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This East African country shares its borders with Ethiopia to the north, Somalia to the east, Tanzania to the south, Uganda to the west, and South Sudan to the northeast. Additionally, it has a coastline along the Indian Ocean to the southeast. Cooperating Volunteers’ volunteering programs in Kenya are located throughout the country. Nairobi serves as Kenya’s capital city, and its official languages are Swahili and English.
Kenya has a tropical climate, with a warm and humid atmosphere. Despite this, there are four distinct seasons in Kenya: two wet seasons (April to June and November) and two dry seasons (December to March and July to October).
Kenya is 1 hour ahead of Spain (Peninsula time) and 2 hours ahead of the Canary Islands.
The official currency in Kenya is the Kenyan shilling (1 EUR = 111.4474 KES).
In Kenya, volunteers can find programs in Diani Beach or Gatanga. The volunteer stay begins when the volunteer arrives at the destination and is picked up.
For projects starting on a Sunday, the stay will end on a Saturday. Volunteers wishing to stay overnight on Saturday will incur an additional cost of 35 euros
The meals included in the project will be provided in the accommodation. The travel to the destination, excursions undertaken by the volunteers, etc. are not included in the meal plan.
The specified pick-up times for each destination/project must be respected. Volunteers arriving outside the designated pick-up time/day will be charged an extra fee depending on the destination.
In Kenya, volunteers can find programs in different regions.
Volunteers who wish to experience volunteering in a specific region should inform us in the Application Form in the Comments section.
In the coastal region (Diani Beach) volunteers will engage in childcare, teaching, medical and conservation projects.
The Diani Beach area stands out as one of the most visited destinations in Kenya, due to its stunning beaches. It’s a paradise where you can unwind from your volunteer work during afternoons and weekends.
In Gatanga, you can participate in teaching, childcare, agriculture, or medical programs. Gatanga Village offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in authentic rural Kenya. Nearby is Thika, an industrial town where you can find all your necessities. Nairobi is also within reasonable reach, allowing you to enjoy nights out or sightseeing during the weekends. Furthermore, Gatanga boasts numerous natural attractions, including the fourteen waterfalls, a series of cascading waterfalls that will undoubtedly leave you in awe.
FOR THOSE VOLUNTEERS IN DIANI
The arrival airport will be Mombasa International Airport (MBA).
The local team will be waiting for the volunteers as they exit the airport (Departure Zone).
Pick-up for these projects is scheduled for FRIDAYS.
Pick-up is available at any time.
If a volunteer arrives outside the pick-up day/time, they will be responsible for covering the transportation cost from the airport to the accommodation, which amounts to €35 each way. This fee must be paid directly at the destination.
FOR THOSE VOLUNTEERS IN GATANGA, MURANGA OR MASAAI MARA
Volunteers must arrive at Nairobi NBO airport (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport).
Arrival days and times are scheduled for Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. They will be picked up by local staff, and then transported to the accommodation.
If the volunteer arrives on a Saturday, they will have to pay an extra fee of 35€ to cover the cost of Saturday night accommodation.
In Kenya, you will see and sample a wide range of different food. The food is largely based on a variety of cereals, vegetables and fruits. Chapati (delicious bread-like burrito), ugali (white corn is a staple of their diet), githeri (beans and corn) and a variety of east African vegetables and fruits (including mango, pineapple, banana and more). Chai (an African tea). Choma Nyama (delicious roast lamb).
As far as local transport is concerned, volunteers can get around the country using “Matutus” (privately owned buses or vans, also referred to as ‘share taxis’).
FOR THOSE VOLUNTEERS WHO WILL BE VOLUNTEERING IN DIANI
International volunteer programs in the rest of the country commence on Fridays. Volunteers will be picked up and will have the weekend to participate in an orientation day and a guided city-tour.
Volunteers can participate in the volunteer program for a minimum of 1 week and a maximum of 3 months.
Requirements: Volunteers must be at least 16 years old at the start of the volunteer program.
FOR THOSE VOLUNTEERS WHO WILL BE VOLUNTEERING IN GATANGA, MURANGA OR MASAAI MARA
The arrival day and time are scheduled for Saturdays and Sundays between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Volunteers will be met by local staff and subsequently transported to their accommodation.
Volunteers arriving outside of this designated time/day will incur an additional pick-up fee.
