Rotary Clubs of Nairobi Thika Road & Samawati Welcome 33 New Members

By Ruth Munyi
In a momentous event that will be etched in the annals of the Rotary Club of Nairobi Thika Road’s history, the club welcomed a cohort of 24 new members on September 16, 2023, bringing our family to a thriving 87 members strong. The induction was a joint ceremony with the Rotary Club of Nairobi Samawati (a corporate Club of Stanbic Bank) where they also inducted 9 members.

This marked a significant milestone as it was the largest number of inductees since the club’s charter six years ago. The ceremony, held at Kidventurous in Garden Estate, Nairobi, was a testament to the club’s commitment to fostering community service and fellowship.

The journey to becoming Rotary members for these 24 individuals was not just a formality but a rigorous and purposeful process. The inductees underwent five mandatory training sessions, thoughtfully organized and conducted by the club’s membership team.

The training sessions encompassed various aspects of Rotary life, including participation in club fellowships and projects. It was heartening to witness the dedication and enthusiasm with which the newcomers embraced their training, a testament to their commitment to Rotary ideals.

On the same day, the Rotary Club of Nairobi Thika Road also officially launched its seven Buddy Groups, aptly named: The A Team, Bonding Battalion, Bumperz, Hotsteppers, Flames, Maestros and Spin Doctors.

The Buddy Groups are at the heart of the club’s fellowship and camaraderie, ensuring that every member, old and new, enjoys a rich Rotary experience. The Buddy Group Program, an initiative to foster meaningful connections, has been implemented to ensure that new members feel welcomed and supported throughout their Rotary journey.

The highlight of the event was the presence of District Governor Nominee, Wairimu Njage, whose inspiring words resonated with both the new inductees and the seasoned Rotarians. Her clarion call for the new members to be “People of Action” and to serve their communities with unwavering zeal set the tone for their Rotary journey. Her presence was a reminder of Rotary’s global reach and the shared commitment to making the world a better place.

The attendance of the families of the inductees added a layer of warmth and support to the ceremony, emphasizing the sense of community and shared values that Rotary embodies. The inclusion of numerous children’s activities ensured that every family member felt involved and cherished, reinforcing the Rotary spirit of inclusivity.

As the Membership Director, I couldn’t help but be elated by the enthusiasm displayed by the new Rotarians. Membership is undeniably the greatest asset of any Rotary club, and the 24 Rotarians represent a powerful addition to the 1.4 million volunteers in Rotary clubs worldwide. Their dedication and passion will undoubtedly inspire transformative change in our communities, reaffirming the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self.”