About Koromi River
Koromi Farm is a project with the goal of combining ecosystem conservation, restoration and the production of sustainable timber and non-timber forest products (e.g., honey, tree seeds, and seed oil for cosmetics). The coastal region of Kenya is deeply affected by heavy deforestation, partly induced by the charcoal industry. Therefore, Koromi Farm is aiming to provide a sustainable business model that local communities and landowners can adopt as an alternative to current practices. In order to achieve this goal, the ever-evolving project is adapting modern techniques in agroforestry based on the newest developments in the sector. This model can then be used to provide education and training to local communities.
Since 2019, Koromi Farm has been planting a mixture of indigenous and non-indigenous tree and shrub species, considering the foundations of permaculture. The majority of the trees are and will be planted in areas particularly affected by the charcoal industry (enrichment planting). The Melia trees will be used for timber production once they reach maturity. This makes up about one-third of all species planted and aims to provide a long-term income to the organization. The remaining two-thirds consist of a large variety of mostly indigenous trees and shrubs, such as Earleaf Acacia, Red Pot Terminalia, Wild Plum, Mahogany Bean and Bean Pot Tree. Interplanting these species assures a high biodiversity and thus contributes to the restoration and conservation of the ecosystem. The majority of the seedlings planted are propagated at the house’s own nursery near Malindi (Arabuko Farm). Furthermore, Koromi Farm is working on rainwater harvesting solutions to guarantee enough water during the long and harsh dry seasons in Kenya.
Currently, most funding is assured by private investments, but donations, grants and volunteer contributions would provide a promising addition. That is where you come in. By joining the Koromi Farm team for a stay between 1 and 25 weeks, you will not only contribute your valuable time, skills and knowledge but also a relatively small amount of money to support the project and its goals. In return, you will receive a valuable work/life experience by staying at the very idyllic project site, where you will be able to get to know the beautiful local nature and culture. Everything is accompanied, of course, by all the basic amenities.
What the positions involve
During your stay at Koromi Farm, you have a lot of different options for contributing to the project. Depending on the season you are visiting, there are different tasks that you can sign up for.
During the dry season (usually April–September), the main tasks are:
- Pruning
- Removing weeds and parasites
- Clearing invasive species
- Watering seedlings
- Making bio-char
- Preparing the land for tree planting
- Collecting seeds
During the rainy season (usually October–March), the main tasks are tree planting and pruning. There are also tasks that need to be taken care of throughout the year:
- Maintenance and decoration of the farm house
- Extending pathways and constructing relaxation areas
- Installing signage
- Managing websites and social media
- Researching new agroforestry and ecosystem restoration techniques to develop future plans
- Developing pilot projects
- Inventorying and monitoring the biodiversity, natural resources, and trees planted
- Monitoring and evaluating current operations
- Researching opportunities to collaborate with local communities
- Contributing to the writing of funding proposals
- Researching partnership opportunities with other organizations
- Developing a database on local bird and plant species
You are always welcome to bring in new ideas to improve the project according to your skills and knowledge. For instance, if you are particularly good at taking care of a vegetable garden, photography, construction, etc., you are welcome to discuss this with your contact person and determine your own tasks.
You will be working five days a week for six hours per day on average.
Please always follow our safety guidelines to ensure your fellow volunteers’, staff’s, and, of course, your own wellbeing. Furthermore, you are always required to report on your work daily. This will occur through the WhatsApp group of the project, so that your fellow volunteers and your contact person are always up-to-date on how things are going.
Lastly, for your own and our benefit, you will have to sign a standard volunteer contract which will be forwarded to you once you agreed on your stay with your contact person.
Accommodation
Koromi Farm is located about 65 kilometers inland from the coast of Malindi. It is a very remote location, surrounded by raw nature and a few little villages. You will have the opportunity to enjoy the peace and calmness of rural Kenya while being able to discover lots of its fascinating flora and fauna. You will be accommodated in a simple but comfortable farm house with a total of three bedrooms. One single bedroom and two double bedrooms, which can accommodate a couple. Additionally, there is a common seating area for shared meals, bonding time and a place to make bonfires at night. Of course, all necessary amenities are available at Koromi Farm. These include water for drinking, showering and washing; solar electricity; simple bathrooms; a fully equipped kitchen; and an open roof shower where you can observe one of the most beautiful star skies many have ever seen. Willy, our great housekeeper, will make sure you are not missing anything in terms of comfort. He will take care of cooking, cleaning and washing so that you have enough time to dedicate to the project and enjoy yourself. Not to be forgotten, you will have enough company from our local staff, other volunteers, our friendly guard dog Mike, and our house cat Sokoke.
