Visiting Kenya gives supporters the opportunity to see Amani School, meet the children and staff, and better understand the work of Neighbor Kwa Jirani Foundation. This page gives a basic overview of what to expect and points visitors to transportation, lodging, and travel-preparation information.
Come Visit Kenya
Have you ever wanted to see Africa for yourself? Kenya Bound gives supporters an opportunity to visit Amani School, meet the children and staff, and experience the work of Neighbor Kwa Jirani Foundation firsthand.
Many people have expressed a desire to travel to Kenya to help the kids but were unsure how to go about it. Those who have traveled to Kenya with us in the past have all acknowledged the beauty in sharing their life with someone on the other side of the Earth.
The amazing thing is, for every sacrifice you will make to travel to Kenya, you will be showered with infinitely more in return. Money is not able to fill your heart with joy like that of an aged grandmother who cries while hugging you and thanking you profusely for caring enough about her to come visit her in her hut. Or the child that just wants to sit in your lap and stroke your hands. Or the HIV positive parent that knows they will not be around much longer but now has the comfort that someone who used to be a stranger to them cares about their child.
The Neighbor Kwa Jirani Foundation is an American non profit foundation whose Kenyan operations are headquartered in Riosiri which is located near Rongo and approximately 25 miles from Lake Victoria in the Southwest corner of Kenya and approximately 40 miles from the Tanzania border. If you have Google Earth, you can see exactly where we are located by going to Rongo, Kenya and then navigating over to Riosiri.
The Neighbor Kwa Jirani Foundation believes very strongly in the power to change lives, ours and theirs, by making available the opportunity for those who want these kinds of human experiences. Consider joining us on one of our trips to Kenya in the future. Our Treasurer, Mike Wood (contractor) and his wife Cheryl (primary school teacher) travel to Kenya for 1 month every year from the first week in June to the first week in July.
Where We Work
Neighbor Kwa Jirani Foundation works with Amani School and the surrounding community in the southwest corner of Kenya. Visitors have the opportunity to see the school, meet the children and staff, and better understand the daily needs and opportunities connected with the work.
Things to Know Before Visiting Kenya
Before traveling, visitors should review current Kenya travel information from the U.S. Embassy in Kenya and check the CDC Travelers’ Health page for Kenya. Travel requirements and health recommendations can change, so visitors should confirm current guidance before making final travel plans.
The United States Embassy in Kenya is located in the capital of Nairobi. For lots of information about Kenya you can visit the US Embassy in Nairobi website by clicking US Embassy in Nairobi. Visit the Center for Disease Control’s website, travel section, for a list of routine Kenyan travel vaccinations.
Kenya eTA Travel Authorization
Most visitors to Kenya must apply online for a Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization, commonly called an eTA, before traveling. Visitors should apply through the official Kenya eTA website and check the current requirements, fee, and processing time before purchasing tickets or finalizing travel plans.
Visit the Kenyan Consulate’s website to apply for a Kenyan Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online. Be prepared to upload documents and pictures such as:
Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity with at least one blank page)
- Selfie or passport-type photo
- Contact details (email & phone number)
- Travel itinerary (arrival & departure)
- Accommodation booking confirmation
- Payment method (credit/debit card, etc.)
Fees and processing times can change, so visitors should confirm the current information on the official eTA site.
If you need some help on how to create your own passport size photo that will upload to the Kenyan eTA site, click on this excellent article from CNET.
Transportation, Lodging, and Safari Options
Also visit our Transportation and Lodging pages for more information about planning your stay. If you are interested in doing a safari while in Kenya, we can help point you in the right direction.