Medical and Nursing in Nakuru, Kenya

• You must have an established medical background—studying on a pre-medical track, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, occupational/physical therapy, or working in a relevant field.
• Additionally, In order to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants in the program, certain measures have been put in place, particularly for specific age groups. Those who are older are required to obtain medical clearance, as this acts as a precautionary measure to ascertain their physical ability to partake in potentially strenuous activities. Similarly, participants who are under 18 years old must have a signed parental consent form, as this guarantees that their parents or guardians are aware of their involvement and approve of their participation. Due to the length and active nature of the program, it is essential for all participants to possess a decent level of fitness, since a significant portion of the activities will take place outdoors under the heat of the sun. By adhering to these requirements, the program organizers can maintain an enjoyable and safe environment for everyone involved. 

• Accommodation
• 3 meals p/day weekdays / 2 meals p/day weekends
• Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
• Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
• 1 day orientation
• Daily transportation to project
• In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
• Fundraising support
• University course credits (where applicable)
• Certificate of Completion

• Airfares
• Travel Insurance
• Tours, Souvenirs & spending money

On the Monday of your first week at this location, you will join our orientation day, to familiarise you with the surroundings as well as local culture. Your program will continue as usual from Tuesday onward throughout the rest of the week.

Schedule
● Introduction meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety Advice and
handling of documents.
● Kenyan Do’s and Don’ts, Culture introduction and country history and Swahili Language
Lessons.
● Tour around the compound and local area; where to find local shops, and arrange a sim-card
if necessary.
● Lunch
● Trip to Nakuru town where you can buy essentials if required

Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.

A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). You must arrive at the meeting point by 13.00 on Saturday or Sunday. If arriving during the pickup times on the Saturday, we charge an additional fee for the extra night’s accommodation.

If arriving outside the pickup times, we charge an additional fee for any extra night’s accommodation, and for a private transfer.

Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this). 

From the airport to the accommodation, it takes 3.5 hours by car.     

Monday to Friday

You will spend 4-6 hours assisting hospital staff and attending to patients with close supervision by qualified member of staff. The day could look like:

• Breakfast
• Assist at local hospital / backpack nurse
• Lunch
• Assist at local hospital
• Dinner.

There are several things to do near Nakuru, Kenya. Here are some options:

1. Visit Lake Nakuru National Park: This park is home to a large population of flamingos and other bird species. It’s also a great place to see lions, leopards, and rhinos.

2. Take a hot air balloon ride: Get a bird’s-eye view of the stunning scenery around Nakuru with a hot air balloon ride. This is a popular activity that offers amazing views of the Great Rift Valley and Lake Nakuru.

3. Hike Menengai Crater: This dormant volcano is a popular hiking destination. The views from the top are breathtaking, and the hike itself is challenging but doable for most people.

4. Visit Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site: This museum and archaeological site offers a glimpse into the prehistoric history of the area. You can see ancient tools and artifacts, and learn about the early human settlements in the region.

5. Explore Hell’s Gate National Park: This park is named for its geothermal activity and is a great place to see natural hot springs and geysers. You can also hike through the park’s stunning scenery and see wildlife like baboons, zebras, and giraffes.

6. Go on a safari: There are several safari options near Nakuru, including drives through Lake Nakuru National Park and private conservancies that offer a more intimate wildlife viewing experience.

A medical background or related work experience – Nursing and Medical students welcome!

• Modest clothing – covering the knees and shoulders is required, expect to wear scrubs and/or other appropriate attire for medical staff.
• Surgical gloves, appropriate closed-toe shoes, scrubs, coats and masks for yourself.
• Feel free to bring along material/supplies useful for your placement or to be donated. 

Kenya is a stunning country, featuring almost every terrain and climate from desert, beach, cities and forests.

There is something for every traveler here, particularly for wildlife lovers. It has over 40 National parks throughout the country and holds the some of the world’s most loved and endangered animals. Here you will find lions, leopards, elephants, hippos and so much more! Kenya is famous for its incredible safaris, which are the countries main source of tourism.

Also well known is the semi nomadic Maasai tribe- a hugely symbolic tribe known for its colourful adornments and traditional clothing. Kenya is a nature lovers paradise, with a visit to the Great Rift Valley being a must. For those who enjoy a gentler pace then Kenya also offers some beautiful beaches, its coast stretching almost 80,000 kilometres.

The beach is also sunny for most of the year! The capital, Nairobi is the fifth largest city in Africa, with unique vibes and a vibrant nightlife. This bustling and cosmopolitan city will throw you into Kenyan way of life and be an interesting eye opener.

Kenya is a huge country with its climate changing from tropical along the coast, to arid in the northern regions and then mild inland temperatures.

Kenya receives a large amount of sunshine year-round but generally, the hottest months are between February and March while the coldest months are July to mid-August. The “long rains” start from March to June, while the “short rains” are between October and December.

Due to Kenya being a major hub for migration over the years, it has now become one of the most culturally diverse countries with many different languages spoken.

There are over 40 different ethnic groups in Kenya, including Luo, Kamba, Maasai and more. Each have their own of mother tongue, although Swahili remains the most widely spoken language. You will also find ethnic groups from European, Arab, Indian and Pakistani, who migrated to the country in the 19th century.

Religions such as Christianity and Islam are widely spread, however many local people still believe in the ancestral world, where the dead have a bearing on the living. Today, the majority of Kenya’s culture, dress, music and food has taken strong influence from other parts of Africa, India, Europe and the United States.

In certain parts of the country however, many local communities hold onto their traditional lifestyle and customs. They still wear the clothes, animal skins and jewellery as they did centuries before. Many remote tribes remain completely isolated and indigenous.

30 Years Non Profit Experience

IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally.

Affordable Volunteer Travel