Rotarians In Kenya All Set For Growth After Rotary International President’s Visit

Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick concluded a successful trip to Kenya, with the charter of the Rotary Club of Lugari. The new club is located in Kenya’s Kakamega County.

“We have to continue to tell our story, no matter where. And we know these people, they’re our friends, our families, the people we see in elevators. They’re everywhere the world deserves to have more people who have the heart and the hands for service. So I encourage you to continue to share the story of the Rotary Foundation and share the story of Rotary,’’ President Stephanie said.

Kenya is part of Rotary District 9212, which includes Ethiopia, South Sudan and Eritrea. There are 270 Rotary Clubs in Rotary District 9212, with a total membership of almost 4,000 Rotarians.

The main objective of Rotary is service – in the community, in the workplace, and throughout the world with focus in seven key areas: disease prevention & treatment, maternal & child health, basic education & literacy, water and sanitation, peace and conflict resolution, economic & community development and environmental conservation.

Joining Rotary
Rotary offers benefits for people of all ages and backgrounds. From learning more about the world to learning more about yourself, you can grow by engaging with Rotary’s global network and the array of activities, programs, and interest groups that Rotary offers.

When you get involved in Rotary, whether as a Rotarian, Rotaractor, Interactor or program participant, you expand your perspective by honing your skills, learning from professionals, making new connections, and making a difference in your community and around the world.

We know that each member has a unique combination of interests, skills, and talents, and so each member will be attracted to different activities. Maximizing your Rotary membership involves actively engaging with the organization’s activities through your club and beyond, leveraging its network, and contributing to its mission. By actively participating in your Rotary club and leveraging its resources, you can maximize the benefits of your membership while contributing significantly to Rotary’s mission of service above self.
Rotarians are professionals in various fields, business leaders and community leaders who offer their time and resources to solve community challenges. By joining Rotary, you become part of Rotary International, a global organization with a membership of 1.4 million spread across 46,000 clubs around the world.

Rotary International President
“It has been a marvelous experience being here,’’ President Stephanie said. “We saw many projects, we got to induct members, we saw hospitals, we went to the park and we saw animals so we have really put a lot into these three days. And so, we appreciate your hospitality and hosting us. And we promise, we’re coming back.’’

The last day of President Stephanie’s tour included The Rotary Foundation diner. During the diner, more than 300 Rotarians who have donated at least $1,000 to the Foundation since the Rotary year began on July 1, 2024 were recognized as Paul Harris Fellows.

Several Rotarians were further inducted to the Arch Klumph Society, which recognizes The Rotary Foundation’s highest tier of donors-those who have contributed $250,000 or more during their lifetime. The recognition is named after the sixth president of Rotary International, Arch Klump, whose term of office was 1916-1917.

Membership in the Arch Klumph Society is lifelong. Each member has the opportunity to have his or her portrait placed in the Arch Klumph Society Gallery, located on the 17th floor of Rotary International World Headquarters in Evanston, Illinois, USA.

Two Rotarians joined the ranks of Rotary Benefactors. Rotarians are recognized as a benefactor after including the Rotary Endowment Fund as a beneficiary of $1,000 or more in their estate plans or upon donating $1,000 or more to the fund.
The roll of honour also included more than 200 Rotarians, Rotaractors and friends of Rotary who have donated at least $100 to the Polio Plus Fund during the current Rotary year, contributing to Rotary’s campaign to eradicate the disease in the world.

During her trip to Kenya, President Stephanie also met Major Donors in Rotary District 9212. Major Donors comprise of individuals whose cumulative donations over the years have reached at least $10,000. Major Donors can choose to receive a crystal recognition piece and a Major Donor lapel pin or pendant. Based on further contributions, Major Donors are categorized from level one to four.