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Hi Veedushi,

I am currently filling in work permit form, category I, which is for voluntary work. I have been advised to be very carefully in wording. Can you be of any help?

Best
Martin

It is worth noting that, for Kenya, voluntary work without a work permit is illegal.  Although it has gone on for years, under the radar, foreigners working in Kenya generally have increasingly come under the spotlight.  Many organisations, children homes and so on remain largely ignorant of the rules and will  readily invite volunteers.

As a potential volunteer, it should not be assumed that as Kenya is a 'developing country', that immigration laws will be lax.  Far from it and breaches of the law are taken very seriously. 

For short term volunteering, there is a 'Special Pass'.  This involves the production of supporting evidence from the organisation that you intend to work for, giving details of the role, reasons for it and so on.  Without supporting documents, a 'Special Pass' is unlikely to be agreed.

There has been a shift away, in attitude from volunteers who turn up for a few weeks to help to build a classroom, or do some teaching, as those being helped get lots of short term input, then nothing.  Questions are increasingly asked about who really benefits - usually the volunteers, sadly.

Martin,
Veedushi is from the editorial team and has placed this topic as a conversation starter.  She isn't from Kenya, so I don't think would be able to assist.

When you say you are applying for a 'category I', would this be the Class I permit for members of approved missionary societies?  There is no specific class of permit specifically for voluntary work as far as I am aware, other than the 'Special Pass', which is often issued for 3 months. 

You do need to word applications carefully, as your presence in Kenya should be of benefit to the country and you need to evidence that/convince the government.  Supporting documents from the missionary organisation that you are attached to would also help.   Bear in mind that most work permits now have to be applied for from your home country, rather from within Kenya.

If you have external funds to support yourself (sources other than work in Kenya), of $24,000, minimum (or equivalent in £), then it really is worth considering application for a 'Class K Permit'.  Although the permit is costly, the application process is simpler and as long as you can evidence your income, more likely to be approved.  When I had mine, it clearly stated that I couldn't undertake paid employment, so I did do some unpaid voluntary work, to avoid getting too bored!