Volunteers are required to partially contribute to their accommodation and food expenses as listed below, and they are required to cover their insurance and travel expenses too.
| (Price in Euros) | 1 week | 2 weeks | 1 month | 2 months | 3 months | 4 – 6 months |
| Koromi Farm | 200 | 350 | 450 | 750 | 950 | 300 per additional month |
Prices are per person in shared accommodation, and include airport pickup and drop-off, accommodation, three meals per day, all commodities available at Koromi Farm, and service by the housekeeper. You will need to pay in advance by bank transfer (preferred) or in cash upon arrival.
Food and drinks
Koromi Farm offers everything you need for a balanced and healthy diet. This includes a great variety of food, such as fresh fruits and vegetables locally available, proteins, carbs and a few breakfast items. Any additional food items you desire will be at your own expense. For this, just talk to your contact person, and he will arrange the transport of these items to the project area (consider that this might take a few days due to the remote location of the project). Willy will cook breakfast and two delicious meals a day. This, of course, does not mean you can’t cook for yourself if you prefer to. If you have any special dietary needs or allergies, please let us know and we will arrange for Willy to take this into consideration. In terms of drinks, we offer coffee, tea, juices, soft drinks and water, of course, free of charge as well. The water is brought to the project site every one or two days, depending on the current need. Don’t worry, Willy will keep an eye on this, so there is always enough water available.
Transport
Your contact person will pick you up in Malindi at the specific location and time you have discussed with him prior to arriving. Please try your best to be punctual and inform your contact person in case of any delays. Additionally, please inform your contact person as soon as you have arrived in Malindi. You will then be driven to the project site, which is about two hours by car from Malindi.
Please consider that the site is very remote. Therefore, the available shopping options are limited. Please make sure you have bought everything you need for your stay before departing from Malindi. In case you have forgotten something important, please talk to your contact person, depending on its availability in Malindi he might be able to send it to the project site.
If you want to leave the project site by yourself, you have different options. First and foremost, there is a motorcycle (a Kibo 150cc) available at the project site that you are allowed to use (please consider our safety guidelines when riding it). Furthermore, we have a bicycle, which you are allowed to use at all times. Additionally, you can always call one of the many bodabodas (motorcycle taxis) to get around quickly. If you prefer four wheels, there is a bus that drives to Malindi on a daily basis, as well as regular taxis.
In case of an emergency, it is also possible to get picked up by your contact person or, if necessary, call an ambulance.
Free time
During your free time, you have a few activities at your disposal. Apart from exploring the area by foot, bike or motorcycle, you can play games, socialize with the other volunteers and staff, pick up some Swahili from locals or just relax. During weekends, you are free to leave the project area and travel to Malindi for instance. Consider that transport and accommodation are at your own cost during your free time. Furthermore, we can arrange days off in addition to the weekend, during which you can discover other parts of Kenya. To arrange this, just talk to your contact person. We can always make recommendations on where to go and where to stay if you need some inspiration.
Safety guideline and code of conduct
A safety guideline and a code of conduct will be provided together with the contract you need to sign. Please follow both, to guarantee your own and fellow volunteers’ and staffs safety and comfort.
Insurance
We are not able to offer any type of insurance coverage for volunteers. Therefore, all volunteers staying at Koromi Farm must have a travel insurance suited for volunteer work and valid for the entirety of their stay. Be aware that regular travel insurance often does not cover volunteer work, so choose accordingly. Additionally, you should check if the insurance covers the work activities you agreed on with your contact person. Usually, volunteer travel insurance policies cover at least medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment, repatriation and lost or stolen baggage. Make sure you have sufficient coverage for all the above-mentioned expenses.
Short term volunteer position (up to 12 weeks)
Combination of practical work, research and planning
- Tree planting, maintenance and monitoring
- Contributing to making an inventory of the eco-system, based on personal interest (e.g. trees, birds, insects)
- Contributing to general ecosystem restoration planning and implementation, including water resources management, soil management and conservation
- Contributing to work with the local community
- Reporting to the assistant project manager
- Obtain knowledge from local and international experts
- Volunteers can combine the three locations (e.g. one week Arabuko, 2 weeks Koromi and 1 week Malindi)
Longterm volunteer positions (3 – 6 months)
- Assistant Camp Manager at Koromi Farm, reporting to Managing Director (Bob)
- Marketing and Communications Manager: this position can be Malindi based with regular stays at Koromi
How to apply
A truly and fulfilling experience awaits! If you are excited about the short or longterm volunteering positions, please email your motivation letter and CV to us as soon as possible, along with any questions you have pertaining to this position. It is also possible to explain your motivation by a virtual meeting.
