Medical Mission Trips to Kenya
Thank you for your interest in IMR’s medical mission trips to Kenya! This is a very unique opportunity to work with populations that have little to no access to healthcare and make a huge impact on their lives.
The Need
Kenya has made immense progress towards HIV/AIDS education, prevention and treatment programs. They are also improving malaria and tuberculosis programs. International Medical Relief is able to support and serve Kenya as they continue with these efforts and improve the overall wellbeing of the community. The shining faces of children will fill you with delight upon your arrival as you bring much needed aid to those without access to medical services. You will see every facet of life that Kenya has to offer from the orphanages and informal settlements to the villages and game parks. The leading causes of death in Kenya HIV/AIDS, lower respiratory infections, diarrheal diseases, tuberculosis, and malaria. Since 2019, Kenya reported an infant mortality rate of 35 deaths per 1,000 live births. IMR continues to provide education towards sanitation and hygiene measures, as well as help increase access to clean water.
Join the IMR team as we continue our decade-long work in Kenya to help improve the quality of life for the country. Kenya has undergone extensive improvements over the last few years, but the healthcare here still benefits from outside aid.
Our Work
International Medical Relief started to serve in Kenya back in 2006 to help alleviate the burden of communicable diseases that Kenya was facing, specifically with HIV/AIDS. IMR was able to provide resources that broaden treatment options among many communities. IMR worked along Kenya in their efforts to expand HIV/AIDS treatment, assist in malaria control initiatives, and work with programs focused on maternal and child health. During 2010-2019, a total of 563 volunteers and staff treated over 19,000 patients. IMR continues to serve the communities in Kenya to keep decreasing the burden of both communicable and non-communicable diseases.
With diligent planning and preparation, IMR is dedicated to ensuring that specific goals are met on our missions, each in correlation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3, 6, and 17.
IMR works to elevate vulnerable populations through shoulder-to-shoulder care with our local partners, creating workforce density, and a cadre of future healthcare and public health leaders in association to UNSDG 3: Good Health & Wellbeing.
Our medical mission teams also work toward UNSDG 6: Clean Water & Sanitation by supporting and strengthening the participation of local communities in improving their water quality, and installing water filtration systems that supply communities with clean drinking water and providing education on hydration and hygiene.
In correlation with UNSDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, our organization works in collaboration and at the request of local hosts where we are under their direct influence and affluence. IMR never goes into a country without a formal invitation where there is a great community need for medical or dental care, and health education.
The Mission
International Medical Relief continues to make a difference in Kenya thanks to our amazing IMR volunteers! There is a desperate need for more comprehensive health care that includes education. Diseases spread quickly here and quickly become unmanageable. Our clinic camps will be set up exclusively for the IMR team and the entire community will come out to be a part of the clinic.
You can expect to see infections of every type, snake bites and wounds, some chronic, others quite acute, and the hypertension and diabetes that plagues the world today. Unintended injuries are in the top 10 causes of death in Kenya today and HIV/AIDS still devastates families for generations. IMR has worked in Kenya for more than a decade and we never lack for patients. The opportunity to care for the many children will make your heart happy as whole families come to get care from you. You will have the opportunity to care for some of the youngest and some of the oldest these villages have, Dentists, your services are critically needed!
Lodging & Transportation
You will find the comforts of our beautiful hotel and grounds to be a warm welcome after a long day of clinics. The facility boasts a beautiful dining area where the team will enjoy breakfast and some dinners. You will stay in beautiful double occupancy rooms with twin beds and en suite bathrooms. If you are flying independently you will meet the team in Kisumu, the third largest city in Kenya. Transportation will be by bus or van to wonderful villages near Lake Victoria each day.
Each day will be a new opportunity to see the beauty that surrounds Lake Victoria. Keep your eyes open to see the children riding bikes 3 sizes too big, the old women carrying impossibly large loads of straw on their heads, and the small motorcycles, with their riders holding 12′ long pieces of wood as they ride in and out of traffic. You may get lucky and see a zebra or two in this crazy mix!
I recently returned from Kenya. I was fortunate to travel and work with a wonderful group of individuals. The experience enriched my soul and changed my perspective of the world. I know now that we are all here to serve and care for one another regardless of our backgrounds. We can all make a difference. IMR did a great job connecting people who want to serve with people in need.
Trip Highlights
SAFARI INCLUDED! On your safari, you will witness the harmony of numerous species of wildlife rarely found in any large quantity anywhere but Kenya. See the abundant wildlife first hand that has made Kenya the leader for adventure wildlife seekers and renowned photographers. In this place like no other, you will have the opportunity to see up close the world’s most amazing animals. After your safari, use your free time to see the baby giraffes or to explore the modern city of Nairobi!
