Rotary International President Concludes Three-Day Kenyan Trip With Charter of A New Club
By Eric Ombok
Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick concluded a successful trip to Kenya with the charter of the Rotary Club of Lugari during an African themed Rotary Foundation dinner. The new club is located in Kenya’s Kakamega County.
The last day of the tour also included The Rotary Foundation diner. During the diner, more than 300 Rotarians who have donated at least $1,000 to the Foundation since the beginning of the current Rotary year which 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.
Before the diner, day three began with President Stephanie and her delegation taking time to enjoy Kenya’s world-class tourism attractions by having a game drive at the Nairobi National Park, visiting the Giraffe Centre and sampling Kenyan cuisine at The Carnivore.
“It has been a marvellous 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.’’
“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 during the diner.
The second day of President Stephanie’s visit began with a breakfast engagement to appreciate 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.
On the second day, President Stephanie also attended a medical camp at Pumwani Maternity Hospital, the largest such facility in East and Central Africa. The medical camp is the outcome of a 24-month partnership between Rotary District 9212 and Rotary Action Group for Family Health & AIDS Prevention Inc (RFHA) to enable Rotary clubs to roll out medical camps at seven different locations across Kenya.
In addition to Pumwani Maternity Hospital, the medical camps, known as Rotary Family Health Days (RFHD), will be held at Kogelo Health Centre (Siaya), Gichuru Dispensary (Kiambu), Transmara West Sub County Hospital (Narok), Embu Level V Hospital (Embu), Mukurweini Hospital (Nyeri) and Makongeni Health Centre (Thika).
The day concluded with an engaging session with over 500 Rotaractors and Interactors at the University of Nairobi. The event was hosted by District Rotaract Representative Hiwot Nekatibeb and District Governor Joe and Moderated by Past District Rotaract Representative Kennedy Gaya.
President Stephanie encouraged all Rotaractors to actively seek and embrace opportunities within Rotary, emphasizing the importance of showcasing accomplishments through platforms like the Rotary Magazine, Rotary Social Media sites and platforms.
She highlighted that Rotary offers a unique platform for selfless service without the constraints of formal titles, empowering individuals to independently pursue their own project ideas, even when seeking grants – something Rotaract Clubs can now easily do.
A panel discussion encouraged Rotaractors and Interactors to leverage both their professional and transferable skills within Rotary, stressing the importance of self-awareness and understanding their leadership style to effectively guide and motivate others. The forum saw several Rotaractors recognized as Paul Harris Fellows (PHF) while others received awards for impactful service.
The first day began with a reception that included dancing to music from a troupe of traditional dancers and enjoying world famous Ethiopian coffee. President Stephanie later attended a welcome cocktail attended by Rotary District 9212 past governors and the current Executive Committee members.
