KENYA SOCIETY UK 34TH AGM
5 July 2024
Kenya Society UK celebrates 34th AGM and Annual Lunch with successful gathering and new website launch
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The Kenya Society UK hosted its 34th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Annual Lunch on Wednesday, 3rd July 2024, at the Rembrandt Hotel in London, marking a year of significant achievements and transitions. The event welcomed a diverse gathering of members and special guests for a day of reflection, celebration and forward-looking discussions – all aimed at celebrating the Society's ongoing commitment to fostering ties between Kenya and the UK.
…AGM highlights a year of progress and change
The AGM saw Chairman Juvenal Shiundu and Honorary Treasurer Kailesh Patel present their comprehensive reports, detailing the Society's activities and financial performance in 2023. The Chairman highlighted key events and achievements, including the Society's involvement in various Kenyan art and cultural events and the attendance of a Society delegation at a reception hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Buckingham Palace.
The AGM also saw the election of 12 committee members and the co-option of six others, bringing fresh perspectives and expertise to guide the Society into the future.
Committee Members:
Juvenal Shiundu - Chairman
Irene Waite - Deputy Chairman
Ian Paton - Honorary Secretary
Kailesh Patel - Honorary Treasurer
Cllr Elizabeth Kangethe – Diaspora and Women’s Lead
Kezhia Orege Fields – Arts, Culture and Events Lead
Julius Mbaluto – Membership Lead
Sherry Davis – Arts and Culture
Elizabeth Okinda – Legal Affairs Lead
Lawrence Muli – Education Partnerships Lead
Luther Hinga – ICT Lead
Ruth Barry – Vijana Wetu Mentorship Programme
Angela Kolongo – PR and Communications Lead (co-opted)
Stephen Wambua – Financial Advisor (co-opted)
Patrick Orr – Vice Patron (co-opted)
Veronica Pickering – Co-opted member
Wambui Njau – Events and Project Management (co-opted)
Stan Lee – Accounts and Finance (co-opted)
Longstanding members Chandra Divani and Karl Ziegler were honoured for their dedicated service by being elected as Honorary Members. Additionally, PSJ Alexander Ltd were re-appointed as auditors to ensure financial transparency.
The Chairman's report expressed gratitude to the dedicated committee members, volunteers and partners who contribute to the Society's success. The AGM and Lunch also served as a time of remembrance for the late Dhanush Maini, a valued Committee Member and Events Lead, with a moment of silence observed in his honour and condolences extended to his family and friends.
The Society acknowledged changes within the committee, with Mrs Ruth Barry stepping down as Deputy Chair, Humphrey Paton as Honorary Secretary and Celeste Shirvani as Education Partnerships Lead. They have been replaced by Irene Waite, Ian Paton, and Lawrence Muli respectively, who were formally endorsed by the AGM.
A landmark resolution to convert the Kenya Society into a Community Interest Company Limited by Guarantee was put to a vote and unanimously approved by members. This strategic move aims to enhance the Society's structure and sustainability.
Concluding the AGM, the Society proudly unveiled its brand-new website, designed to enhance member engagement and provide a comprehensive resource for all things related to UK-Kenya relations. [Read more about the new website here]
… Annual Lunch celebrates UK-Kenya relations
The much-anticipated Annual Lunch was graced by the presence of the Kenyan Acting High Commissioner to the UK, Ambassador Edwin Afande, and Lord Cecil Valentine, Chair of the Eastern Africa Association, as Guests of Honour. Dr Luis Francesci, the Commonwealth Assistant Secretary-General, as well as the Society’s founding member and Vice Patron, Patrick Orr, were also present. Ambassador Afande was accompanied by some key officials from the High Commission.
In his keynote address, Lord Valentine highlighted Kenya’s potential, while acknowledging current challenges. He emphasised the importance of addressing the concerns of the younger generation (Generation Z) for the country’s prosperity. He also stressed the need for a stable and secure environment to attract and protect foreign investments, stating that “the best advertisement to attract investment comes from recommendations by contented and successful current ones.”
Lord Valentine expressed optimism for Kenya's future, emphasising the country's potential for growth and success. He highlighted the importance of strong leadership and effective execution of policies to harness the country's vast potential.
"Kenya is a country of tremendous opportunity. Well situated geographically, it has a large educated population and pools of quality qualified people in nearly every sector. What is required is a stable and secure country well administered within the law... If the right conditions are put in place, the country will enter an upward spiral of success and success breeds success," Lord Valentine said.
Ambassador Afande echoed this sentiment and highlighted the resilience and dynamism of Kenyans, particularly the tech-savvy and educated "Generation Z." He expressed confidence in the government's ongoing dialogue with the younger generation given the current situation in Kenya and anticipated positive changes in line with their concerns.
He recalled the special relationship between Kenya and the UK, rooted in shared history, cultural connections and shared values. He also highlighted Kenya's economic potential, citing its global leadership in geothermal energy, tea and coffee production, mobile money transfer, and its position as a gateway to the vast East African market.
Ambassador Afande encouraged continued engagement and investment in Kenya, stating, "I want to invite you all, please just keep coming to Kenya...Just keep investing, talk to people and share your ideas." He expressed confidence in the country's ability to navigate challenges and achieve even greater success through collaboration and listening to the voices of its young people.
…a vibrant future for the Kenya Society UK
Reflecting on the event, Chairman Juvenal Shiundu expressed optimism for the future, emphasising the need to engage younger generations and leverage the new website to lead the Society into the digital age. He stated that Patrick Orr’s vision of getting younger professional Kenyans involved in the Society was now being realised and looks forward to seeing these professionals taking up leadership roles in the Society’s Affairs.
The 34th AGM and Annual Lunch was a resounding success, providing a platform for networking and fostering camaraderie and community spirit amongst members and attendees. This reinforces the Society's commitment to strengthening ties between the UK and Kenya.
The Chairman and Committee Members of the Kenya Society UK extend their gratitude to all attendees, speakers and sponsors for making this year's AGM and Annual Lunch a success.
The Society looks forward to building on this momentum and continuing its valuable work in the years to come and invites all members and friends to actively participate and share their ideas for further enhancing the Society’s impact.
Together, we can build a vibrant and inclusive community that celebrates our shared heritage and contributes to a brighter future for Kenya and the UK.