The volunteer program can be undertaken for a minimum of 1 week and a maximum of 3 months.
For those interested in a one-week program, there is an option available at an additional cost of €60.
The most popular tourist attraction among volunteers seeking a different experience is the safari in Maasai Mara, which is Kenya’s most significant tourist attraction. It is approximately 2-3 hours away from Nairobi.
Additionally, many volunteers opt to visit the Nairobi Elephant Center, Giraffe Center, and Monkey Forest.
The local team will be available to assist you if you’re interested in sightseeing during your time in Kenya. They can recommend the best departure points for a unique and safe experience.
The objective of the project is to train young people to be social leaders. The volunteers live in a multicultural environment, work as a team to develop tasks or institutional projects, accompany the beneficiaries in their daily lives or through workshops, and collaborate with the needs of the centers and homes.
Social Inclusion of children, young people and grandparents in situations of social risk.
Attention to Centers and Homes for the protection and restitution of rights of socially vulnerable children, adolescents and older adults.
Social Action The volunteers committed to the project will work alongside the community, involving different actors in society and allowing the full fulfillment of the rights of all people.
Volunteers will assist local schools by providing support to both the teachers and the children.
Volunteers do not need to be qualified or experienced teachers; they simply require an open mind. The objective of this volunteer program is to contribute to the academic development of the school, providing children with the opportunity to receive a quality education. Volunteers will assist local teachers, encourage students to learn and play, and foster a positive study and learning environment.
Activities:
You will have the opportunity to participate as a support teacher or lead classes, focusing on the subject that aligns with your background and knowledge. English lessons should be kept basic and straightforward, given that most of the children are in the early stages of learning the language.
Depending on your expertise, you may teach various subjects. Moreover, both the school and the children will greatly appreciate your assistance with after-school activities.
IMPORTANT: The work of the volunteer will depend on the activities that take place in the school during the period you have chosen to volunteer.
During school holidays, there will be a “Summer School”, where volunteers can provide academic support and engage in recreational activities.
Accommodation: You will stay in the volunteer house in either Diani Beach (Ukunda) or Gatanga Village. The facilities include amenities such as electricity and showers. However, please keep in mind that this is Africa, and power outages can occur at any time.
LOCATION: Diani Beach or Gatanga Village
NOTE OF INTEREST: Volunteers are encouraged to bring materials to the destination, including pre-planned activities, games, art supplies, English-language books, educational toys, coloring or drawing books, and other suitable items.
In this program, the children are categorized into the following groups: those with physical challenges, cerebral palsy, autism, and mental illness. They receive instruction in life skills, concentration, coordination, basic writing, English, and mathematics. Your dedication and energy as a volunteer will complement the efforts of local teachers, enriching the educational journey of the students. Volunteers who join this project will engage in activities that align with their skills and the organization’s requirements. Activities:
IMPORTANT: the above activities will not be done on a daily basis, this will depend on the activity demands that arise. The working routine will be defined and conducted according to the needs of the project and will follow the decisions of the technical team. Accommodation: You will stay in the volunteer house in Diani Beach (Ukunda) or Gatanga Village. With facilities such as electricity and showers, although let’s not forget that this is Africa, and the power can go out at any time. Location: Diani Beach or Gantanga Village NOTE OF INTEREST: The volunteer can bring to the destination materials, programmed activities, games, paintings, books in English, didactic toys, any kind of drawing or painting book, others.
This program is aimed at assisting women who have not had access to basic education, which can make it challenging for them to thrive in an era where understanding the importance of education and basic technology skills are crucial for survival. Therefore, your role will involve helping women in the village recognize their strengths, boosting their confidence, and enabling them to address various topics, including personal development, environmental awareness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy.
Through this program, you will have the opportunity to engage with local women’s groups, some of whom may have limited exposure to outsiders. Your goal will be to broaden their perspectives, foster personal growth, and establish connections with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures. This exchange will inspire both young and older women to showcase their hidden talents, empowering them to actively participate in family, community, and national development initiatives.
Creative teaching methods and a positive approach are highly valuable in this context. Participants are encouraged to employ different techniques to teach topics they are passionate about or have firsthand knowledge of. Additionally, with the aid of widely spoken English, you will have a greater ability to convey your knowledge effectively.
