Volunteer FAQs

What kind of volunteer work is available?
The volunteer opportunities are in: teaching, working in children's homes, primary healthcare, community development and HIV/AIDS programs.

 

What is the climate like in Kenya?
The climate varies from tropical along the coast to arid in the interior. Kenya enjoys a tropical climate. It is hot and humid at the coast, temperature inland and very dry in the North east parts of the country. The country receives a great deal of sunshine all year round and summer clothes are worn throughout the year. However, it is usually cool at the night and early in the morning. The long rain seasons occurs from April to June. Short rains occur from October to December. The rainfall is sometimes heavy and often falls in the afternoon and evenings. The hottest period is from February to March and coldest in July to august.

Where will I be located?
In rural part of Kenya. Maasai land and its environs. You will be picked at the airport and taken to Kimuka for orientation and the following day taken to your placements. This all depend on your program. For teaching, you are going to be taken to school for introduction to local teachers and be given a duty roster for your daily activities. Medical volunteers are introduced to the dispensary by MEAC staff.

Is there any time of the year when I can't volunteer?
Well, Volunteers are able to participate in the Kenya Maasai program all year round. For the teaching program, school holidays run during April, August and December/early January. Volunteers can work during school holidays if the majority of their placement is during the school term. These volunteers need to come prepared to volunteer in the community during holiday times.

Tell me more about flying into Kenya?
Volunteers will fly into Nairobi (Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport) and will be met on arrival by a member of MEAC staff. You are required to pay for a visa after you arrived at Jomo Kenyatta airport ($ US 50)

When do I need to arrive in Kenya?
The Maasai program has one volunteer intake per month, at the end of every month. Volunteers fly into Nairobi and should arrive the day before, so they are ready to take part in a training program by these dates. Accommodation can be arranged for you if you arrive earlier than the day before orientation begins. You will have to pay your own expenses for any time you stay in Kenya outside of training and volunteer time. Normally volunteers arriving 2 days before their program starts, have to pay the host. (Kes 500) if you get nobody at the airport to pick you up, call 0721 35 88 12 Virginia.

Tell me more about the accommodation?
In most programs, volunteers will be accommodated in a Kenyan home stay. You will be part of Maasai community and fell free. Maasai are the best friends in Kenya. They like to treat visitors as their own. A bed will be provided to you but you have to have your own beddings.

Do you make provision for special diets?
Yes, it is possible for special arrangements to be made if are a vegetarian. But let MEAC staff know during orientation.

How do I get to the project?
Orientation will be held in Kimuka (MEAC School). Volunteers will then be transferred to the program areas at the conclusion of orientation - this cost is included in the program fee.

Can I live with relatives/friends in Kenya if I do have during my volunteer period?
No. All volunteers must stay in accommodation arranged by MEAC. This will encourage focusing on the project and provides the opportunity to stay with other volunteers.

Are there holidays or festivals I should be aware of when travelling?
There are many festivals in Kenya however this will not hinder your volunteering as when they are on you will most likely be invited to celebrate with everyone. Some of these includes jamuhuri 12 December, kenyatta day 20th October, madaraka day 1st June.

What age do you have to volunteer in maasailand?
You must be 18 years to 65 years to be able to volunteer in maasailand. We recommend volunteers to have good health.

What immunisations/vaccinations will I need?
This is a suggestion of what may be needed - please consult with your medical professional or travel specialist for more details.

 

• Hepatitis A & B
• Polio
• Typhoid
• Yellow Fever
• Diphtheria and tetanus
• Rabies
• Meningococcal (meningitis)
• Cholera
• Malaria (needs to be closely discussed with doctor)
• Tuberculosis

Have a discussion with the physician during your vaccination

Do I need to speak English to volunteer?
Yes, you need to speak English to volunteer. Kenya's two main languages are English and Swahili. Unless you are hopelessly lost in the bush somewhere, you will probably be able to find someone who speaks English. It is also useful for volunteers to have a working knowledge of Swahili, especially outside the urban areas and in remote parts of the country.

What is the criterion for volunteers to be accepted into the program?
An applicant is considered by the information they provide on the application. Further information required, an applicants will be emailed for request on this. We also look further at your application as to skills and experience specifically related to the program you have applied to.

Can I bring my own family with me to the program?
Volunteers are welcome to bring their family members with them on the program. Each application will be considered on a case by case basis. Partners will also need to apply if they wish to take part in the program.

 

Are there more expenses once I arrive?
The in-country fee covers your accommodation and 3 meals per day, your transfer to your program. You will need to have additional money for bottled water, extra food, for days off, departure from the program, airport departure tax, and any personal shopping you may do.

How safe is it to volunteer in Kenya?
Kenya is a safe and peaceful country. However, political rallies such as those held in Nairobi, eldoret and Kisumu in early 2008 have become violent and crime has increase. Travel advisories recommend that visitors exercise a high degree of caution, with some even recommending avoiding non-essential travel. While in Kenya, visitors should avoid rallies or demonstrations and stay aware of the current situation as the details and dates of rallies may change. MEAC volunteers will be accommodated in maasailand which is the safest ever place in Kenya. But volunteers are caution not to make night trips without somebody from the host family.

How many volunteers are there on site at the same time?
This depends on how many people volunteer at any one time. At least two volunteers should be at the same host family at the same time.

What is the course content of the orientation?
Orientation takes place two days in Kimuka and in Nairobi. Volunteers are given a general introduction to Maasai and Swahili language and a cultural orientation.

What hours are I expected to take part in the program?
Volunteers will be required to work between 4 and 6 hours per day, 5 days a week. Weekends and school holidays are free time.

Is there the opportunity to take classes such as
language or more cultural activities while on the program?
Yes. MEAC has got seminars at that enhance awareness of cultural activities in the community. You are expected to take part in this.

What resources will be available?
In most cases resources are limited. You may like to take donations of goods with you to distribute or use in the program. If you intend to do fund raising, its very much appreciable. Have discussion with MEAC local staff to picture you on the shortages in the community.

Are we able to do any sightseeing?
Yes, you can take part in visiting other volunteers in other organisations if you know one. You can also take part in Kenyan safari that will let you explore Kenya and east Africa in general. During school holidays this is also another good time to do your sightseeing.

What clothing is appropriate for the program?
Considering the temperature, we recommend light coloured, cotton clothing that modestly covers your body (knee-length or longer). As well as comfortable sturdy footwear as well as a pair of sandals/sandals for light walking is recommended. Have sunglasses and a hat as well as sun cream.

Does MEAC have any other partner in Kenya?
No at the moment. MEAC is interacting directly with local community and volunteers.

Who organises my visa for my volunteer placement?
You will organise your Visa through your travel agent or independently. For citizens of most countries, you can do this at the airport when you arrive or before you get to Kenya. Also our detailed program guide includes links to Kenya Embassies through out the world.

How do I pay my fees?
Your application fee secures your place on the program (remember this is fully refundable if you decide not to take part in the program). MEAC recommend that volunteers have to make their payment on arrival. A receipt should be provided to you after payment have been made. Soon MEAC will introduce a pay pal online payment which will ease payments.