The Rotary Club has commemorated 100 years of service in District 9212, which includes Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Eritrea. In honor of this historic milestone, Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick began a tour of the four countries, arriving in Kenya on Sunday, January 12, to launch and support a range of humanitarian initiatives nationwide.
Established in 1905 in Chicago, USA, by attorney Paul P. Harris, the Rotary Club started as a small group of professionals meeting in rotation to share ideas, build connections, and support their communities. Over time, this initiative grew into a global organization of leaders and professionals committed to delivering humanitarian services, advancing peace, and fostering goodwill. Today, Rotary continues to tackle pressing social issues through impactful service projects on both local and international levels.
The Rotary Club in Kenya has a storied history, defined by notable achievements and meaningful contributions to community development.
Establishment and Early Growth
The Rotary Club of Nairobi, established on September 8, 1930, was the first Rotary club in East Africa and the third oldest on the continent. It was founded by John Innes, a Rotarian from Leeds, who was inspired by Rotary’s creator, Harris. Innes worked alongside Nairobi’s Mayor, Charles Udall, who became the club’s first president for the 1930-31 term.
The club started with 12 distinguished members and held its first meetings at the New Stanley Hotel. By the end of its inaugural year, membership had increased to 16. The first regular meeting included a keynote address by H. Monck Mason Moore, who would later go on to serve as the Governor of Kenya.
Expansion Across Kenya
Following the establishment of the Nairobi club, Rotary’s presence in Kenya expanded to the following key clubs: the Rotary Club of Mombasa, chartered on May 24, 1944; the Rotary Club of Nairobi West, founded in 1963; and the Rotary Club of Kisumu, established in 1965.
Others that followed include:
1. Rotary Club of Nakuru (founded in 1966)
2. Rotary Club of Eldoret (founded in 1986)
3. Rotary Club of Nairobi Central (founded in 1987)
4. Rotary Club of Nairobi Sunrise (founded in 1994)
5. Rotary Club of Kisii (founded in 2001)
6. Rotary Club of Thika (founded in 2005)
7. Rotary Club of Meru (founded in 2008)
Contributions and Impact
Kenyan Rotary clubs have been instrumental in various humanitarian projects, including:
- During the Post-Election Violence Recovery in 2007, the Rotary Club supported communities in the Rift Valley by providing agricultural tools and seeds, helping them recover quickly and rebuild their self-reliance.
- In 2010, in response to a devastating drought, the Rotary Club sent truckloads of food and essential supplies to the Turkana region. The club also donated boats to local fishermen on Lake Turkana and supported crop development through the “Furrows in the Desert” project, helping to improve the community’s resilience and food security.
- Through collaborations with international Rotary clubs, the Rotary Club has made significant strides in education and healthcare. These partnerships have led to the construction of schools, health clinics, and the enhancement of sanitation facilities in and around Nairobi, improving the quality of life for many communities.
- The club is in partnership with the State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to plant one million trees in six months.
- Since 1980, the Rotary Sunshine Rally has been a national initiative supporting differently-abled individuals, promoting inclusion and empowerment across Kenya.
Current Status
As of 2024, Kenya is home to over 60 Rotary clubs, with Nairobi hosting more than 30. These clubs remain dedicated to various causes, including environmental conservation, maternal and child health, literacy, and youth education, all while embodying Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self.”
Currently Rotary District 9212 has active grants valued at $6 million spread over the four countries.
“As Rotary celebrates 100 years of impactful service in District 9212, we aim to mark this milestone with a flagship project dedicated to improving maternal and child health at Pumwani Maternity Hospital in Nairobi as a national pilot,’’ District 9212 Governor Joe Kamau said.
The Rotary Club’s journey in Kenya highlights its dedication to community service, growth, and adaptability, making a significant impact on the nation’s social and economic development.