Accommodation: You will be accommodated in the volunteer house in Gatanga Village, which includes amenities such as electricity and hot water. However, please keep in mind that this is Africa, and power outages can occur at any time.
LOCATION: Gatanga Village
Our medical program is designed for participants from the healthcare field.
Depending on your skill level and abilities, you will be assigned various tasks to assist at a local Kenyan medical centre or hospital.
Volunteers will work alongside doctors and other healthcare professionals in a small healthcare center or district hospital, depending on the current needs. Your tasks will be determined based on your level of experience, skills, and abilities.
This program is particularly well-suited for students or recent graduates.
You will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a truly unique medical environment, gaining firsthand experience and insight into healthcare delivery while supporting local staff in a rural hospital in Kenya.
Accommodation: You will stay in the volunteer house in either Diani Beach (Ukunda) or Gatanga Village, with amenities such as electricity and showers. However, don’t forget that this is Africa, and the power could go out at any time.
LOCATION: Diani Beach or Gatanga Village
In this program you will have the opportunity to assist the women and girls of the Maasai village by promoting education and self-sufficiency. You will also contribute to local community improvement efforts to gain a deeper understanding of the Maasai Mara region and its culture.
Mothers and grandmothers in the village utilize their skills to create jewellery and accessories. They understand that each piece they make and sell brings them closer to covering school fees, supplementing household income, and providing nutritious meals for their families.
Your assistance may involve tasks such as setting up a database, constructing a roadside stand to sell their handmade items, teaching the women basic English or math, participating in the construction of a local church (where the women currently gather under a tree), or helping with the construction of a suitable building.
You may also have the opportunity to support access to the water tank in the church. There are numerous ways in which you can be of service, and the genuine smiles of gratitude you will receive in return are truly invaluable.
LOCATION: Masaai Mara
IMPORTANT: Minimum stay 2 weeks
In this program, you will have the opportunity to experience local Kenyan farming practices, help the farming community by providing extra hands and effort, and experience cultural immersion and engagement with the local community. You will enjoy the authentic Kenyan landscape by helping villagers on their farms. Your tasks may include:
Working closely with local farmers will not only teach you new skills, but also allow you to authentically immerse yourself in a new culture and lifestyle. Accommodation: You will stay in the volunteer house in Gatanga Village. With amenities such as electricity and hot water, although don’t forget that this is Africa, and the power could go out at any time. Location: Gatanga Village
We collaborate with a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and protection of Colobus monkeys and their coastal forest habitat. Our main objective is to provide care and assistance to these primates, who are in a vulnerable situation, promoting their long-term well-being.
The primary goal is to safeguard the numerous orphaned, injured, or rescued monkeys in the region. As a volunteer, your participation will directly contribute to the daily operations of the Conservation Center. Working alongside an experienced team and other volunteers, your involvement will also have a lasting impact on the lives of these wonderful creatures.
Activities:
Assist in the care of the animals, such as cleaning and maintaining the monkeys’ enclosures, ensuring a clean and hygienic environment for them.
Participation in feeding, providing the monkeys with the nutrition they need for their health and well-being.
Participation in the care of orphaned monkeys, promoting their integration and development.
Assist in the collection and composting of monkey waste and food scraps, contributing to sustainable practices within the conservation center.
Accompany and assist the resident veterinarian during treatment and operations, and release the recovered monkeys.
Participation in studies on biodiversity disturbances; monkey census; data entry, cleaning and management.
Tree care and data collection, collecting samples and seeds from nearby forests together with local workers.
Support for local initiatives such as the development of ecotourism scripts in the native languages of the volunteers, such as Spanish, Italian, French, Chinese…
Participation in photography
Taking photographs and videos for later use in different activities.
Participation in social media campaigns and fundraising events.
LOCATION: Diani Beach
On the day the volunteer arrives in Kenya, our local team will accompany them to our volunteer house, situated in the rural area of Gatanga Village, one of the most traditional areas of Kenya.
In the accommodation where the volunteers will reside, three meals a day will be provided from Monday to Friday, and on Saturdays and Sundays, two meals will be served. The rooms will be shared with other volunteers, with gender segregation. Bathroom facilities will be shared with the rest of the house.
Upon the volunteer’s arrival, we will organize a meeting and orientation day to assist them from their very first day.
