What does AYEP do in Kenya?
Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the AYEP FAQ page. We’re here to help you learn more about our mission, programs, and how you can get involved. What does AYEP do in Kenya? AYEP empowers young people through sports, education, and environmental initiatives, fostering leadership and positive change in local communities.
Whether you’re interested in volunteering, supporting our initiatives, or simply learning more about our impact, this page provides clear answers to the most common questions. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help!
What do I need to volunteer with AYEP?
What does AYEP do in Kenya? We empower youth through sports, education, and sustainability—so volunteers should come prepared to contribute meaningfully. To volunteer with us, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old to ensure legal responsibility during the program.
- Have a valid passport with at least 6 months before expiry.
- Obtain a tourist visa for Kenya—check the Kenyan embassy or online eVisa system.
- Provide proof of travel and health insurance for emergencies.
- Communicate in basic English to interact with AYEP staff and local communities.
- Show willingness to learn, adapt, and engage respectfully with local culture.
- Be physically and mentally prepared for outdoor community activities and teamwork.
- Commit to the full project duration and participate fully.
- Follow current travel regulations, including possible COVID-19 vaccination or negative test.
- Bring essentials like a reusable water bottle, comfortable clothes, and closed shoes.
Do I need a visa to enter Kenya?
Yes, in most cases, volunteers do require a visa prior to arriving in Kenya. Fortunately, Kenya offers a convenient eVisa system, which streamlines the application process and is generally both fast and user-friendly.
Ideally, you should apply online at least two weeks before your planned travel date, as this allows ample time for processing. In general, a tourist visa is sufficient for volunteering with AYEP; however, depending on your nationality, requirements may vary.
Therefore, it’s important to check your country’s specific visa regulations and associated fees well in advance. Moreover, if you encounter any uncertainty during the process, AYEP is happy to assist and provide guidance to help ensure your documentation is in order.
Are vaccinations required before traveling?
- Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory if you’re arriving from certain countries.
- Commonly recommended vaccines include Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, and Polio.
- Consult a travel health clinic 4-6 weeks before departure.
- Malaria prophylaxis is advised in many areas of Kenya.
- Keep your vaccination records with you at all times.
Is a COVID-19 test needed to enter Kenya?
At present, Kenya generally does not require a COVID-19 test for fully vaccinated travelers; however, requirements may change at short notice. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to check the official Kenyan government or embassy websites before your departure for the most up-to-date information.
In addition, AYEP will keep all volunteers informed about the latest COVID-19 entry protocols as part of the pre-departure preparation.
Nevertheless, you should still be prepared for possible on-arrival testing, quarantine regulations, or other health-related procedures, especially if you are unvaccinated or arriving from a high-risk country.
Ultimately, staying flexible and well-informed will help ensure a smooth and safe arrival experience in Kenya.
Can I volunteer if I have a disability or special needs?
Yes, AYEP welcomes volunteers of all abilities. What does AYEP do in Kenya? AYEP empowers young people through sports, education, and community initiatives, offering diverse roles suited to a range of skills and needs. Moreover, reasonable accommodations can be arranged based on your individual requirements. To ensure this, please inform AYEP during the application process about any specific support you may need. In addition, projects include both physical and non-physical roles, allowing you to contribute meaningfully regardless of your abilities. Ultimately, the team is committed to creating a safe, inclusive environment where every volunteer can thrive.
How should I handle my important documents?
To begin with, make sure to carry your passport, visa, vaccination card, travel insurance details, and emergency contact information with you at all times. In addition, it’s highly advisable to make photocopies or digital scans of each important document. This precaution can prove invaluable in case of loss or theft.
Moreover, be sure to keep these copies separate from the originals—for instance, store paper copies in a different bag and save digital versions in a secure cloud storage. At the same time, AYEP recommends using a secure travel pouch or money belt, which helps protect your documents while keeping them easily accessible.
Finally, don’t forget to have the contact information for your country’s embassy or consulate in Kenya on hand. That way, in the unlikely event of an emergency, you’ll be able to seek assistance quickly and effectively.
