Rotary Club of Kilifi celebrates its 22nd Installation ceremony.
By Eva Mbuche
The 22nd Installation ceremony of the Rotary Club of Kilifi held on the 6th of July 2019 at KUSINI Tavern in Kilifi Kenya, Wow! It was a distinguished night and also quite entertaining thanks to the Master of Ceremony, Rotarian Brian Tuinamasiko, past Assistant District Governor. In the club’s history, never have they installed a president, inducted an Honorary Rotarian and new Rotarians on the same night.
Outgoing club president 2018/2019, Rotarian Charles Kamau, was appreciated as he graciously handed over the presidency with the exchange of Rotary Chain to the new president for 2019/2010, Rotarian Nickcy Mbuthia. She is a lecturer and the Chair of the Nursing Department at Pwani University, Kilifi. Four years since joining RC Kilifi, she reminisces how she found a family away from home that shared in her interests whilst doing good for the local community. As she declared her commitment for her club, she noted, “The Four Way Test is a testament of how Rotary has changed me. In everything I do and everyone I interact with, I practice The Four Way Test to the best of my ability. Taking up a leadership position is my contribution to Rotary and I hope that I can continue making RC Kilifi great and inspire future leaders”. Her very able board members steering the club into the New Year include; Rotarian Ian Graham (as sergeant at arms), Rotarian Jennifer Grimm (as treasurer), Rotarian Simon Masha (as 2020/2021 president elect) and Rotarian David Collins (as secretary).
Continuous support for and friendship with RC Kilifi doesn’t go unnoticed in this club. Dr. Sam Kinyanjui was recognised as an honorary member. No one carries a spirit larger than his while fundraising during the clubs installation events. Two weeks earlier, one the club’s founders, Rotarian Margaret Kibiru, was equally recognized with the honour, first, because she introduced Rotary to Kilifi and also because she uses her business leadership as a pillar in supporting other local community initiatives.
Growth is a good indicator of community impact. The club was so delighted to officially induct three new Rotarians all sponsored by Rotarian Shadrack Kuria Kimani. Moses Abwawo, a social worker, who implements WASH projects and responds to emergencies through collaborative action. As a friend of the club for the past 5 years, he is motivated by the opportunities to network, develop leadership qualities and friendships. He believes that Rotary has the potential to touch vulnerable lives and is also a platform for them to be heard. Charles Kirima, a project officer, who creates safe and protective spaces for learning in Kilifi and Kwale Counties. His inspiration is the chance to expand his reach in doing what he loves, empowering children through education, and working with people who share in his passion. Shadrack W. Kanyi, is a small business enterprise entrepreneur and also transports building material. He was invited by friend and also had interest in learning about ways to help the needy. Rotary taught him that you cannot do it alone, and after seeing the power of teamwork while volunteering in the clubs local community projects, he desires to continue in same spirit.
Cheering on in the spirit of connecting the world, the event was graced with the presence of other Rotarians from the Rotary Clubs of Malindi, Nyali, Mombasa Central and Mombasa Down town. Their newly chartered Rotaract clubs of Pwani University and Kilifi were also present. In addition to amazing food, fun and fellowship, the highlight of the evening was the fundraising auction of a single malt whiskey (Speaker Bercow’s), produced for the United Kingdom’s parliament, which was signed by Theresa May on the day she resigned as the Prime minister. She donated it in recognition of The Rotary Foundation’s great deeds. In appreciation for all the wonderful guests, RC Kilifi is grateful for the very able committee that made sure the event was a night to remember and indebted to all those who supported them in presence and absentia! Cheers!
