Many people want to give something back while living in Nairobi. The best help is usually quieter, longer and more local than the first ideas that come to mind.
Give skills, not just time
Organisations often need professional skills more than extra hands: accounting, legal help, design, IT, fundraising, mentoring and teaching adults. A few hours a week for a year does more good than a busy fortnight.
Finding a reputable organisation
- Check registration. Charities and NGOs in Kenya register with the NGOs Co-ordination Board (the PBO Authority under newer law), or as community groups, trusts or faith organisations.
- Look for local leadership and clear accounts of how money is spent.
- Ask what they need rather than offering what you want to do.
- Ask people who know - colleagues, faith communities and residents’ associations know which groups do good work.
Children and vulnerable people
Be very wary of short visits to children’s homes and orphanages. They can harm the children, and some exist to attract donations. Reputable organisations working with children will ask for background checks and will not let visitors drop in.
Giving money
- Give through registered organisations or established community groups, and ask for receipts.
- Harambee fundraisers and chama contributions are part of Kenyan life; give what you are comfortable with.
- Be cautious with street appeals and messages asking for urgent help by M-Pesa - they are a common scam.
Ideas
- Tree planting and clean-up days, often around Mazingira Day in October
- Mentoring students and young professionals
- Supporting animal welfare groups such as the KSPCA
- Helping at food banks and community kitchens run by established groups
Visas
Unpaid work still needs the right immigration status. Check with the organisation that your permit or pass covers what you will be doing.