Food & Water
All food is typically provided during your stay. Please refer to your unique itinerary on our website to review which meals are provided each day. We may hire local people to cook for the team during our visit, or we may eat at restaurants or hotels. Lunch in clinic may include sandwiches made by the team or a feast prepared in your honor by community leaders. We recommend bringing snacks to eat during the day or evening or to supplement your lunch. High protein/high fat/high energy snacks are best. IMR also provides all of the drinking water for the team. Hydration and nutrition are extremely important for the health of the team. You are the best judge of your own health so please pack appropriate snacks and stay well hydrated on the trip.
Extend Your Stay!
Don’t miss the chance to explore some of Africa’s most wild places. Join IMR on this three night, four day program extension to adventure to stunning Kenya for an experience of a lifetime!
Ready yourself for a wild African safari in some of the world’s most renowned parks. Spend a day at Lake Nakura National Park, where you’ll have the opportunity to spot lions, leopards, buffalo and zebra. Lake Nakura is also home to both white and black rhinoceros. Venture to Maasai Mara, host of the famous Wildebeest Migration each year as 1.7 million wildebeest, more then 500,000 zebra and antelopes cross the swollen Mara River in hopes of finding safety on the Maasai Mara’s sweeping plains. Bare witness to a once- in-a-lifetime Maasai Mara sunrise and early morning game drive while you try to spot Africa’s ‘Big Five’ taking advantage of the cool morning temperatures on the hunt for their breakfast. Also enjoy sunset safaris as you drive in search of big cats, elephants, giraffes, and more.
Itinerary
Itinerary is subject to change without notice.
Full Mission (7-8 Days)
Crisis Management & Emergency Response
We take security very seriously at IMR. It is our job to ensure that security precautions are in place, but please keep in mind that we cannot guarantee your safety on the trip.
- We continuously review all current activities occurring on the ground, and we work with the State Department and the U.S. Embassy to know the ground situation to the best of our ability.
- A security training conference call is available to our volunteers where we detail our security procedures that are in place for the trip.
- We take many security precautions such as radios, a buddy system, emergency evacuation plan and security planning.
- We protect the privacy of our volunteers in the field and provide them with customized contact information for their use.
- During our mandatory briefing, team members review our safety protocols, evacuation procedures, protocols for illness, natural disaster and terrorism.
We provide training to our teams to be cognizant of their own safety and to be aware of their surroundings. - Several policies require teams to adhere to safety issues.
Trip Preparation
Minimum Donation
Your generous donation helps to save and change lives everyday.
Your charitable investment will go toward ongoing global relief to care for the underserved and vulnerable people of this community. As a member of this medical mission team, you will elevate the long-term impact of sustainable, capacity-building efforts that improve the health, wellness, and quality of life of those most in need. A small portion of your donation includes:
- Clinic supplies and medications for patients
- Clinic participation
- Transportation, accommodations, and meals as outlined in the itinerary
Payment Deadlines
To save $200, a 50% donation payment must be received 14 weeks before the mission’s scheduled start date. Full donation payments must be received 4 weeks before the mission’s scheduled start date.
Early Bird Savings Opportunity
To be eligible, upload all your required documents and forms, and make a minimum of 50% of your donation payment by 14 weeks prior to your mission’s scheduled start date.
Flexible Flight Options
Volunteer with Airfare
You may choose to book a flight with us for an additional fee. Details on the available flight routing and US departure city will be announced on the Early Bird Date. Airport transportation to and from the team’s accommodations are also included with this option. Depending on your departure city, you may still need to purchase another flight in addition to this one. After this flight has been booked, you may contact our travel agent, Worldwide Navigators, for assistance booking any necessary additional flights.
Benefits of Flying at a Subsidized Rate
- Travel with other members of your team on select routing
- Fly on a subsidized ticket at a lower rate
- Transport to and from the airport included
Volunteer without Airfare
Many team members choose to book their flight(s) to and from the mission location independent of IMR. This is a great option if would like to extend your stay in the area to tour and explore, or if the routing from you home airport is more feasible for you. If you choose to fly independently, please note that your transportation in between the airport and the team’s accommodations will not be provided. This will need to be arranged separately. Our partner for travel, Worldwide Navigators, would be happy to assist you in coordinating flights and/or transportation. You can contact them at travel@worldwidenavigators.com.
Benefits of Flying Independently
- Extend your stay and customize your dates of travel
- Choose your departure location
- Customize your class of service
Featured Enhancements
**To purchase any of the above Featured Enhancements for your mission please contact our office at office@imrus.org or call at (970) 635-0110.
Fundraising
IMR provides a fundraising packet to all registered trip applicants that is full of ideas on how you can raise support for your trip or for supplies to be utilized on this specific mission. When soliciting donations for any of our trips, success is completed through telling your personal story. Why do you want to go? Who will you help? Why their donation can help you achieve the ultimate goal. Tell your story to anyone and everyone. Refer your potential or active donors to our website or Facebook page and to your personal fundraising page. You may share your personal fundraising URL on Facebook and other social media sites.
Join Us in Making a Difference.
Bring much-needed acute medical and dental care to a beautiful, culture-rich destination. You can join an IMR medical mission team today!
