Rotary Western Region Hosts TRF Dinner, Launches $32 Million Anti-Malaria Initiative
Kakamega, Kenya — The Rotary Club of Kakamega recently hosted the Western Region of Kenya’s TRF Dinner at the Golf Hotel, an event that brought together Rotarians and friends from Western Kenya Rotary clubs and introduced a transformative health initiative for malaria eradication in the region. Graced by Rotary District 9212 Governor Joe Kamau, District Governor-Elect (DGE) Wairimu Njage, and District Rotary Foundation Chair (DRFC) Protus Lumiti, the evening recognized members who had committed to donating toward the Rotary Foundation.
A highlight of the evening was the launch of the Western Kenya Alliance Against Malaria (WAKAM) Global Multi-Regional Grant, a $32 million (Ksh. 3.2 billion) project targeting malaria eradication across four of Kenya’s high-prevalence counties: Kakamega, Busia, Siaya, and Bungoma Central. Managed collaboratively by the Rotary Clubs of Kakamega, Busia, Siaya, and Bungoma Central, each club will oversee an $8 million (Ksh. 800 million) share of the grant to drive localized malaria prevention and control efforts.
Malaria remains a leading health threat in Kenya, especially in Western counties, where prevalence rates are among the highest in the nation. The WAKAM initiative will not only provide preventive resources but also focus on building community-based health capacities. Over 300 Community Health Promoters (CHPs) will be trained on effective malaria prevention and equipped with bicycles, basic health consumables, and malaria test kits to improve accessibility and screening in remote and underserved communities. This approach aims to bridge critical gaps in health service delivery, reaching vulnerable populations and reducing the burden on regional health facilities.
“Through WAKAM, we’re harnessing the power of local action and community engagement to combat malaria, a disease that continues to hold back economic and social progress in this region,” said Governor Kamau. “With support from the Rotary Foundation and community partners, we’re empowering health promoters to deliver care where it’s most needed.”
The TRF Dinner also highlighted Rotary’s ongoing global health initiatives, underscoring the Rotary Foundation’s impact in mobilizing resources and partnerships to address urgent humanitarian needs. The launch included an awareness walk in Kakamega Town, involving local residents and emphasizing the importance of preventive measures in malaria control.
By equipping CHPs and fostering community-driven solutions, WAKAM sets a new standard for sustainable, impactful health initiatives in Kenya. This collaboration reflects Rotary’s vision of a malaria-free future and the power of strategic investments in health resilience across high-burden regions.
