New Hope Volunteers

Since 1998, More than 18000 happy volunteers


Healthcare Project (Nairobi, Watamu, Mombasa, Maasai)

volunteer in healthcare project in kenya
  • Share your passion in medical care and help communities lead healthier lives
  • Learn about the healthcare system in Kenya alongside local medical professionals
  • Immerse in the Kenyan way of life through safe, carefully-screened homestays
  • Practice Swahili while enjoying the world-renowned wildlife attractions, beautiful natural wonders and the diverse Kenyan cultures in your downtime

If you’re a healthcare professional or student seeking to help the world the best way you know how, look no further. Volunteer in Kenya in the Healthcare program and bring medical relief to the people. Healthcare in Kenya is expensive and unaffordable for extremely poor. In rural areas of the country, healthcare facilities are almost non-existent, basic and scarce at best. Many Kenyans have to travel far and wide to get medical treatment, and this is why people are still dying of treatable disease. New Hope works with local organizations that are striving to stop this from happening. Our volunteers will work with the local doctors and nurses to provide treatment to the poor in Kenya. Take part in the Healthcare project, and while you’re helping the locals to lead healthier lives, practice your Swahili and go on wild adventures on the Kenyan savannas!

Volunteers' Responsibilities

As a volunteer in the healthcare volunteer project in Kenya, you will be placed in local clinics or hospitals and treat mainly those from underprivileged backgrounds. Depending on your individual interests and skills, and on the needs of the local staff, your daily activities involve, but are not limited to:

  • Assist with general check-ups and examinations of patients
  • Measurement of blood pressure, temperature, height and weight of patients
  • Helping out at health camps
  • Dispensing medications and immunizations
  • Treating minor injuries or wounds
  • OPD or out-patient services
  • Providing tips and education to patients on health, nutrition and sanitation
  • Counseling patients
  • Assisting hospital administration
  • Maternal help and childcare and assisting midwives on visits
  • Participate in home visits in rural areas to help with vaccinations and/or care for immobilized patients.

Medical volunteers will shadow local doctors and learn mostly from observation. Due to the increased risks involved and raised medical regulations, volunteers cannot treat patients or become involved in surgery during the project.

How You Can Make a Difference

Dedicated towards helping the poor and disadvantaged, many committed doctors and nurses in this project need all the help they can get to treat their patients. By volunteering in Kenya, there will be tremendous opportunities for volunteers to experience the healthcare industry in another country. You'll also be immersed in the local culture, through treating the patients, letting you have a deeper insight and empathy for the plight of the people. Such an experience can only positively impact your lives and future careers.

Skills and Qualifications

Applicants interested to join this program must possess healthcare certification, such as: ID as a medical student, EMT, paramedic certification, nursing, physical therapy, midwifery or physician’s credentials. We do not permit volunteers without medical credentials to participate in this program due to the potential risk. This project also requires a copy of the volunteer’s resume which clearly documents the education and/or professional credentials, prior to arrival. The projects will also require an official copy of the credentials. Depending on your specific placement and host institution, additional application materials may be required.

Your understanding of Kenyan culture and Swahili language can help improve the experience for both you and your patients. Consider enrolling in our one-week Language & Cultural Immersion program.

Project Location

This project is located in Mombasa, Nairobi, Watamu and Maasai.

Watamu lies on the Indian Ocean and is the country's coastal tourism hub. The majority of the residents wear colorful traditional clothing, and the city's climate is warm and tropical. While Watamu is home to some very rich foreigners, it's also home to incredibly poor Kenyans. The volunteer house where international volunteers all stay together while working on projects in Watamu is located directly on the beach, so at the end of a hard and emotionally draining day volunteering, you can relax an rejuvenate right on the beach! There are also a multitude of diverse restaurants and Watamu's northern shoreline is renowned for its vibrant 24-hour entertainment.

Nairobi is the capital and the largest city in Kenya. The colorful combinations of culture and modern living are living examples of past meets future. There is a solid tourist infrastructure in place that supports day trips and city tour planning, and volunteers can spend free time in the National Museum or Nairobi National Park. The city is a hub for safari launches and there are many opportunities for different excursions. There are also crocodile farms and nature trails to explore, along with the standard pulsing city options for travelers.

Mombasa is the main tourist hot spot in Kenya. Located on the Eastern coastline of Kenya bordering the Indian Ocean, it is celebrated for its beaches. Mombasa offers a diverse marine life, world-class hotels, and a friendly atmosphere. Back in the 16th century, Mombasa was ruled by the Portuguese, Arabs and the British, resulting in the cultural melting pot that the city has become today. Must-visits include the Forte Jesus de Mombaca, the Old Town, an historic Portuguese port.

Massai land is close to Kenya’s best-known and finest wildlife reserve – the Maasai Mara. The land is located in the south west region of Kenya, about 90 minutes from Nairobi. The land covers an area around 1530 square km and is reserved for Maasai people, who live a pastoral and nomadic lifestyle. Many Maasai, however, have settled down permanently and have build houses. There are also schools and hospital in the region, although there are insufficient manpower and facilities to run them smoothly.

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