RC Nairobi Karengata Takes Stock of Half Year 2020 Milestones
Rotary Club of Nairobi Karengata led by its President Rita Ndonye has had quite an eventful and productive half year in this most unlikely year.
Since the pandemic pivoted physical meetings to the virtual space it has been a mix of ingenuity, focus and good old Rotarian cheer to not only normalize these crazy Zoom meetings but get things on the ground moving like previous years(if not better).
And oh, what fun the Club has had these half year 2020!
Right from the installation in July, the Club welcomed amazing new members, Anita Bosibori, Mariya Murtaza and Husseini Murtaza chalking up the numbers to a solid 30 strong.
Activities for the half year kicked off relentlessly with the continued distribution of water tanks to residents in the Karengata area. This was in a bid to boost sanitization in the management of COVID-19 within the community.
Some of the beneficiaries were Kibera South Health Centre and St. Vincent De Paul Rescue Nursery School & Rescue Center in Olympic Kibera.
This initiative was steered by Rotarian Rachel Mugure in partnership with Stanbic Bank back in May 2020, when it was launched.
Thanks to concerted efforts by President Rita and Rotarian Clemency Okena for overseeing the distribution together with Past President Sammy Ayany and Assistant Governor Jane Katuga.
On its part, the projects team led by Rotarian Tony Ondicho with robust support from President Elect Dan Munyori wasn’t to be left behind.
Preparations began in earnest for the renovation works at Kajiado AIC Girls School’s sanitation and hygiene project.
The project partners for this initiative are the Rotary Club of Calgary, Canada and Friends of Kajiado.
The project itself entails renovation of 8 internal dormitory washrooms; 2 external ablution blocks; construction of a 150m sewer line and a 4 door VIP latrine block.
Interested in updates on the project? Follow us here.
To keep up the momentum in September, ground work commenced for the Club’s own Interact and Rotaract Clubs (big yay!).
This being part of the strategic goals for 2020/21, that the Club would charter two new Interact Clubs and one Rotaract Club although the plans already underway for the Interact Club initiative were halted by the national schools closure.
Not to be daunted, Rotarian Mary Karuri, the Director, New Generations supported by PP Sammy , refocused plans to the creation of a community based Rotaract Club with various young people in the Karengata area.
An initial training hosted by AG Jane, Director, Training was quite successful and proves there’s promise for vibrant clubs led by new generations.
What’s more, President Rita led the Club in an initiative to assist in the identification and issuance of white canes to children and adults abled differently by sight throughout the country.
The initiative in partnership with Ayudh Kenya, requires the Club to identify children and adults in the local communities that are in need of these canes and ensure they receive them.
The white canes are described by Ayudh Kenya as a powerful tool for their mobilization and independence, enabling them to navigate their way comfortably and safely. Read more on Ayudh Kenya’s work.
Similarly in support of those abled differently in physical mobility, the Club partnered with the Rotary Club of Parklands to issue 4 wheelchairs to recipients drawn from Nairobi’s Dagoretti, Kibera and Mathare areas.
To inject some fun vibes to the continued efforts in service, Rotarian Wachera Mburu delighted Club members in October with a plan to fundraise for the Save Ngong Hills Forest Initiative through a joint koroga event with the Rotary Club of Ongata Rongai.
Woop! Woop! Members who had been cooped up in their cribs were excited to don their cowboy/girl themed threads and rehearse their dance moves for the Jerusalema challenge all for a good cause.
And what a day it was, hearty laughs and merry making the very ingredients that make Rotary come alive were doled out in plenty! Catch some of the video action here.
This eventful month closes on an exhilarating high with an addition of 5 new members inducted on 17th October, thanks to Rotarian Winrose Mungai’s ( Director, Membership) hardwork with support from AG Fam Boit.
The new members are: Brenda Wanga, David Lubira, Marian Achien’g, Cedric Lusimba and Nelson Wabwire. Karibuni sana!
A big appreciation goes out to the diligence of their sponsors; Rotarian Agneta, PE Dan and President Rita plus all members for turning up to welcome them at the induction ceremony.
Lastly, on 24th October, the Save the Ngong Hills Forest tree planting event took place courtesy of the Rotary Clubs of – Ngong Hills, Kikuyu, Kilimani, Karen, Kiserian, Ongata Rongai, Ongata Rongai East.
This was in addition to the celebration of Rotary’s big win in the eradication of wild polio.
Besides the above milestones, the Club also organized incredible guests speakers covering wide ranging topics. The speakers were:
- Amos Kibaru CEO of Floor Décor Kenya
- Richard Kioko of MNM Advocates LLP
- Rotarian Mburu Machua, Chairman Rotary District Environment Group
- PE Manon Mitchell, PE, Rotary Club of Calgary
- The Throttle Queens
- The Club’s very own Rotarians Emily Mulaya, the Director, Community Services and Rotarian Anthony Ondicho, Director, Projects.
There have also been numerous joint fellowships with the Rotary eclub – Safari where the Club jointly hosted:
- PDG Harry Mugo on 20th August
- Hon. Dr. Willy Mutunga on 14th October
- IPDG Joe Otin on 21st October
And many more at the invitation of the Rotary Clubs of Ngong Hills and Kikuyu, respectively.
Look out for more news on RC Nairobi Karengata on either Facebook, Instagram and website www.rotarykarengata.org (coming soon).
If you’d like to partner with us on projects, fellowships or any other initiatives, just holla and we’ll come through!
Stay safe and see you soon!
Article by:Njeri Murage |rcnairobikarengata@gmail.com
