-24 months
- Living allowance provided
- Requires professional experience
Peace Corps (for US citizens)
- 27-month commitment
- Training provided
- Living stipend and support
UN Volunteers
- Professional assignments
- Living allowance
- Various durations
Volunteer Tourism Concerns
Be Aware:
- Some “voluntourism” programs exploit communities
- Children used to attract donors
- Money goes to companies, not communities
- Short-term volunteers may harm more than help
Better Alternative:
- Volunteer with established local organizations
- Commit to longer terms
- Build real relationships
- Ensure community actually benefits
Growing Your Volunteer Experience
Track Your Hours and Activities
Keep Records
- Dates and hours volunteered
- Activities and responsibilities
- Skills developed
- People you worked with
Why This Matters
- Add to CV
- Required for some scholarships
- Track your own growth
- Provide references
Request Letter of Recommendation
After significant time volunteering:
- Ask supervisor for reference letter
- Describe your contributions
- Note skills demonstrated
- Valuable for job or school applications
Take on More Responsibility
As You Gain Experience
- Lead small projects
- Train new volunteers
- Supervise activities
- Represent organization at events
Join Volunteer Networks
- Connect with volunteers at other organizations
- Share experiences and opportunities
- Learn best practices
- Collaborate on projects
Moving from Volunteer to Paid Work
Many People Start as Volunteers
Building to Employment
- Demonstrate your value
- Show reliability and skills
- Express interest in paid positions
- Apply when openings arise
Networking
- Meet professionals in the field
- Learn about opportunities
- Get recommendations
- Build reputation
Skills Development
- Use volunteer time to learn
- Take on challenging projects
- Request training opportunities
- Build portfolio
Conclusion
Volunteering in Kenya offers countless opportunities to make a difference while growing personally and professionally. Whether you have a few hours a week in Nairobi or want to commit to a project in your county, there are organizations that need your help.
Start by identifying what you care about and what skills you can offer. Research legitimate organizations, reach out professionally, and commit to what you can sustainably give. Be reliable, stay safe, and remember that even small contributions of time can create meaningful impact.
The best time to start volunteering is now. Choose a cause that matters to you, contact an organization, and take that first step. Your community needs your energy, skills, and compassion. Together, volunteers across Kenya are building stronger, more caring communities, one act of service at a time.