Participants have the opportunity to collaborate with a local physician here. Medical volunteers will help conduct basic health assessments for members of the local community. Typically, the doctor treats up to 50 patients each day. The clinic operates in both the morning and late evening, generally for about 2-3 hours per session. This may provide a chance for hands-on involvement if volunteers decide to pursue such an opportunity. The clinic offers accessible healthcare to vulnerable families in Kibera.
Main needs include:
- Medicines
- Non-pharmaceutical disposables
- Sanitary products
3. Shadowing in a Hospital Environment
Our network includes various clinics. Volunteers will have the chance to shadow in different clinic departments. Here, they may perform basic health assessments on patients during the doctor's rounds. Common departments where volunteers in Mombasa will be assigned include the Clinic, ultrasound, pediatrics, Pharmacy, Dental, ophthalmology, gynecology, laboratory, and non-urgent care. You may also have the opportunity to observe surgeries. However, this occurs on an ad hoc basis. You will be informed a day in advance or even on the same day once the surgeries are confirmed. Naturally, we cannot assure that specific surgeries will occur. Regardless, it can be a truly enlightening experience to witness the differences between clinics in Kenya and those in your home country.
4. Community Visits
Volunteers will join Community Health Promoters (CHPs) in performing various health checks throughout different community environments. For instance, they may visit local schools to carry out health screenings for students. Volunteers often have the opportunity to provide basic first aid to the children. Furthermore, visits to care homes within the community are carried out to perform health screenings on the more vulnerable and elderly individuals. In this context, volunteers can offer their assistance by helping with cooking and meal preparation for the residents. The primary goal of the local team is to support the underprivileged community to the best of their ability.
5. Student Elective Opportunities
We offer specialized elective placements for students. Those seeking a distinctive overseas elective experience can achieve this through our organization. Gain firsthand knowledge from health professionals in unparalleled medical environments. As a medical volunteer, you can indicate your preferred clinical elective during the online application process. Be sure to emphasize your elective experience, as this will necessitate official approval and a selective license from the Ministry of Health. Our team will ensure that all arrangements are made for your elective in our country.
Medical - Acquire hands-on medical experience and gain insights during your medical elective. Collaborate with local physicians in outreach initiatives aimed at assisting some of the most disadvantaged communities. Establish cultural ties and learn directly from doctors while taking an active role in supporting health campaigns in slum areas. Observe clinics and consultations, and perform basic health assessments as we deliver free medical services to slum populations. Witness surgical procedures and evaluate hospital standards compared to those at home. Engage directly at clinics in this exceptional medical elective opportunity.
Nursing - Your nursing elective offers a diverse range of experiences. For instance, you will shadow nurses in hospitals, aid in outreach medical camps, and support doctors with health assessments at community clinics. During your nursing placement, you will gain insights from healthcare professionals regarding medical practices in our country. Additionally, you will learn about the common diseases affecting the local population. Explore various departments, including pediatrics, emergency care, and neurology, ensuring that your nursing elective is truly memorable!
6. Group Medical Trips -
We offer cost-effective group journeys for educational institutions and organizations globally. Starting at just 950 Euros per person (with group leaders coming at no cost), our comprehensive 15-day itinerary is meticulously planned, all-inclusive, and guided by our skilled team. Organizing international trips for sizable groups requires extensive preparation. We truly excel in the realm of group overseas expeditions, delivering unique group travel experiences while catering to large student groups with full board arrangements. We assure you of providing reliable and thoroughly vetted medical project environments that offer valuable insights, exposure, and educational experiences for students.
By volunteering, you are not just learning—you are saving lives, inspiring hope, and helping build stronger, healthier communities. The knowledge, compassion, and skills you gain here will impact your career and personal growth for a lifetime.
Step forward. Heal. Learn. Grow.
Apply Now to join a program where your hands, heart, and mind make a difference
Volunteer Preparation Guide – Kenya
As you prepare to embark on your volunteer journey in Kenya, we kindly encourage you to review the following essential guidelines to ensure a smooth, safe, and fulfilling experience.
1. Kenyan Currency, Mobile Communication & Internet AccessHaving a mobile phone during your stay is highly recommended, as it allows you to stay connected with family, friends, and the UCESCO team. Local SIM cards are widely available, with Safaricom being the leading network provider. A SIM card typically costs approximately USD 1 and offers affordable call and data packages.
The official currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES). You may exchange currency at major shopping malls or withdraw cash from ATMs across the country. Please note that US Dollars are commonly accepted for entry fees in national parks.
We strongly recommend obtaining a local SIM card to access M-Pesa, Kenya’s widely used and secure mobile payment platform. M-Pesa allows you to conveniently make payments for transport, shopping, and services—even in remote areas—without the need to carry cash. This is especially useful when exact fare is required, as it minimizes the inconvenience of handling change. You can also top up your M-Pesa account through international services such as Wise.
Internet access is readily available through Wi-Fi at most accommodations, workplaces, cafés, and shopping centers. For additional convenience, portable modem devices may also be purchased for personal internet access.
2. Packing EssentialsRequired Documents & Items:
eTA Visa (apply via: https://www.etakenya.go.ke/de/evisa)
Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity from date of entry)
Yellow Fever vaccination certificate
Credit/debit card and/or cash
Power adapter compatible with Kenyan outlets
Recommended Items:
Personal toiletries
Travel pillow
Wet wipes and hand sanitizer
Comfortable and durable footwear (suitable for outdoor activities)
Small day bag or waist/fanny pack
Portable power bank
Hairdryer (if required)
Weather-appropriate clothing (we advise checking the forecast prior to travel)
Laundry services are available at an additional cost.
3. Your First Day with UCESCOUpon arrival, a UCESCO representative (Kingsley or another team member) will meet you at the airport. Communication prior to arrival will be coordinated via WhatsApp.
Your official orientation will take place on the first weekday at the UCESCO office. If you arrive over the weekend, optional activities such as a short city tour or a 1–2 day safari can be arranged. However, your first visit to the project site will take place on Monday.
During orientation, the Volunteer Coordinator will introduce you to the organization, its mission, and ongoing programs. You will also have the opportunity to visit selected project sites. The day typically concludes around 2:00 PM.
After orientation, you may visit a nearby shopping mall to purchase a SIM card (passport required) and set up your M-Pesa account.
4. Exploration Opportunities: Tours & SafarisMeaningful Tours and Travel Kenya offers volunteers an opportunity to explore the beauty, culture, and diversity of Kenya through affordable and well-organized travel experiences.
Weekends provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy safaris and excursions:
Extended Safaris (e.g., Maasai Mara, Samburu): Recommended duration is 2–3 days (Friday to Sunday)
Short Safaris (near Mombasa): Can be completed within 1–2 days
From the iconic savannahs of the Maasai Mara to the stunning beaches of the Kenyan coast, these experiences allow you to witness incredible wildlife, explore the Great Rift Valley, and engage with local communities.
With Meaningful Tours and Travel Kenya, you will not only visit Kenya—you will experience its true essence and create lasting memories.
5. Maximize Your Impact – Become a Volunteer ChampionYour contribution as a volunteer is invaluable. However, you can further amplify your impact by organizing a personal fundraiser to support critical community needs such as:
Food and nutrition programs
School fees and educational support
Ongoing school construction projects
Access to healthcare services
While we understand that you may not be able to meet all these needs alone, your network—friends, family, and colleagues—can play a meaningful role in supporting your efforts.
If you require assistance with fundraising materials or promotion, our team will be happy to support you. You can also access resources through our social media platforms or shared Google Drive.
Together, we can create lasting change and make your volunteer experience even more meaningful.