Meet Rotary Club of Kisii Charter President
My name is Beatrice K. Nyamache. I am a mother of one and passionate about alleviating suffering in humanity.
What is your classification?
Human resource and training.
When and how did you join Rotary?
I joined Rotary in 2002 while I was still a university student.
How long have you been in Rotary?
I have been a Rotarian for six years.
Tell us about your experience in Rotaract
I was a member of the Rotaract Club of Nairobi East between 2002-2005. We were involved in lots of mentorship programs and were professionally mentored as well by our mother club, Rotary Club Of Nairobi East. As a club we supported a borehole project for a children’s home. These experiences have shaped my Rotary journey.
What was your motivation for starting a club in your hometown and exiting one of the biggest clubs in the District?
I took up a challenge given to me by Dr. Joe Kamau, the District Membership Committee Chairman, who told me to start a club in Kisii, after I complained that there is no Rotary Club in the town.
How did you position yourself for this opportunity?
I moved to Kisii to make sure I am on the ground, as I work towards chartering a club. I made contact with local professionals, educated them on what Rotary is all about and made follow ups. I rallied people together one at a time, to spread awareness .
I also used a lot of social media platforms. I identified a need in the society that involved little resources I invited members of our mother club to contribute to our cause. Taking consistent actions made us move faster.
What goes into the successful charter of a Rotary Club?
Coming up with a Rotary club name, creating awareness of the club, information sharing about Rotary, identification of suitable people to be charter members, submitting registration forms and fees to Rotary International, the start of fellowships, inviting guest speakers, identifying needs in the community, carrying out a community service projects, setting up a date for the charter ceremony, finding a guest speaker, assigning duties and roles, inviting as many Rotarians, Rotaractors and guests, identifying a theme, publicity for the event and fundraising for the event.
How do you define and quantify the impact you’ve created?
It’s worth every minute. It’s fulfilling to see families benefit from hand washing stations, food hampers, environmental conservation and mentorship programs.
What is the long-term goal/vision that you have for the Rotary Club of Kisii?
That it will grow to have huge membership that is focused on serving the community whole-heartedly.
How do you achieve the work-life-Rotary balance?
By being intentional and deliberate about how and where I spend my time and resources. Does one have to suffer at the other’s expense? No. You have to strike a balance.
What do you consider as your greatest achievements and successes?
Bringing Rotary home by chartering a Rotary Club.
What should we expect in the next few years?
More community projects and partnerships.
What is your parting shot and advice to Rotarians and Rotarians considering chartering a club?
Rotary is a good avenue for impacting the community. The community needs your energy and service. Don’t just settle for what is there but go the extra mile and identify opportunities that you can tap into.