Volunteers will have the opportunity to savor typical Kenyan cuisine, which includes vegetables, potatoes, eggs, bread, and pancakes (commonly known as “chapatti”). Additionally, fruits such as oranges, bananas, and avocados will be part of their meals.
IMPORTANT: Drinks are not included in the accommodation. It is an expense to be paid by the volunteer.
You will stay in our local program center with 2-4 people sharing each room. Please be aware that occasional power and water cuts during the day are normal in this area. The location is very close to the police station and a short walk to the local market and shops.
Please note that in case of an excessive number of participants, we may use other local accommodations in the area that offer a similar standard to what has been described here.
The town of Thika is a thirty-minute drive from our center and offers a variety of amenities including supermarkets, shops, ATMs, local markets, and good restaurants. Local transportation is readily available, and the bus station in Thika serves as your gateway to other parts of Kenya.
The meals provided will consist mainly of Kenyan cuisine, featuring vegetables, potatoes, eggs, bread, and pancakes (commonly known as “chapatti”). Additionally, fruits such as oranges, bananas, and avocados will be part of your diet.
When the volunteers arrive at the airport, the local coordinator will pick them up and accompany them to the house where they will be accommodated and where they will share the following days with the rest of the volunteers.
In the volunteer houses, three meals will be provided from Monday to Friday, and on Saturdays and Sundays, two meals will be served. The rooms in the volunteer houses can accommodate 4-8 people, separated by gender. Bathroom facilities will be shared with the other volunteers, as well as the common areas of the house.
Upon arrival and settling in, there will be a welcome meeting with the local workers and coordinators, to give information about the area, explain the usual rules and schedules, and introduce the programme they will be undertaking.
Volunteers will enjoy typical Kenyan cuisine, including vegetables, potatoes, eggs, bread, and pancakes (commonly known as “chapatti”). Fruits such as oranges, bananas, and avocados will also be part of their meals.
The volunteer house is located approximately 10 minutes from Diani Beach, a natural paradise on the Kenyan coast.
IMPORTANT: Drinks are not included in the accommodation. It is an expense to be paid by the volunteer.
You will stay on the school grounds or in a nearby homestay that will host you. The accommodation is very simple with few facilities. Please be aware that the toilet and shower facilities will be located far away from the dormitories, and resources are limited. Power cuts and water supply shortages may occur. Therefore, we kindly request your cooperation in conserving water and energy and in maintaining the cleanliness of your room and common areas.
Please note that there will be no WIFI available on-site. If you wish, you can purchase a local SIM card upon arrival to access the internet and stay in touch whenever possible.
Meals will be home-cooked by the locals and will be typical of the region, based on seasonal fruits and vegetables. They also include ingredients like rice with vegetables or meat.
It’s important to note that due to the remote location, there are no nearby shops or ATMs for withdrawing money. All such activities will need to be done in Narok, which is the nearest large town and is located over an hour away. Narok offers a variety of shops, supermarkets, banks, and a shopping center.
IMPORTANT: Water is included at the accommodation.
El coste total del voluntariado se desglosa en 2 partes: La inscripción que se paga para reservar la plaza (210€) y aparte el coste programa que se paga posteriormente (en euros).
En el siguiente listado quedan desglosados los costes de la tasa de programa según cada proyecto.
280€ one week
280€ additional week
560€ two weeks
280€ additional week
240€ one week
360€ two weeks
180€ additional week
270€ one week
420€ two weeks
210€ additional week
340€ one week
560€ two weeks
280€ additional week
If your currency is not specified in the list, you can convert the costs here.
Visa, flights, travel insurance (compulsory), vaccinations, transfer back to the airport from the program, daily transport from accommodation to the project and back, other expenses (*** volunteers in Kenya generally find that 18 € (US$ 25, approx.) is sufficient for basic weekly expenses).
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Our volunteers will be able to validate university credits with the aim of traveling in a more responsible and economical way.
What does volunteering focused on university practices involve?
At Cooperating Volunteers, we make agreements with different universities to validate university credits with the aim of traveling in a more responsible and economical way.
The specialties we work with are extensive: medical volunteering, nursing, education, social work, psychology, physiotherapy, engineering, architecture…
The practices can be carried out in our designated destinations for this purpose, as well as in Spain.
