Frequently Asked Questions

We are here for you

Before your Departure

Preparation is the key to volunteering with peace of mind.

CIVS Kenya is a duly registered organization in Kenya offering voluntary services since it started operations in 1997. We are also verified by a number of international volunteer travel portals, including Go Overseas and Go Abroad, and you can read reviews from past volunteers. Our team has over 24 years of experience in supporting more than 119,000 volunteers from over 100 different countries around the world. You can learn more about their experiences via our social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. If you wish to speak with a member of our team to learn more about our volunteer programs, please feel free to contact us.

No, you don’t need special skills to volunteer. However, CIVS Kenya has some requirements to be fulfilled by its volunteers: 

  • Age: above 18 years of age(If you are below 18  years you need written consent from a guardian) 
  • A positive attitude towards independent progress  of others 
  • A willingness to adapt to local conditions 
  • A desire to interact and understand other  people’s culture and philosophy of life 
  • Be open-minded and willing to freely exchange  ideas, information, and experiences without imposing your own values on others

These simple ideas will make your time in Kenya a great success for you, your project and the community.

Yes you can. You can get your e-Visa before your arrival via a dedicated portal at ecitizen.go.ke. No visa is issued upon arrival due to Covid-19 pandemic. 

The tourist visa for Kenya is valid for 90 days and in some instances it’s for only 30 days. Upon arrival at the airport’s immigration section, it is important to mention that you have applied and need to be issued with three months visa if you are staying for moe than one month.

Yes, you likely need to be vaccinated. Depending on your country of residence, you are required to take some vaccinations before you can enter Kenya. You should contact your preferred medical practice to be consulted on all medical issues. Please prepare on time, as some vaccinations need several injections.

To keep our volunteers, staff and local communities safe during the Covid-19 pandemic, all volunteers must present a negative Covid-19 test upon arrival at their program. We accept both Lateral Flow tests and PCR tests. This must have been dated from within the last 72 hours and is a requirement regardless of whether you have been vaccinated against Covid-19 or not. We strongly encourage our volunteers to be fully vaccinated before starting their trip, but since the availability of vaccines varies by country we do not currently require our volunteers to have been vaccinated. For more information on how we keep you safe, visit our Covid-19 page.

Yes, you can. CIVS Kenya offers an opportunity for physical challenged persons and for conventional purposes we shall ask you to tell us about your disability in your application. This is aimed at enabling us place you and the most appropriate project that you will be able to maximize your skills and knowledge.

Yes, you can come with your friends. Usually, we try not to place too many people from the same country in one project. If you wish to be placed together with a friend, please indicate it clearly be in the applications for both of you.

Make copies! Important documents (passport, data page, and visa documents, credit cards, travel in-surance policy, air/bus/train tickets, driving license, etc.) should be photocopied before you leave home. Leave one copy safely back at home and keep another with you, separate from the originals. We strongly advise you to leave a copy of your passport and your visa at the CIVS Kenya office.

About my Project

CIVS Kenya offers projects of different duration. Our monthly WORKCAMPS last for 3 weeks. Mid and Long-Term projects last from two months up to a year. Many volunteers also choose to participate in a Workcamp first, before starting a Mid or Long-Term Placement.

Apart from the participation fee, the Volunteer will have to cater for the following costs themselves: 

  • Buying drinks like soda, beer, etc.     
  • Entrance fees to Sightseeing places     
  • Visa costs     
  • Direct donations to the projects     
  • Local transportation costs

Necessary items       

  • Mosquito net     
  • Mosquito repellant     
  • Torch/flashlight     
  • Toiletries: including toilet paper etc.     
  • First-aid kit     
  • Sleeping bag  

Better to have   

  • Sandals     
  • Hat     
  • Camera     
  • Sun screen cream  

Other items for interaction with people        

  • Pictures of your country     
  • Food from your country     
  • Cultural materials (e.g. flag)     
  • Items for donation like toys and books for kids, etc. 

Yes, CIVS Kenya will pick you up from the airport to the office or host depending on your arrival time. Before starting your journey to Kenya, please confirm that we have received your correct flight details. The costs for two airport transfer trips (1 Pick up on arrival and 1 Drop off on departure) are included in the participation fee.

Any additional airport transfer costs will be at the volunteer’s expense.

CIVS will arrange accommodation for your volunteer duration with us. These are the following:
During  the orientation 

  • Buruburu, Nairobi  At a host family house.

While  volunteering at your project 

  • Directly at the project 
  • At a Host family house 

During  Evaluation (Last Days) 

  • Buruburu, Nairobi  – At a host family house.

CIVS Kenya will inform you about the exact accommodation before your arrival and during your orientation.

Any accommodation costs incurred before or after the PROJECT TERM will be met by the Volunteer.

You can get involved with us in plenty of other ways including: campaigning, setting up a local group, and fundraising and by making a donation to one of the projects.

Once you have completed your CIVS Kenya program, you will receive a Recognition of Volunteer Ser-vice Certificate showing you completed the Volunteer Program and made a positive contribution to a local community. This certificate can be a valuable addition to your resume as many employers recognize that volunteer travel is beneficial for personal and professional development, as well as cross cultural competence.

About Kenya

There are ATMs in every big town in Kenya. You do not need to carry traveler cheques or a lot of cash. You should inquire in advance from your bank about the conditions and possibilities of withdrawing money with your bank card while in Kenya. Having a master/visa card is advisable in this case.

Yes, Kenya is a very safe and secure country. CIVS Kenya will provide you with the DO’S and DON’TS during your orientation. You are OK in Nairobi and anywhere else in the country. CIVS Kenya works closely with Government departments and different embassies to ensure that Volunteers are safe at all times. Our past Volunteers can testify that they felt safe and at home during their visit.

Any other question?

We will be happy to respond to any other concerns you might have.

ABOUT US

The Center for International Voluntary Service (CIVS Kenya) is a Community Development Organization working with local marginalized communities in Kenya to support them in their development and fight the poverty through volunteering and community development programs. 

REACH US

OUR LOCATION

SOCIAL MEDIA