Smooth Transitions

Happy Labour Day Rotary Family!

The month of May starts on a high note with the deserved celebration of our workers who serve our nations with pride. The month also comes just after the conclusion of our successful 99th District Conference held on 25-28 April in Magical Watamu.

I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the 800 delegates from across Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and beyond, who graced our conference with their presence. Your participation enriched our discussions, forged new friendships, and illuminated the path for community projects in our district. Special recognition is also due to our esteemed guests, including representatives from Rotary District 3170 in India and Rotaract District 1860 in Germany.

Heartfelt thanks are also extended to Governor Gideon Mungaro and the Kilifi County Government for their warm hospitality in welcoming us to Magical Watamu. Your support and partnership were instrumental in making our conference a resounding success.

District Governor Leonard Ithau (L) and Kilifi Governor Gideon Mungaro (R) during the 99th DCA Welcome Cocktail event.

A highlight of our gathering was the presence and guidance of Rotary International President Personal Representative (RIPPR) Nze Anizor and his spouse Clara. His message resonated deeply, reminding us of our shared responsibility to create hope in the world, prioritize mental well-being, bolster our Rotary Foundation, and expand our membership to amplify our sustainable impact.

RIPPR Nze Anizor cuts the ribbon at the Digital Literacy Program launch at Watamu Primary School during the 99th District Conference.

Our sponsors, led by our official sponsor Absa Bank, deserve special acknowledgment for their generosity and support in bringing our conference to fruition. Their commitment to Rotary’s mission of service is truly commendable, and we are immensely grateful for their partnership.

Throughout the conference, we delved into our theme of Rediscovering Humanity through inspiring speakers and presentations. It was a journey of learning, networking, and celebration. From sharing impactful stories to launching new projects, the conference was a reflection of the power of collective action. I urge us all to use this renewed momentum to go full steam into bigger and more impactful projects. Let’s go!

May is also Rotary’s Youth Service Month. Rotary is committed to fostering the development of young leaders through programs such as the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) and Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE). These initiatives provide invaluable opportunities for youth to cultivate leadership skills, broaden their horizons, and understand the importance of service.Together, Rotary and Rotaract members need to continue collaborating on projects that make a tangible difference in communities worldwide.

I urge our Rotary clubs to prioritize engagement with youth, beginning with our Rotaractors. Taking the time to converse with and mentor young individuals not only fosters their personal and professional growth but also ensures a seamless transition of leadership within our organization.

Grow Our Membership

Recent Rotary research underscores that the club experience is pivotal in member satisfaction. As we strive to reach our membership goals, let us focus on making our clubs vibrant hubs of service and fellowship so as to not only attract but retain our members. It is important that we engage our members and encourage active participation in community service projects to strengthens our clubs. This will enhance our ability to recruit new members. Remember, the larger our Rotary family, the greater the impact we can have on our communities worldwide.

Giving to The Rotary Foundation

Our journey towards raising $500,000 for The Rotary Foundation continues, and I am immensely proud of our progress thus far. Your contributions are making a tangible difference in communities around the globe, transforming lives and creating lasting change. To make a donation, you can utilize our Jenga Foundation Mpesa portal *835*90 for Rotary clubs in Kenya or donate via My Rotary https://my.rotary.org/en/donate. Every contribution, regardless of size, plays a crucial role in advancing Rotary’s humanitarian efforts.

Ensuring Smooth Transitions

DG Ithau and District Governor Elect Joe Kamau (centre) pose with Past District Governor Peter Mbui (L), RIPPR Nze Anizor, District Governor Nominee Wairumu Njage (R -2) and District Governor Nominee Designate Esayas Yeyesuswork (R) during DGE Kamau’s installation ceremony.

As we bid adieu to the just concluded District Conference, it is time to commence transitionary arrangements at both the district and club levels. I had the privilege of ceremoniously passing the District Governor’s chain of office to our District Governor Elect, Joe Kamau, during the conference. Similarly, our District Rotaract Representative (DRR), Nancy Njeri, handed over her ceremonial chain to DRR Elect Hiwot. Starting this month, our clubs are preparing for their installation ceremonies to install new club presidents and board members. It is imperative that our club officials work collaboratively to ensure seamless transitions that are essential for continuity and effective leadership, required for our clubs continue to thrive in service.

Finish Strong!

With two months remaining in the Rotary year, we stand at a pivotal juncture to finish strong. Let us seize this opportunity to redouble our efforts and work tirelessly to achieve our club’s annual goals. Whether it’s completing ongoing projects, initiating new initiatives, or strengthening partnerships within our communities, let us leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of Rotary’s mission. Together, let us make these final months count, leaving a lasting legacy of service and impact as we conclude the Rotary year on 30th June 2024.