Maji Mazuri

We are always looking for people who are willing to help us think through ways we can be more efficient at grassroots development and tackling poverty. We want to work with people who are willing to roll up their sleeves and act. The best new solutions to the world’s greatest challenges will be strengthened through collaborative efforts with people like you!

Download the volunteer contract form (below) and mail along with your resume and essay to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

We've also included some notes for international volunteers to Maji Mazuri Kenya below  to help you learn more about what to expect and how to make the most of your trip. We look forward to learning more about your and hope you can become a part of this innovative and exciting international organization!

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Maji Mazuri!

Volunteer FAQ

This section will address:

What are are the requirements to volunteer at Maji Mazuri?

Volunteers are required to complete the application which is divided into four short sections. You will be placed according to your skills and preferences based on the information you provide when you contact us.

What's the procedure?

Let us know you are interested in applying by filling out the questionnaire. Click here to apply now. We  send you the volunteer eligibility application form and some notes about Maji Mazuri projects.  Once we have received all your information the Maji Mazuri office will review. If the application is successful, the volunteer will get a contract and further details about  volunteering.

How long can I volunteer for?

One to twelve months.

What is the cost of  Accommodation, Food and Transportation?

Maji Mazuri can arrange suitable housing and assistance with laundry for interns.

There are four rooms in Maji Mazuri (Ngumo). One single room and the rest are shared by two people each. Accommodation is Kshs. 10,000 per month at the Ngumo house.

Laundry is 1500 kshs per month.

The volunteer caters for all their other needs e.g. food. Estimated cost for food and transport per month is Kshs. 24,000. This is on the higher side, with an estimated daily cost of Kshs. 500 for 3 meals per day and Kshs.300 for transport daily

Interns should note that all internships at Maji Mazuri are unpaid and that they need to meet their own costs.

Can I get school credit?

We can write a letter of recomendation upon request.

What Specific Volunteer opportunities are available right now?

We are looking for health care providers like occupational therapists, physiotherapists, nurses and doctors.

What do I need to get to prepare logistically before I come?

Kenyan Visa

Apply for an R visa (preferably with multiple entry) at the Kenya Embassy in your country of domicile. You would need a passport with a validity of at least 3-6 six months. Ensure you obtain a visa for the whole duration of your anticipated stay in Kenya. Please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you need an official letter from Maji Mazuri for your visa. Visa costs, including any travel expenses associated with visa applications or renewals, are borne by interns. On obtaining a visa please check the conditions imposed on the visa to avoid unpleasant experience on arrival. Please also note that renewal or extension of visa within Kenya is difficult. In order to avoid hassle while in the country, candidates must obtain the R visa from the Kenya embassy in the country of domicile.

Healthcare and Immunization

You will require the following immunizations:

• Malaria
• Yellow fever
• Hepatitis

What is the language in Kenya?

There are 42 different dialects spoken in Kenya.

Official language is : Kiswahili

Second Language: English

Most Maji Mazuri staff can communicate fluently in English but once in the country, you will find people speak other dialects. Learning Kiswahili could help immensely for communication outside Maji Mazuri.

In the field level, volunteers and interns who’s native tongue is not Kiswahili are recommended to take a translator to the field to carry out their research. Maji Mazuri may facilitate a trained interpreter for your field visit, provided that the intern meets all related costs: accommodation, meals and transportation of the translator, translation fees etc. please mention in your application if you would like Maji Mazuri to arrange a translator for you.

Maji Mazuri can organize customised Kiswahili learning classes in consultation with the internship unit to cater to the needs of international interns. Please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to find out about the ongoing Kiswahili classes, the rates and for registration.

What essential items should I bring with me?

General:

• Clothes,

• toiletries,

• basic medical supplies.

• Anti mosquito Spray

• water bottle

• towel

• Sunglass

• Sun lotion / Sunscreen

• Raincoat and umbrella (for rainy seasons)

• Hand sanitiser

• Journal/ pens

• phone (with SIM card)

For the field:

• Shoes for field

• Dry food

• Clip board

• Backpack

• Flash light

• Bug spray

• Bed sheet, pillow cover

• Flask to carry water

• Camera (preferably digital)

• Laptop (preferably with wireless internet setting)

What are some cultural aspects I need to know (provided by previous volunteers)?

How can I contact you?

