Working in Kenya
The Kenyan economy has high growth potential. This has attracted multinational companies who have set up shops in major cities like Nairobi. These companies employ foreign nationals on an intra-company transfer basis. Embassies, NGOs, startups, and international schools also attract foreign workforce who come and go depending on their contract duration.
On the whole, non-Kenyan citizens rarely show up looking for job opportunities. This is because most of them are relocated to Kenya by their companies or organizations and usually don’t have to worry about applying for work permits.
However, if you don’t have such arrangements, you require a work permit to be eligible to work or volunteer in Kenya. Kenya is also welcoming to Digital Nomads. There are many coworking spaces in the country that allow you to work while you travel. And with the gig economy, there are endless possibilities for online work.
Volunteering in Kenya
Kenya is a regional hub for non-profits and serves as the administrative center of operations for NGOs in East Africa. This makes finding volunteering opportunities in Kenya relatively easy. Besides the popular non-profits, several companies like Go Volunteer Africa organize exciting volunteer trips to Kenya.
Some travelers prefer volunteering in villages and farms where they can stay with locals. This is also made possible by movements like WWOOF, which promotes cultural exchanges and organic farming. I prefer Couchsurfing or staying with a local family when traveling around Kenya. So a service like WorkAway is beneficial in this case.
When To Travel To Kenya
Kenya lies on the Equator, so its climate is mostly tropical. Although the annual rainfall varies yearly, the country generally experiences long rains from March to May. The short rains last from October to December. The coastal areas are hot and humid all year round, but going inland, you’ll find daytime temperatures between 17°C and 28°C.
For the most part, Kenya’s weather is good, making it a year-round travel destination. However, there are periods for high season and low season. Most travelers flock to Kenya to experience the annual wildebeest migration or to escape winter cold at home. However, if you’re savvy enough to visit during the low season, you can have great experiences at reduced rates.
Peak Season For Kenya Travel
- June-October
Although wildlife viewing is relatively good year-round, the high season in Kenya is between June and October. This is the dry weather period, coinciding with the spectacular wildebeest migration (at its best in August).
During this season, national parks and reserves (especially Masai Mara, Tsavo, and Amboseli) get crowded, and the rates are high. January and February are also dry months. Due to the lack of rain, there are plenty of wild animals to see, making the two months fall in peak season.
Shoulder Season
- October to December
October to December is the season of short rains in Kenya, especially in the central highlands. This is the best time to visit Kenya. You’ll avoid peak-season crowds and take advantage of lower wildlife safaris and accommodation rates.
During this period, the ocean water on the coast is warm and clear – the best conditions for diving and snorkeling. Also, parks like the Masai Mara National Reserve are not affected by the seasons, and game viewing is possible year-round.
Off-Season
- March to late May
From March to late May, Kenya experiences long rains. During this season, game drives in most parks become challenging, meaning fewer tourists in the country. However, travel during this season rewards adventure seekers who don’t mind the weather.
The landscape is beautifully green, hiking trails are less crowded, beaches clean, and travel costs are significantly reduced. Also, Masai Mara remains accessible for game viewing and other activities like horseback safaris.
