The sun smiled on our club on 24th July, 2021, after a long spell of chilly July weather. It was also the date earmarked for welcoming Rotary Club of Hurlingham 33rd President for the year 2021/2022, Veronica Ndumbi.
In its usual manner, Happy Club members stepped out in style, the theme being ONE LOVE with a colourful and bright dresscode. A whopping 16 Rotary Clubs were in attendance with Rotary Club of Milimani having the largest delegation of 18 members, which at some point threatened to outnumber the host club.Speaking during the installation, Chief Guest PDG Richard Omwela challenged Rotarians to be active in their clubs, noting that this was the journey to growing in leadership.
Throughout the event, there was friendly banter by the host duo of MCs from RC Milimani and Karen. They kept the crowd of nearly 60 attendees entertained. Outgoing President Martin Okuthe, acknowledged his board adding that he could not have done it without them, given the difficult year that was. He presented each of his board members with a plaque before handing over the Presidential chain to the incoming President, Veronica Ndumbi.
Speaking during her inaugural speech, President Veronica acknowleged the people who had made her journey which culminated in Presidency, possible. Of note, she thanked her family and friends, her colleagues, her college classmates and she thanked the Rotary Club of Milimani, for allowing her to join Rotary Club of Hurlingham.
Narrating how she joined in 2014, she said, “I joined in 2014 after many phone calls from PP Joe Nyagari whom I met in Rotaract many years back. I kept telling him I will joining when I am ready to be committed to service. On a light note, among other things that I have learnt in line of Rotary service, is to be a professional beggar. The cost of nails and paints etc thanks to Rotary projects.”
On his part, PP Joe Nyagari, President Veronica’s sponsor, alluded to the fact that this had been a long time coming, because over the years, she has participated actively at any and every opportunity, finally culminating in the top leadership role of the club. Her most recent project engagement was the rehabilitation of St. Dominic’s Primary School ablution block and painting of the classrooms.
The installation event had corporate sponsors including CIC Insurance, Skinsol and Integrated Station each having a booth and given a chance to talk to the Rotarians and guests in attendance. They donated some of their products used during the event’s auction and raffle slot time.
After the formalities, there was good fellowship which continued into the evening, bearing in mind the 10.00pm curfew time. Clearly, it was a good opportunity to shake a leg after nearly one year of not meeting physically due to the pandemic.