Water ~ It is advised that you do not drink the tap water in Kenya. Bottled water is available for purchase. Allow $20 (US) per week.
Mosquito Net ~ Mosquito nets are recommended in the area of Kenya that you will be volunteering. You may purchase your mosquito net before leaving home or choose to purchase during orientation for approximately $10 (US).
Money Exchange ~ Money used in Kenya is shillings. You will have the opportunity to exchange your money during orientation or you can exchange at your local bank before leaving home. It is advised that you do not carry large amounts of cash on you. ATM machines are available throughout Kenya. Check with your bank for fees associated with using a debit or credit card to obtain cash. Credit card or travelers checks are not widely accepted for purchases in Kenya.
Communication ~ Technology has been growing with leaps and bounds around the world, but in Kenya and other third world countries they still have not caught up completely with what you may be used to. Internet cafes are located all around Kenya and are the most widely used form of communication with family and friends while you are volunteering in Kenya. The cost is minimal. Bringing your own computer is risky when it comes to finding a safe wifi area connection and/or the possibility of being stolen.Your accommodations will not have telephones. You may bring your phone from home, please contact your local provider for your international fees and connection possibilities. It is recommended that while in Kenya you purchase a cheap phone (approx. $30 US) for communication with other volunteers, host family, and volunteer coordinator. We have learned that it is less expensive for your family and friends to call you rather than you call them. You will have the opportunity to purchase a phone during orientation.
Transportation ~ in Kenya, a matatu, bus or taxi are the most used form of transportation. Many of the volunteer assignments are within a reasonable walking distance, although at times you may need to take a short transport of a local matatu or bus to reach your program destination daily. Your volunteer coordinator and host family will familiarize you with the use of transportation while volunteering. For your safety never travel alone at night.
Accommodations ~ the host family is proud to have you living with them. It is an honor for them to care for you and share with you their culture and way of life. Accommodations are modest but very safe and clean. You may have to share a room with one or two other volunteers. There are no washing machines or dryers and laundry is done by hand. Some home stays may have running water inside for bathing and others may not. Bucket bathing is common. Toilets can be squat toilets, inside or outside, bring toilet tissue!
Meals ~ Volunteers are served two meals a day. Usually breakfast and dinner. While meals may differ by home stays, volunteers can expect to eat as the host family eats. Examples of foods served are: Breakfast may consist of bread, jam, fruit, eggs, and chai tea. Dinner foods can be rice, potatoes, cabbage, beans, chapati, ugali, spinach, green beans, tomatoes, onions, plantains and assortments of fruits. Meat is not always served except on special occasions or holidays. Goat meat is common, with chicken served every now and then. Special diets can
not be accommodated by the host family.