I didn’t set out looking for Rotary. In fact, my first encounter with the name was purely accidental. Today, I’m proud to say I’m a Rotarian. But even more, I’m proud to be part of the Rotary Club of Syokimau—a place that has embraced me fully and made me feel like I belong.
I didn’t set out looking for Rotary. In fact, my first encounter with the name was purely accidental.
An email had come through to the office secretariat—one of our board members was stepping down temporarily. The reason? He’d been selected as District Governor for Rotary District 9212. I remember thinking, “What’s Rotary, and why is it important enough to take a year off the board?”
That question stayed with me.
A few days later, I saw his appointment featured in the newspaper. That was the spark. I started doing some digging—Googling Rotary, reading about their work, following bits and pieces online. Then something strange happened: I started seeing Rotary everywhere. Friends and acquaintances were suddenly posting about it on social media—photos from service projects, community cleanups, and fellowships.
Something was calling me in.
I called a few clubs. But most said they weren’t taking in new members. Logistically, it was hard anyway. I worked in town and lived along Mombasa Road, which meant late nights if I were to attend weekly meetings. I quietly shelved the idea.
Then, in 2018, the spark came back.
A friend of a friend posted about a cleanup organized by the Rotary Club of Syokimau. I immediately asked my friend to reach out on my behalf. I had learned by then that Rotary was an invite-only space—you had to be introduced.
She reached out, and just like that, I received my first Rotary invitation.
At the time, I was five months pregnant and jobless. I was also bored out of my mind. I’ve never been the type to sit still. I thrive on purpose, and at that point in my life, I was craving something—anything—that would make me feel useful. I wanted to volunteer at a children’s home. I wanted to serve. I wanted to matter.
So I said yes.
The first meeting was at 67 Airport Hotel. Getting there while pregnant wasn’t easy, but I went. Determined. The room was small—about ten people. I didn’t understand the protocols, the fines, or even the flow of the meeting. I was completely new. And then came the financial bit—I was told I needed to pay Ksh 18,000 to join. It felt like a punch to the gut. I was unemployed, unsure, and frankly, overwhelmed.
By the end of that meeting, I had quietly talked myself out of joining.
“Maybe this just isn’t the right time,” I told myself.
But Rotary never really left my heart.
For years, I continued watching from a distance—reading stories, seeing the impact, feeling drawn in. And then this year, something shifted. I didn’t just want to be involved. I needed to be involved. But this time, with intention.
I joined Rotary not because it looked good or sounded noble. I joined because I was finally ready to serve in a way that was structured, impactful, and sustainable. I joined because I was tired of random acts of charity. I wanted to be part of something bigger—something with systems, with accountability, with measurable impact.
If you know me, you know I don’t thrive in chaos. I need order. I need purpose. I need to see the plan. And Rotary gave me that.
I’ve always believed in giving—not because I feel sorry for people, but because I genuinely believe in transformation. In lifting others. In sharing what little or much I have. My parents raised me to want the best for everyone around me, and that value has shaped how I see the world.
Today, I’m proud to say I’m a Rotarian. But even more, I’m proud to be part of the Rotary Club of Syokimau—a place that has embraced me fully and made me feel like I belong.
In this club, I’ve found more than service—I’ve found family.
And I’m here to learn, to unlearn, to grow, and to give with all my heart. I’ve already given my time and resources—not because I had to, but because I believe in what we do.
Thank you, RC Syokimau. Thank you for giving me a place to serve, to shine, and to show up—exactly as I am.