The purpose of our Kenya construction volunteer project is not only to help build infrastructure but to also build lives. From renovating a rundown school or classroom to helping improve clean water access with safe and hygienic harvest tanks, springs, the work of our teams and our partners really does make a difference to people’s lives in Kenya.
Whether you are on a gap year, summer vacation, or career break, if you want to get your hands dirty and see physical results from your volunteer work in Kenya, Go Volunteer Africa’s construction volunteer project in Kenya may be just the thing for you!
Construction volunteers’ duties will involve laying bricks, getting materials, painting and general labor work. If you are looking for a constructive and rewarding experience you really can make a difference to the lives of communities in the long term by laying foundations to help people going forward.
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
- Contribute towards community project
- Daily manual construction work
- Community education, healthcare development
- Improving schools’ or healthcare infrastructure and facilities
- Painting classrooms and health centres
Volunteers work alongside the local builders and carpenters, assisting with all levels of building and construction. The basic buildings are made using traditional methods and local materials. The construction techniques are simple to master and are ideal for sites with limited facilities.
PROJECT LOCATION
Nairobi: is the capital and the largest city of Kenya. The name comes from the Maasai phrase Enkare Nairobi, which translates to “cool water”, a reference to the Nairobi River which flows through the city. The city proper had a population of 4,397,073 in the 2019 census, while the metropolitan area has a population of 9,354,580. The city is popularly referred to as the Green City in the Sun.
Kakamega: is a town in western Kenya lying about 30 km north of the Equator. It is the headquarters of Kakamega County that has a population of 1,867,579 (2019 census). Kakamega is 52 km north of Kisumu city, the third largest city in Kenya and a port city on Lake Victoria. Kakamega county is Kenya’s second most populous county after Nairobi.
Eldoret is a principal town in the Rift Valley region of Kenya and serves as the capital of Uasin Gishu County. The town is colloquially known as ‘Sisibo’. As per the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census, Eldoret is the fifth most populated urban area in the country after Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru and Ruiru.
Kajiado is a town in Kajiado County, Kenya. The town is located 80 km south of Nairobi, along the Nairobi – Arusha highway. Kajiado has an urban population of 24,678. Local people are predominantly of the Maasai tribe. Kajiado is the headquarters for Kajiado County. The name “Kajiado” comes from the word “Olkeju-ado.”
Mombasa: is a coastal city of Kenya along the Indian Ocean. The city is known as the white and blue city in Kenya. It is the country’s oldest (circa 900 AD) and second-largest city (after the capital Nairobi), with a population of about 1,208,333 people according to the 2019 census. Its metropolitan region is the second-largest in the country, and has a population of 3,528,940 people.
ARRIVAL & AIRPORT PICKUP
Depending on the project you choose, After you have booked and confirmed your placement, please book your flights to arrive at either Kisumu International Airport in Kisumu City for Kakamega project site, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi City for Nairobi Project or Moi International Airport in Mombasa for the Mombasa project site. A member of staff from our local partner organization will meet you on arrival at Airport. These airport services numerous international carriers. Kenya has good connections to destinations throughout Europe, the Asia- Pacific region, USA and Africa.
ORIENTATION
Orientation and Placement will be done the next day. Generally, your volunteer orientation is an overview of the project’s mission, expectations and introduction to the local community and project site. Following your arrival in Kenya you will be given a presentation by the co-coordinating project team to prepare you for the work you will be doing.
PROJECT DETAILS
The work we do here is reflected by community demands. This Kenya construction volunteer project will allow us to make a sustainable difference that will not only make a significant impact on the lives of the local children but also benefit the society as a whole.
The work of the volunteers on the construction project in Kenya is varied but may include digging foundations, mixing cement, building walls, constructing a roof, plastering, or putting the finishing coat of paint on a completed house.
The building work takes place early in the morning and late in the afternoon so you’ll have plenty of time to get involved in the community you are working in. Some volunteers combine the Building project alongside a Care or Teaching placement. The sites we work on are overseen by qualified builders from the community who will help volunteers with the construction process.
You do not need previous building experience to take part in this project; although anyone who does have any relevant skills will be very welcome and will be able to take on a more specialized role. All volunteers should, however, be reasonably fit and physically active, and be prepared for working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
The Kenya construction volunteer project is available for less than a month if you don’t have time to join us for a month or more. This Kenya construction volunteer project has been selected as being suitable for shorter duration for both the host community and the volunteer.
GROUP VOLUNTEER TRIPS
Get some friends together or organize a group from your school and embark on this incredible adventure! Discounts are offered on any group of 5+ participants on Kenya volunteering program.