What should I pack for the project?
To begin with, it’s essential to pack comfortable, breathable sportswear and closed shoes, especially for training sessions and outdoor activities. In addition, make sure to bring personal hygiene items as well as any prescribed medication, since access to specific products may be limited locally.
Moreover, a lightweight rain jacket will come in handy during unpredictable weather, while sun protection—including a hat and sunscreen—is equally important due to Kenya’s strong sun.
Furthermore, don’t forget to carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day. Although optional, a basic first aid kit can be quite useful in case of minor injuries or discomfort.
Lastly, while not mandatory, gifts or educational materials for children are warmly welcomed and can enhance your interaction with the local community. Overall, packing with both functionality and cultural sensitivity in mind will help ensure a rewarding experience.
What happens once I arrive in Kenya?
Upon your arrival in Kenya, you will first be warmly welcomed by the AYEP team, who will ensure you feel comfortable and supported from the start. Shortly thereafter, you’ll be introduced to your assigned project, giving you an early opportunity to begin understanding your role and surroundings.
Next, you will participate in a thorough orientation session, which will cover essential topics such as local culture, safety protocols, project goals, and daily routines. This foundation is designed to help you transition smoothly into your volunteer placement.
In addition, you’ll have the chance to meet fellow volunteers and community members, fostering early connections and a sense of belonging. Soon after, you will engage in training sessions tailored to your specific role—whether that involves coaching, teaching, or contributing to community-based initiatives.
Most importantly, you can expect ongoing support from the AYEP staff throughout your entire stay, ensuring that you are guided, encouraged, and equipped for both personal growth and meaningful impact.
Where will I stay during my volunteer time?
First and foremost, AYEP arranges safe and clean volunteer housing to ensure your comfort and security throughout your stay. Typically, you will be placed in shared accommodation with fellow volunteers, which not only fosters a sense of community but also encourages cultural exchange.
Moreover, facilities usually include basic furnishings, electricity, and Wi-Fi where available, allowing you to stay connected and comfortable. In most cases, housing is located near project sites or offers convenient access to public transport, so getting to and from your volunteer work is straightforward.
Additionally, AYEP staff remain available to support you with any accommodation-related concerns that may arise. Overall, while the setting may be modest, it is thoughtfully arranged to provide both practicality and a welcoming environment for all volunteers.
Will I get any proof of participation?
- AYEP issues a certificate confirming your volunteer involvement.
- Certificates detail your roles, skills gained, and duration of service.
- References or recommendation letters can be provided upon request.
- This documentation can support future educational or career opportunities.
- Volunteers also gain valuable international experience and cross-cultural skills.
Can I extend my volunteering period?
- Extensions depend on project needs and your availability.
- Notify AYEP as early as possible to discuss options.
- Longer stays may provide deeper engagement and impact.
- Extensions might require updating your visa or travel documents.
- AYEP supports volunteers to make the most of their time in Kenya.
How does volunteering with AYEP help local communities?
Volunteering with AYEP directly strengthens local communities in several impactful ways. What does AYEP do in Kenya? AYEP empowers youth through sports and sustainability programs that foster leadership, education, and community engagement. To begin with, it promotes youth leadership by combining sports with environmental education. Furthermore, initiatives like waste reduction, tree planting, and pollution awareness help cultivate environmental responsibility. In addition, AYEP encourages sustainable community development and supports green entrepreneurship. Moreover, the program creates safe spaces where young people can develop teamwork and essential life skills. By connecting local organizations with international volunteers, AYEP enables meaningful knowledge exchange. Ultimately, these efforts help build long-term capacity for environmental stewardship and lasting social change within communities.
Is prior sports experience required?
- No previous experience is necessary.
- Training and support are provided to develop coaching and leadership skills.
- Volunteers participate in diverse sports activities such as handball, football, and more.
- Passion for youth development and sustainability matters most.
- Opportunities to learn and grow both personally and professionally.