Dear Friends of Kenya,

Welcome to the Kenya Society UK! 

It is my pleasure to extend a warm welcome to you as the newly elected Chairman of the Kenya Society UK, following the retirement of Patrick Orr at our 32nd Annual General Meeting in May 2022. 

Our story began in1989, when Ambassador Dr. Sally Kosgei, then-Kenyan High Commissioner to the UK, envisioned to create a vibrant hub for the growing Kenyan diaspora and British expats who shared a deep affection for Kenya and wanted to maintain their connection to the country. Today, we proudly continue that rich legacy, fostering connections and understanding between the UK and Kenya.

At the outset, I would like to express, on behalf of the Society, my sincere appreciation to our former Chairman, Patrick Orr, for his exceptional leadership and dedication to the Society since its inception, when he served as its first Honorary Secretary. I also want to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of longstanding Committee members and supporters who have been instrumental to our success such as such as Robert Newell, Pamela Chesire, the late Girish Raval, Karl Ziegler, Chandra Devani, Sir Jeffrey James and the late Dan Maini.

Throughout our history, we have had the privilege of hosting memorable events, welcoming esteemed Kenyan dignitaries and celebrating Kenya’s remarkable achievements. From the tradition of our flagship Annual Garden Summer Party at Harambee House, the Kenyan High Commissioner’s residence, to hosting Kenya’s world-renowned athletes, our gatherings have been a testament to the strong ties between our two nations. 

In recent years, Kenya Society UK has undergone a transformative journey including modernising our constitution in 2018 and welcoming new committee members with diverse expertise that will greatly benefit the Society. This revitalisation ensures that we remain a dynamic and relevant organisation, ready to serve our diverse membership and meet the challenges of the present day.

I am honoured to serve as your Chairman and remain committed to strengthening our community, fostering connections and creating opportunities for all who share a passion for Kenya. My dedicated committee and I are focused on engaging both long-standing and new members through meaningful programmes and collaborations. We will continue to build upon valuable initiatives such as our mentorship programme, Vijana Wetu, and the Education Partnership Initiative, ensuring that our members have access to resources and support.

I invite you to explore our website, discover our upcoming events, and join us in celebrating the rich culture, history and future of Kenya and the United Kingdom. Whether you are a Kenyan living in the UK, a Briton with a love for Kenya, or simply curious about our extraordinary country, we warmly welcome you to become a part of our vibrant community.

Karibuni wote!

JUVENAL J M SHIUNDU
Chairman of the Kenya Society UK