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The Project
Become a volunteer in Kenya and work on our Rural Medical Assistance Program in the heart of Africa. The clinics provide services such as maternal & child health care, family health care, curative health care, primary health care, voluntary counselling and testing, plus training in health and HIV/AIDS awareness. The rest of the time is spent in Kikuyu Hospital in Limuru which offers medical care to the community regardless of whether they can afford their treatment or not. The hospital is therefore buzzing with patients, and doctors attend to around 350 patients per day.
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Why the project needs you
Kenya's health care and provision suffers as much as any other public service sector in the country. Whilst structures are in place for an effective health service, there is an enormous deficit in terms of staff and resources. This is why volunteers' help is very much appreciated by the nurses and doctors we work with.
Project Location
The project is based 30 km north of Nairobi in the highland tea plantations of Limuru, where you will see a distinct contrast in the pace of life between Nairobi and Limuru. The volunteer house has a social area with TV and is set amongst beautiful grounds that are perfect for having an afternoon nap in the sun, playing sports such as ultimate frisbee or soccer, or going for a jog. On a clear day, you will be able to see Mount Kilimanjaro in the one direction and Mount Kenya in the other.
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Project Facts
•Duration: 2 - 8 weeks
•Cost: £995 ($1741) for 2 weeks, £220 ($385) for each week thereafter
•Requirements: age 18+
•Location: Limuru (30km north of Nairobi), Kenya
•Project activities: Help attend to patients in Clinics and hospitals
•Working hours: 08:30 - 17:00 schedule may vary, Monday -Friday
• Project availability: Projects start 1st and 3rd Monday of each month. Project closed from 19 December - 2 January 2012.
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What is included
• Accommodation: Shared room in a volunteer house.
• Food: 3 meals per day: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Airport pick up and drop off
• Weekly laundry service
• Training: Pre-departure information pack, on-site Orientation and project induction provided
• Daily transfers to and from your project.
• Support: 24 hour support from on-site coordinator
• Activities: Staff help organise weekend activities. (Activity price may be extra) Trips include; Masai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park and Aberdare National Park, as well as trips to the Kenyan Coast, Nairobi’s Elephant and Giraffe Sanctuaries.
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What is not included
• Flights
• Insurance
• Visas
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Your life outside the project
From your well-equipped accommodation in Limuru you have views of Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Kenya. Your accommodation has lovely grounds where you can play soccer, ultimate frisbee, and go for a jog. There is a lovely lounge with satellite TV where volunteers can relax in the evenings. About 15 minutes away is a great restaurant where you can enjoy a meal and a few drinks with fellow volunteers. At weekends we can organise safari tours in the Masai Mara, Amboseli and Aberdare reserves, which are all close by. We can also help to organise trips to the Kenyan coast, and the local elephant and giraffe sanctuaries.
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Ideas for Independent Travel
Climb Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya, Africa's second-highest peak, stands at 5,199m. Mount Kenya is probably one of the most impressive hikes in the world, with mountain forests containing elephants, buffalo and even lions. Due to its rugged glacier summits and unique forests, UNESCO has declared Mt Kenya a world heritage site. The safest time to climb Mt Kenya is during the dry season between December and February.
Safari in the Masai Mara and Amboseli National Park
If you go to Kenya a safari is a must, as these national reserves define Kenya. It is not easy to choose which of the many parks and reserves to visit, but the Masai Mara National Reserve and Amboseli National Park are the most spectacular and you’ll have a big chance there to encounter all of the ‘Big Five’ animals (rhinos, elephants, lions, leopards and buffaloes). As these are the most popular, you may want to choose Saiwa Swamp National Park, which draws little to no tourists, but it’s small and only accessible by foot. Aberdare and Mount Elgon national parks also draw few tourists, despite magnificent landscapes and good opportunities for wildlife viewing. One tip if you can go between July and October you will see the great wildebeest migration, one of Earth's spectacular shows!
Visit a Masai Mara Tribe
Many of the tribes in Kenya still live like their ancestors generations before them. You can go on a cultural visit and have chai tea with eldermen who will show and tell you about their way of life. They also want to perform traditional dances in which they have great pride. It's a vibrant, colourful day giving you a real cultural insight.
Project Quality
Kaya evaluates every project we offer to ensure that we only commit to programmes with genuine need for volunteer aid, not just financial assistance. We develop relationships with the projects, and help shape initiatives to ensure that in the long run that we do not encourage dependence on outside help. Rather, we establish foundations on which the people can build and develop themselves. We also ensure that the members of those communities are open and eager to learn and discover our culture, as we become a part of theirs. The quality and sustainability of our programmes are very important to us. We want you to have the most fulfilling and memorable time as possible, and be part of something that is going to last into future generations.
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers stay in a volunteer house, where, in most cases, they share their room with other volunteers. Shared rooms are usually single-sex. For most placements two to three meals a day are provided, all included in the placement fees. In most houses there will be a cook to prepare your food for you and a cleaner to ensure the house is clean and tidy, though in some of our locations volunteers will be expected to assist with these chores. For more information about the amenities at the house see accommodation summary or please contact one of our advisors.
In-Country Coordinators
Each country coordinator is there to make sure your time in your programme runs smoothly. They will pick you up from the airport and take you on your orientation. All in-country coordinators are English speaking and are there to ensure you have all the information and resources for the best placement.
24/7 Emergency Support
As well as support from your in-country coordinators, you'll be given access to a 24/7 emergency phone line managed by Kaya staff, in case any problem should arise while you're overseas.
Kaya Help-desk
Each member of Kaya staff have worked, travelled, studied or volunteered abroad, and many staff have visited and volunteered in our projects knowing firsthand the country and nature of the programme placements. Their knowledge of international travel and volunteering is invaluable, and they can give you good advice and tips to make the most of your international placement.
Briefing Pack & Materials
Once you have booked a programme, an information pack will be sent out detailing everything you need to know - from specific project details and vaccinations required to the visa application process.
Airport Pickup
When you arrive at your destination a member of Kaya staff will meet you with a warm welcome at the airport and take you to your accommodation to get you set up for your stay.
Cultural Excursions
Kaya staff are at hand to help organise weekend excursions and activities, which can include visiting cultural places of significance and visiting various projects around the area. This way you can learn firsthand about each project and take part in local cultural and adventure activities.
Arrival Orientation
Shortly after you arrive you will be given your orientation by one of our in-country coordinators. They will show you your placement, local transport, take you into the local town, and show you things you can do in your spare time. Information regarding safety and security will be given along with some much-needed lingo when moving and travelling around the area.
Funding for Individual Projects
If on your placement you wish to start up your own sub-project, a reasonable amount of funding will be provided. An example is: one volunteer arranged a basketball tournament for the street children, and funding was provided for team shirts and trophies. This is a good chance to make your own lasting mark on a project and the people of your chosen country.
Local Community Benefits
Not only is your participation on your project of great help to the local communities, but so is the boost to the local economy that volunteers create while they are visiting.
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