Volunteer in Nairobi
Our headquarters in Waithaka puts you at the heart of a vibrant city — with meaningful project work by day and Nairobi's food and nightlife scene by night.
From here, volunteers travel to various projects across the city, with the guidance of our local staff. Our house serves as a safe and welcoming home away from home for volunteers to relax and hang-out after their day’s work.
We charge a fee for hosting our volunteers, which includes accommodation, two meals a day, 24/7 support and much more.
Digital Literacy
Similar to our program in Maasai Mara, volunteers in Nairobi help local students develop computer skills, which are essential for their future success. With the right training, these young people can access opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. Volunteers are given training and orientation before starting to ensure they feel confident and prepared.
Primary School Support
Volunteers play an important role in Nairobi’s primary schools by assisting with classroom activities, tutoring children who need extra help, and engaging in fun extracurricular activities like dance, art, sports and storytelling. These creative outlets build confidence and open the children's minds to new possibilities.
Healthcare Internship
We offer healthcare students the chance to practice in Nairobi, working under the guidance of Kenyan doctors. The program is tailored to your experience and interests, with the opportunity to work in clinics and outreach programs.
Specialized Volunteering
Got a skill or passion that doesn’t quite fit our programs? Let us know! We love hearing what volunteers can offer and will do our best to incorporate your unique talents into the community.
A typical day in Nairobi
7:30 AM — Breakfast at the volunteer house
8:45 AM — Head to placement with local staff guidance
9:00 AM–3:00 PM — Project work + lunch break
3:00–6:30 PM — Option to volunteer or Free time: city cafes, malls, rest
7:00 PM — Dinner served. Rooftop hangout or city nightlife
Nairobi has an exciting food and nightlife scene, and we encourage volunteers to explore it! It’s a vibrant city full of energy and social opportunities. However, safety is a top priority, and we advise all volunteers to communicate with the house staff, use Bolt or Uber for transport, and never travel by foot in unsafe areas.
Once a week, we gather as a community for a dinner or cookout, where volunteers can chat with our founders and directors, ask questions, or simply share their experiences over a shared meal. After all, nothing brings people together like good food!
At Marafiki Community International, we believe in the power of community, collaboration, and shared experiences. We’re here to walk alongside the people we serve, and we’re excited for you to join us on this journey!
Your Volunteer Accommodation
We have both shared rooms and private rooms (available for an upgraded fee)
Our volunteer house has hot water, Wi-Fi and electricity, although water and power cuts can occasionally happen in Nairobi.
We provide breakfast and dinner from Monday through Saturday. Our meals are cooked with a lot of love by our staff, using local ingredients, with of course veggie and vegan options, as needed.
The house also has a “house mama” and security 24/7.
