Volunteering in Kenya can be a rewarding and enriching experience, but it's important to prepare yourself before you go. Here are some things you should know before volunteering in Kenya:
Overall, volunteering in Kenya can be a life-changing experience, but it's important to prepare yourself for the challenges you may encounter. By doing your research and taking the necessary precautions, you can ensure a safe and fulfilling experience.
Nairobi, like many other cities in Africa, has slum areas that are characterised by high population densities, inadequate housing, and poor sanitation conditions. Kibera, Mathare, and Mukuru are some of the largest slums in Nairobi, with an estimated population of over a million people combined.
Kibera is the largest slum in Nairobi and one of the largest in Africa, with an estimated population of up to 700,000 people. The slum is located near the city centre and is known for its crowded and congested living conditions, inadequate sanitation facilities, and poor access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and clean water.
Mathare is another large slum in Nairobi, with an estimated population of over 500,000 people. The slum is situated to the east of the city and is characterised by poor housing conditions, limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities, and high levels of poverty.
Mukuru is a collection of several slums in Nairobi, with an estimated population of over 300,000 people. The slum is located near the industrial area of the city and is known for its poor housing conditions, limited access to basic services, and high levels of crime and insecurity.
Despite their challenges, slums in Nairobi are also home to vibrant communities with their own unique culture and traditions. Various non-governmental organisations and government agencies are working to improve the living conditions in these slum areas, through initiatives such as providing access to clean water, improving sanitation facilities, and offering educational and vocational training programs.
Nairobi, as the capital city of Kenya, is a central hub and home to a large number of NGOs (non-governmental organisations) and NFPs (Not for Profit Organisations) working in various sectors, including health, education, human rights, and development. Here are some examples of NGOs in Nairobi:
These are just a few examples of the many NGOs operating in Nairobi. There are many more organisations working on different issues, and visitors can explore and learn more about these organisations through their websites, social media pages, or by visiting their offices.
Nairobi is home to one of the four main United Nations (UN) headquarters in the world. The UN Office in Nairobi (UNON) is the UN's headquarters for Africa and hosts several UN agencies and programs, including:
These are just a few of the UN agencies and programs that are based in Nairobi. The UNON also plays a key role in supporting peace and security initiatives in Africa, and it hosts several international conferences and events throughout the year.
Overall, Kenya is home to many NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations) that work on a wide range of issues, including health, education, human rights, environment, and poverty reduction, with a large proportion of them being based in the country's epicentre, Nairobi.
The Ruben Centre is a community-based organisation located in the Mukuru slums in Nairobi, Kenya. The centre was founded in 1986 by the Christian Brothers as a way to provide education, healthcare, and other social services to the local community.
The Ruben Centre offers a range of programs and services to the community, including a primary school, a health clinic, a child protection program, and a vocational training program. The centre also provides support to vulnerable groups such as children living on the streets and people living with HIV/AIDS.
One of the centre's main goals is to empower the local community and promote sustainable development. They work closely with community members to identify their needs and develop programs that address those needs in a holistic and sustainable way.
The Ruben Centre is widely recognised for its work and has received several awards, including the Kenyan Presidential Award for Community Service. They rely heavily on volunteers and donations to support their programs and welcome volunteers from all over the world to come and work with them.
Overall, the Ruben Centre is an important community organisation in Nairobi, and their work has had a positive impact on the lives of many people in the Mukuru slums.
Edmund Rice Centre Nairobi (ERCN) is a community-based organisation that provides educational, vocational and livelihood services to vulnerable communities living in the informal settlement of Kibera. In 2022, ERFA is supporting ERCN project Education for Children living with disabilities.
It is a new formation arising from a merger of three small ministries then known as Edmund Rice Advocacy Network (ERAN), Mary Rice Centre, and Edmund Rice Karibu Group (ERKG), all in Nairobi. The merger was necessary to avoid duplication, reduce the cost of operations and to foster effectiveness, efficiency and impact of the ministries.
The project aims to enhance learning and developmental outcomes for 77 Children with intellectual and Autism spectrum disorder by improving their cognitive and adaptive abilities. They will be recruited, assessed and then enrolled at ERCN. Those enrolled will be taught basic learning skills based on their abilities, which will include reading, writing, outdoor/ creative activities and daily living activities. Their guardians will be empowered through various trainings on how to handle and offer continued support to the CWDs during non-school days. The project will transition the children every 3 years, having empowered their parents.
An empowered and transformed society (Kibera community) where everyone enjoys the fullness of life.
To restore the dignity and quality of life for most vulnerable households with children with disability in Kibera through advocacy, special education, and socio-economic empowerment.
Presence, Compassion & Liberation
At Indy Escapes, we are affiliated with a number of NGO's around the world. In Kenya, we spend time at and support the Ruben Centre Nairobi and ERCN. Both are incredible initiatives that create opportunity and support for those who are living in these slums and who do not have access to basic necessities. For more information on what we do, how you can help or to connect directly with the organisations, please see our Donating and Volunteering in Kenya Page.