If you choose an international destination, it’s a unique way to live an unforgettable and enriching experience, as you will have the opportunity to continue your education in another country, with a completely different culture.
Stepping out of our comfort zone and being part of the various projects at the destination will allow us to grow both personally and professionally, creating a more extensive curriculum.
And we are fully convinced that this experience will accompany you throughout your life.
You will be able to visit hospitals, schools, centers, orphanages, and participate directly and actively in the daily lives of all those people at the destination, always accompanied by other professionals willing to collaborate hand in hand with you and guide you in daily tasks.
If your university is not part of the agreement with Cooperating Volunteers, you can contact cristina@cooperatingvolunteers.com so that we can get in touch and make this experience a reality.
Corporate volunteering consists of tailored programs for your company, designed to develop teamwork skills.
It is proven that teamwork directly impacts productivity.
Collective effort surpasses individual capabilities, promotes diversity of skills, stimulates creativity, and facilitates problem-solving in the face of various challenges.
Therefore, it not only maximizes efficiency but also enriches the work environment.
We conduct corporate volunteering programs that consist of customized programs for your company, designed to develop teamwork skills, improve performance, and foster unity among employees.
We tailor projects to the corporate identity and size of the company, and we can adjust them to any destination and time of the year.
The advantages of corporate volunteering include:
The future is aligned with a more responsible society, and participating in social projects positions our company among the list of revolutionary businesses that want to be part of the change.
If you resonate with this message, corporate volunteering is a unique experience both individually and collectively, and at Cooperating Volunteers, we accompany you throughout the process to make it a unique journey.
Quality time spent with family strengthens emotional bonds, promotes communication, and contributes to the emotional well-being of its members.
Spending quality time with family and being able to disconnect from our hectic routines is not only enriching but also necessary.
Sometimes we forget to communicate, connect, and dedicate time to each other. Each one of us lives focused on our jobs, schools… And it’s necessary to find the opportunity to pause and take care of ourselves.
Quality time spent with family strengthens emotional bonds, promotes communication, and contributes to the emotional well-being of its members. And of course, it creates lifelong positive memories.
At Cooperating Volunteers, we suggest moving away from those ‘more superficial’ trips (which can also be fantastic), but we invite you to live this experience to bring out our most empathetic and humanitarian side.
Family volunteering gives us the opportunity to be part of a positive impact, promoting values of solidarity and social responsibility.
There are many families who choose to experience these trips focused on cooperation and direct involvement with different communities around the world, where living conditions are very different and sometimes entirely precarious.
Projects are tailored to different ages, allowing us to work together.
An incredible way to fill our suitcase with memories, learning, and knowledge.
And although stepping out of our comfort zone often feels daunting, we assure you firsthand that it’s worth it.
At Cooperating Volunteers, we accompany you throughout the entire experience, from start to finish, to make it unforgettable.
At Cooperating Volunteers, we believe it’s never too late for anything, especially for volunteering and living a unique and unforgettable experience.
There are many people, increasingly so, who opt for responsible travel that involves social work.
Accustomed to organized and mostly touristic trips, at Cooperating Volunteers, we want to advocate for a more enriching experience, one that transforms us from within and allows us to be part of the change the world needs to see.
We can adapt both the destination and the duration of our projects to fit your needs.
It’s an opportunity full of emotions that allows us to significantly contribute to different communities and their evolution. And you can participate in different areas such as education, social support, or assistance in different centers.
Some of the benefits include:
Living this experience will undoubtedly be a before and after.
A volunteering initiative with leadership and impact through the educational action program.
When we talk about social volunteering, we refer to all those actions and activities carried out altruistically, selflessly, and with the aim of addressing multiple problems and needs of different communities, always focused on education and self-sufficiency.
Education is essential because it provides the tools and knowledge necessary for personal, social, and economic development.
Our goal is to create self-sufficient communities and provide opportunities for the future personal development of each member. The message is not to ‘give’, but to accompany in the process of training for self-managed provision.
At Cooperating Volunteers, many of our destinations and projects embrace this type of volunteering. Some of our projects include: community programs, education, women’s empowerment…
And although they are completely different from each other, they share a single objective: progress towards a society that can embrace us all in the same way.
If you are someone who is restless, who needs to see a change in the future, volunteering is an experience tailor-made for you.