The Ywaya Community Health Centre International and Local Medical and Community Health Volunteers Programme
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About the project
The Ywaya Community Health Centre International and Local Medical and Community Health Volunteers Programme
📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
KVSO is a non-profit and a community based organization established in 2015 in Kenya to promote peace, global citizenship and community development and cultural exchange through international volunteering programs by empowering young people to advance community development and strengthen multicultural understanding increase cooperation between Kenyan communities and people living in developed world through a range of development programs. We have partnerships with various organizations within Kenya and abroad to enhance our work and encourage cultural exchange and corporation.
💼 What the programme involves
The Ywaya Community Health Centre Programme is a long-term medical and community health initiative designed to strengthen access to essential healthcare services for the Luo community in Siaya County. Created in 1999, the centre was established to reduce child mortality, improve maternal health, and address life-threatening diseases such as malaria, TB, and HIV/AIDS.
During the 12-month placement, volunteers support local medical staff in clinical operations, community health education, and direct patient care. Activities include assisting with TB and HIV/AIDS patients, recording and dispensing medication, supporting maternal health clinics, providing family-planning services, weighing and vaccinating children, and offering basic laboratory support.
The programme provides volunteers with a unique opportunity to contribute to public health, gain medical experience, and engage deeply with local culture while improving the lives of underserved communities.
🏠 Accommodation on site
Volunteers will stay with host families on the first and last day of the programme. These families provide an authentic cultural experience and allow volunteers to integrate into the local lifestyle. Throughout the main duration of the project, volunteers are responsible for their own sleeping arrangements and must bring a sleeping mat, sleeping bag, and mosquito net. The accommodation setting is simple, traditional, and community-based, offering a meaningful immersion into rural Kenyan life.
🍲 Food
Meals are prepared collectively by volunteers, promoting teamwork and cultural exchange. Expect traditional Kenyan dishes such as ugali, rice, beans, vegetables, chapati, and seasonal fruits. The food is simple, fresh, and locally sourced. Volunteers with dietary restrictions should inform the organisers in advance to ensure proper arrangements.
📍 About the location
The project is located in Siaya County, within the Luo community. The region is known for its strong cultural heritage, warm hospitality, and proximity to major natural features such as Lake Victoria. The environment is predominantly rural, with small villages, health facilities, and agricultural landscapes. This setting allows volunteers to work directly with underserved communities while experiencing authentic Luo culture and traditions.
🎒 Leisure activities
During free time, volunteers can explore several unique sites such as viewing hippopotamuses along the River Nzoia, visiting Rusinga, Mfangano, and Ndere Islands, and enjoying the beauty of Lake Victoria. These excursions offer opportunities for nature walks, cultural visits, birdwatching, and interacting with local communities. Volunteers may also participate in social activities, markets, and traditional events.
⚠️ Requirements
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, able to communicate in English, and willing to work in a rural medical and community health environment. They should be adaptable, responsible, and respectful of local culture. Volunteers must also carry a sleeping bag, sleeping mat, and mosquito net. A background in healthcare is helpful but not mandatory.
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, able to communicate in English, and willing to work in a rural medical and community health environment. They should be adaptable, responsible, and respectful of local culture. Volunteers must also carry a sleeping bag, sleeping mat, and mosquito net. A background in healthcare is helpful but not mandatory.
🤝 Meeting point
The official meeting point is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. From there, volunteers will be transported to the KVSO offices for orientation. Orientation takes place on the morning and covers essential information about the project, safety, cultural expectations, and travel logistics
ℹ️ Additional information
This is a highly immersive medical volunteering experience that combines professional development with cultural exchange. Volunteers will be working closely with local doctors, nurses, and health workers, gaining hands-on experience in public health delivery. The project also provides direct community impact by supporting vulnerable groups and strengthening local health systems. Because the duration is 12 months, volunteers should be prepared for long-term engagement and cultural adaptation.
Interested in this project? Create your account and apply online.
Sign in to apply📅 Available sessions
The Ywaya Community Health Centre Medical Outreach, Maternal Health, and Community Wellness Programme
02/04/2026 at 08:00 → 02/04/2027 at 17:00
ℹ️ Key information
Age required
18–99 years old
Solidarity donation
380.00 EUR
French tax residents may be eligible for a tax reduction of up to 66% of their costs (membership, plane tickets, solidarity donation).
📍 Location
International Building, 00100 Mama Ngina St, Nairobi, Kenya
Kenya
🌍 Location info
Local currency
Kenyan Shilling (KES / KSh)
Exchange rate
1 KES = 0.006892 EUR
Rate as of 31/05/2026
Timezone
East Africa Time
Local time: 22:21 (12/11/2026)
🛡️ Before you leave
✅ Features
🏠 Accommodation
🗣️ Languages spoken