LONGTERM VOLUNTEER WORK
Please contact us for more information about our long-term volunteer work in Kenya. We will guide you on the best times of the year, what to pack, and what extra health precautions to keep in mind and all logistics.
VOLUNTEER ACCOMMODATION
Volunteers are provided accommodation in a volunteer house or in a homestay accommodation managed by the local coordinating team. Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) are provided to the participants from Monday – Sunday. The accommodations are neat and clean. Accommodation is shared amongst volunteers on the ‘same gender sharing’ basis rooms. Wifi internet, warm water is not guaranteed.
The homes are close to useful amenities like banks, ATM’s, currency exchanges, restaurants, cafes and shopping places. All placements are around 10 – 30 minutes from the accommodation. At some point volunteers might be on the move and hence we suggest also bringing a sleeping mat and sleeping bag/pillow for travel and weekends away on adventures. Bathrooms are usually shared. There is a lounge area for relaxing, reading, or watching movies.
AGE REQUIREMENT
Our program is for anyone sixteen years and above who loves service above self and social experiences with people from all over the world. We also accepts volunteers of 15+ years of age if they are in a group with a guardian or supervisor above 18years. Volunteers under 15 years old are only considered when accompanied by a parent/guardian. There isn’t a maximum age limit, though a reasonable fitness level is necessary. Families are encouraged to apply and are welcome!
VISAS
Visitors to Kenya require a visa unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries. All visitors must hold a passport valid for 6 months. Kenya introduced an e-Visa system from 2 July 2015. According to the government an application should be done at least 7 days in advance and visitors can stay for up to 90 days with e-visa. Visa on arrival is still available and visitors can stay for up to 90 days with this visa.
From February 2014 Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda began issuing an East African Tourist Visa. The visa costs 100 USD and has no restrictions on citizens of any country. The visa is a non-extendable multiple-entry 90-day visa that has to be first used to enter the country that issued the visa.
WEEKENDS AND FREE-TIME
Over the weekends or evenings, participants are free to eat out and explore the different delights that Kenya has to offer. We arrange city day tours and long-weekend safaris. No matter what your interests, there is always something for everyone to enjoy!
PROJECT FACTS
| Availability: | Project open all year round |
| Duration: | Minimum 1 week commitment |
| Age Limits: | Minimum 16yrs or older for solo travelers. |
| Minimum Age: | Families are welcome |
| Dates: | Flexible start and end dates |
| Arrival dates: | One day before the start date |
| Airport Arrival: | Airport pickup, meet and greet by GVA partner representative |
| Working Days: | Monday – Friday – 5 days a week, 5-8 hours in a day |
| Weekends: | Travel / Sightseeing NOT included in program cost |
| Accommodation: | Host Family or Volunteer house |
| Meals: | Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily |
| Support: | Pre-departure guide, In-country staff available 24/7 |
| Location: | Nairobi, Kakamega, Eldoret, Mombasa & Kajiado |
| Language: | English |
IN A NUTSHELL
Volunteering in Kenya with Go Volunteer Africa is affordable, low cost and budget friendly. The volunteer opportunities in Kenya are meaningful and life changing both to the volunteer and the host community.
Go Volunteer Africa was ranked as the best volunteer organization in Kenya. All volunteer programs in Kenya are community driven and managed by the local coordinating teams and this will give you a chance to get to know local people and really help those in need.
Go Volunteer Africa is among the top NGOs looking for volunteers in Kenya. Most volunteer projects in Kenya are located throughout the country in places like Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kakamega Kajiado and in more rural areas.
Volunteer in Kenya with Africa’s leading and largest volunteer travel organization. Volunteer Jobs in Kenya are available throughout the year. Do volunteer charity work in Kenya, empower communities and vulnerable individuals, change both your lives and the recipients’ of your generosity.
PROGRAM FEE: (USD$)
Program Fee Excludes:
- Flights
- Visas
- Insurance
- Personal Expenses
- Airport Drop off (Can be arranged upon request)
APPLICATION & PLACEMENT BOOKING FEE
Please Note: An application and placement booking fee of $180 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment to secure your placement.
The fee covers: Administration Costs, Placement Booking & Confirmation, Pre-departure support & documentation, 24-hour international HQ back-up.
HOW TO APPLY
To start the process fill Volunteer application form and submit it for consideration and book your placement. For more information on how to get enrolled for the volunteering experience of a lifetime contact us. Or Give us a call | WhatsApp | Telegram | Viber | Imo at +254-796-786292 to talk to a Program Specialist.
