Rotary clubs in Western Kenya held their maiden Sunshine Rally on March 7, 2026 at Golf Hotel Kakamega. The event was hosted by the Rotary Club of Kakamega and brought together Rotary and Rotaract Clubs from across the Western Kenya region, alongside various institutions, schools and community stakeholders.
The event had participation from multiple Rotary Clubs including Siaya, Busia, Bungoma Magharibi, Bungoma Central, Lugari, Kisumu Winam, Kisii Central, Suna Migori, and Bungoma Main. Rotaract clubs present included Mumias, MMUST, and Kakamega Central.
A total of 28 schools attended the rally, with over 600 special children and their caregivers present, making the event highly impactful and inclusive.
The Rotary Sunshine Rally was started in 1979 by Rotarian and industrialist Manu Chandaria as a way of recognizing and including children with special needs by organizing a fun outing for them. Sunshine Rally, in its 44th year, has grown from an event hosting less than 100 children to thousands of children.
The Sunshine Rally in Western Kenya focused on supporting children with special needs through various donations and engagement activities. Key contributions included donation of 19 wheelchairs to children with mobility challenges, distribution of over 600 gift bags and food hampers, provision of walking sticks for the visually impaired and distribution of walking crutches to those in need of mobility support
The event significantly improved the well-being of special children by addressing mobility and basic needs challenges. It also strengthened collaboration among Rotary and Rotaract Clubs in the Western Region, reinforcing Rotary’s commitment to service above self.
The Rotary Sunshine Rally Western Region 2026 was a resounding success, demonstrating the power of collective action in transforming lives. The continued partnership between clubs and institutions promises even greater impact in future initiatives.
Eastern Region
Clubs in the Eastern region held the maiden rally at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos on March 28, 2026. The event reached more than 600 children from 16 schools, engaged multiple stakeholders including County Governments across three counties. These schools collectively support approximately 1,700 children, reflecting the broader community the initiative seeks to uplift and represent.
The participating children live with a range of disabilities, including autism, hearing impairments and mobility challenges. The rally aims to celebrate their resilience, promote dignity and inclusion, and create a space where they are seen, supported and valued.
In Kenya, children with disabilities continue to face significant barriers in accessing inclusive education and specialised support services, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. The Sunshine Rally seeks to raise awareness, promote equal opportunity and strengthen community engagement around disability inclusion.
“We need to continue breaking the myths and barriers that exist around persons with disabilities,” said Michael Kilonzo- Chair Rotary Sunshine Rally Eastern Region . “Through initiatives like the Sunshine Rally, we bring communities together to celebrate these children, advocate for their rights, and encourage greater inclusion in education and society.”
The Sunshine Rally is part of Rotary’s effort across Kenya to ensure that children living with disabilities are seen, celebrated, and included as full members of our communities. Sometimes, the most powerful advocacy begins with something as simple as dancing together in the sun.
``Congratulations to all the Rotary and Rotaract clubs in the Eastern Region on holding a very well executed inaugural Sunshine Rally! From first steps to the incredible impact that we can all see! The journey to community transformation begins…Team Yellow delivered! District Governor Wairimu Njage said.
``Lots of appreciation to the Rotary family in the Eastern Region for sharing love, showing up, and making a lasting impact in the lives of these children,’’ District 9212 Community Services Programs Chair Rose Chege said.
The Rotary Clubs of Syokimau, Kitengela, Athi Kapiti, Stoni Athi, Athi River, Machakos and Machakos Greens participated. The Rotaract clubs of Athi River, Kitengela, Syokimau and Daystar University as well as the Interact Club of Lukenya Academy also participated.
At the Eastern Region Sunshine Rally, the music went up, the barriers came down, and the stadium floor became a place where everyone belonged. Rotarians danced with the children, Interactors cheered and joined in, and Rotaractors led the way- proving that inclusion isn’t just something we talk about… it’s something we live.