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Cellphone: +254 722 466 971

Landline: + 254 300 32 74 or +254 20

• Internship: Application Process
  1. All Maji Mazuri internship applications should be made at least 2 months prior to the internship placement.
  2. Prepare a mission statement. A mission statement should be at least a one-page account of why you want to intern at Maji Mazuri, which programme(s) of Maji Mazuri you are interested in, what you are hoping to achieve, what your expectations are, and what you can offer Maji Mazuri as an intern.
  3. Download the application form: http://www.Maji Mazuri.net/useruploads/files/Internship Application Form.doc and if you need logistic support download logistic form: http://www.Maji Mazuri.net/useruploads/files/Logistics Form.doc
  4. Complete the application form properly with correct information and submit or send to the Internship Unit at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , along with your mission statement, an updated CV, a digital picture (passport size) and an academic or professional (only in case of professional internship 1) reference. The reference should be written on an official letterhead, signed by the referee and then scanned to be sent to. The reference should come from someone who has taught/supervised the applicant directly.
  5. Once the completed application is received, it will be carefully assessed by the internship coordinator and forwarded to the relevant project to check for acceptance, the availability of a supervisor and to see if your skills, experience and academic background fit into the programme.
  6. In about 3-4 weeks, depending on the time needed to get a response from the project, the internship unit will send their reply to you about the outcome of your applications.
  7. Due to the large volume of applications, only accepted candidates will be contacted.
  8. Please note that all applications are treated equally and accepted on the basis of merit and academic or professional records.
  Contact
  If you have any questions regarding internships at Maji Mazuri, please Email:
  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
  Cellphone: +254 722 466 971
  Landline: + 254 300 32 74 or +254 20
  Logistics
  Kenyan Visas
  Apply for an R visa (preferably with multiple entry) at the Kenya Embassy in your country of domicile. You would need a passport with a validity of at least 3-6 six months. Ensure you obtain a visa for the whole duration of your anticipated stay in Kenya. Please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you need an official letter from Maji Mazuri for your visa. Visa costs, including any travel expenses associated with visa applications or renewals, are borne by interns. On obtaining a visa please check the conditions imposed on the visa to avoid unpleasant experience on arrival. Please also note that renewal or extension of visa within Kenya is difficult. In order to avoid hassle while in the country, candidates must obtain the R visa from the Kenya embassy in the country of domicile.
  Healthcare and Immunisation
  You will require the following immunizations:
  Malaria
  Yellow fever
  Hepatitis
  Please contact your doctor well before traveling to Kenya in case of any additional immunisation requirement. It is strongly recommended that you purchase medical insurance prior to your departure for Kenya.
  Communication
  We advise you to be in touch with your Supervisor from Maji Mazuri from time to time to discuss and fine tune your internship and to have an idea about your internship schedule and what your role would be as an intern. You may discuss field visits, locations, distance, transport facilities, weather and request reading materials via email.
  Accommodation, Food and Transportation
  Maji Mazuri can arrange suitable housing and assistance with laundry for interns.
  There are four rooms in Maji Mazuri (Ngumo). One single room and the rest are shared by two people each
  Accomodation is Kshs. 10,000 per month at the Ngumo house.
  Laundry is 1500 kshs per month.
  The volunteer caters for all their other needs e.g. food. Estimated cost for food and transport per month is Kshs. 24,000.
  This is on the higher side, with an estimated daily cost of Kshs. 500 for 3 meals per day and Kshs.300 for transport daily.
  Language Issue
  Official language of Kenya : Kiswahili
  Second Language: English
  Most Maji Mazuri staff can communicate fluently in English but once in the country, learning Kiswahili could help immensely for communication outside Maji Mazuri.
  In the field level, interns who’s native tongue is not Kiswahili are recommended to take their own translators to the field to carry out their research. Maji Mazuri may facilitate a trained interpreter for your field visit, provided that the intern meets all related costs: accommodation, meals and transportation of the translator, translation fees etc. please mention in your application if you would like Maji Mazuri to arrange a translator for you.
  Maji Mazuri can organize customised Kiswahili learning classes in consultation with the internship unit to cater to the needs of international interns. Please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to find out about the ongoing Kiswahili classes, the rates and for registration.
  Necessary Items
  you will need a phone
  bring a journal/pens
  Essentials:Clothes,toiletries,basic medical supplies.
  learn how to speak Kiswahili as much as possible before hand
  bring small gifts to give away to kids you meet or people you live with, like pens
  come with your own idea of how to assist- like have a lesson plan ready to go before hand
  read about the culture and people as much as you can before hand-- know the political issues, like the Constitution, so you can participate and interact with people while you are here.
  ask the tough questions..don't be scared
  Bargaining: always go down 50%. :)
  bring a towel
  bring a water bottle
  you can run and exercise here
  people dress up in Kenya, so bring fun clothes if you wanna go dancing
  General:
  • Three passport size photos for registration
  • Laptop (preferably with wireless internet setting)
  • Anti mosquito Spray
  • Sunglass
  • Raincoat and umbrella (for rainy seasons)
  • Hand sanitiser
  • Sun lotion / Sunscreen
  For the field:
  • Shoes for field
  • Dry food
  • Clip board
  • Backpack
  • Flash light
  • Bug spray
  • Bed sheet, pillow cover
  • Flask to carry water
  • Camera (preferably digital)
  N.B. All interns are recommended to bring their own laptop as the organization may not be able to provide sufficient resources
  Facilities for Interns
  To date, Maji Mazuri has hosted interns from all over the world and facilitated various kinds of support and assistances for them. These facilities include :
  • Trained Translators
  • Meals at Maji Mazuri
  • Reasonably priced tour packages
  • Transportation at Maji Mazuri staff rate (conditions apply)
  • Reports of former interns and of the Research and Evaluation Division of Maji Mazuri
  • Customised Swahili language classes organised by Maji Mazuri etc.
  • Access to the very resourceful Maji Mazuri  Library
  Interns should note however, that all internships at Maji Mazuri are unpaid and that they need to meet their own cost