New Club In Athi River Launches First Project
By Rtn Sylvia Njambi
The Rotary Club of Athi River, the Caring Club!
Inspired by Rotary Internationals’ global campaign whose theme is People of Action, the newly chartered Rotary Club of Athi River (RCAR) has set out to support activities that promote the Rotary Environment agenda. In partnership with the Kenya Forestry Research Institute, RCAR held a family tree planting activity last month. The event brought together 30 participants drawn from member families and neighboring clubs including RC Kitengela and Rotaract Clubs of Kitengela and Athi River. In total 600 trees were planted.
The Rotary Club of Athi River became the newest baby in the Rotary family in March 2021. The club’s charter event saw 29 members Chartered in an event presided over by the Past District Governor, Patrick Obath. Under the leadership of the Charter President Njoki Kiama, the club intends to identify and support initiatives that enhance the lives of the communities living in Athi River and its environs. The club is particularly interested in protecting the Athi River and ensuring that all persons have access to basic necessities that improve their quality of life.
Adopt a River
The Rotary Club of Athi River is also participating in the Adopt-a-River initiative for Sustainable Development, being implemented by Rotary District 9212 in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Clubs have identified and adopted respective sections of the Athi River basin (including its tributaries) and will support mapping of the types and sources of pollution jointly with key stakeholders.
By engaging the local community, awareness will be increased on protecting the environment, integrated waste management, clean-up drives will be held and planting trees to enhance restoration of the riverbank. The initiative is intended to rehabilitate and restore Athi River basin’s freshwater ecosystem.
Supporting District 9212 One Million tree planting challenge
Together with the RC Kitengela, Rotaract Clubs of Kitengela and Athi River, our club is holding a joint afforestation fundraiser. To this end, a hike to Mt Longonot is planned for 7 August 2021 to raise funds for the seedlings. The tree planting event will be held in two locations in Kitengela and Athi River. To ensure sustainability, we are partnering with institutions to ensure that beyond tree planting, the trees will continue to be nurtured as they mature.
