KENYA SOCIETY UK 35TH AGM

28 July 2025

Historic 35th AGM propels Kenya Society UK into new era with key strategic shift

The Kenya Society UK proudly celebrated a significant milestone, its 35th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Annual Lunch, on Thursday, 3rd July 2025. Held at the iconic The Rembrandt, a Kenya-founded Sarova Hotel in London's Knightsbridge, the landmark event brought together a distinguished gathering of members, esteemed guests and friends of the Society. The day served as a pivotal moment to reflect on a year of significant achievements, chart a new strategic direction and celebrate decades of fostering strong ties between Kenya and the United Kingdom.

The day was a vibrant testament to the Society's dedication to its mission, seamlessly blending formal proceedings with warm, collegial interaction.

A year of dynamic growth and a bold leap forward

The formal proceedings of the AGM, led by Chairman Mr. Juvenal Shiundu, were marked by robust engagement and pivotal decisions, reflecting a year of dynamic progress and strategic planning for upcoming initiatives. 

Mr.JuvenalShiundu, Chairman of the Kenya Society UK

The Chairman's Report for 2024 highlighted a vibrant year of strengthened cultural and diplomatic ties, including high-profile engagements and recognition within the diaspora. Key achievements included significant leadership development, a successful digital transformation with a new integrated website and Google Workspace migration, and active promotion of Kenyan business and solidarity. Initiatives like the Education Partner Initiative, with its new collaboration with Strathmore University, and the Vijana Wetu Mentorship Programme continued to expand their reach, while plans were firmly set to revive the popular Summer Garden Party in 2025 and explore new cultural events.

A historic leap: conversion to Community Interest Company (CIC)

A momentous and defining decision of the 35th AGM was the unanimous approval to convert the Kenya Society into a Community Interest Company (CIC) Limited by Guarantee. This strategic transition is poised to significantly strengthen the Society’s legal structure, enhance its sustainability and reinforce its public benefit mission.

The AGM officially approved the following individuals who had volunteered to be the first Board of Directors for the CIC at its initial registration:

• Mr. Juvenal Shiundu (Current Chairperson)

• Ms. Irene Waite (Current Deputy Chairperson)

• Mr. Ian Paton (Current Secretary)

• Mr. Kailesh Patel (Current Treasurer)

• Mr. Luther Hinga 

• Mrs. Ruth Barry

To ensure continuity and robust leadership during this transition, the AGM also approved the continued service of an expanded Full Committee, including:

• Mr. Juvenal Shiundu (Chairperson)

• Ms. Irene Waite (Deputy Chairperson)

• Mr. Ian Paton (Hon. Secretary)

• Mr. Kailesh Patel (Honorary Treasurer)

• Mr. Lawrence Muli (Education Partnerships Lead)

• Mrs. Ruth Barry (Vijana Wetu Mentorship Programme)

• Mrs. Elizabeth Okinda (Legal Affairs Lead)

• Mr. Julius Mbaluto (Membership Lead)

• Mr. Luther Hinga (ICT Lead)

• Ms. Anne Nicholls

• Mr. Ezekiel Isanda

• Mr. Patrick Orr (Vice Patron )

• Mrs. Veronica Pickering 

• Mr. Stephen Wambua 

• Mrs. Wambui Njau (Events and Project Management)

• Ms. Angela Kolongo (PR and Communications Lead)

Chairman Shiundu expressed his gratitude and appreciation to all Committee Members for their unwavering dedication, acknowledging Mr. Stan Lee (Accountant) and the re-elected Auditors, PSJ Alexander Ltd, for their continued pro bono services. He also thanked members who, in accordance with the constitution, were retiring: Mrs. Ruth Barry, Cllr. Mrs. Elizabeth Kangethe, Ms. Kezhia Orege, Julius Mbaluto and Ms. Sherry Davis, for their service and invaluable contributions.  However, Julius Mbaluto (Membership Lead) and Ruth Barry (Vijana Wetu Mentorship Programme Lead) were re-elected.

Concluding the AGM, the Chairman confirmed the establishment of a sub-committee to develop a commemorative publication capturing the Society’s rich 35-year history and milestones. New members attending for the first time were warmly welcomed and contributed ideas for growing the Society’s membership. 

Annual lunch celebrates business, investment and innovation for Kenya’s future

The Annual Lunch provided a wonderful opportunity for networking and camaraderie. The elegant setting of The Rembrandt buzzed with animated conversations, reinforcing the strong sense of community. The event's highlight was a series of highly anticipated addresses offering compelling perspectives on Kenya's economic landscape and entrepreneurial spirit.

The Society was deeply honoured to host Mr. Kiprono Kittony, EBS, Chairman of the Nairobi Securities Exchange PLC, as the esteemed Guest of Honour. His insightful address provided a crucial economic perspective on Kenya's burgeoning investment landscape. Mr. Kittony conveyed warm greetings from Nairobi, praising the Kenya Society UK's 35 years of unwavering commitment to promoting mutual understanding and collaboration. Notably, he opened his address by conveying well wishes to the Society from its current Patron, H.E. President William Ruto, whom he had met that very morning in London. He highlighted the Society's powerful network that influences thought, policy, investment and culture.

Mr. Kiprono Kittony, EBS, Chairman of the Nairobi Securities Exchange PLC

Mr. Kittony delivered an optimistic outlook on Kenya's capital markets, citing significant milestones and strong recovery.  “For the first time in over five years, our market has continued to record net positive inflows, signalling renewed interest from international investors in Kenyan companies – a testament to growing investor confidence and renewed momentum,” Mr. Kittony stated. 

Positioning Kenya as an African Financial Centre, he asserted, “Kenya, with its diversified economy, youthful population, stable macroeconomic fundamentals and a maturing regulatory framework, is poised to be a regional financial hub.” In a powerful call to action for the diaspora, he emphasised: “We cannot build deep and vibrant capital markets without the Kenyan diaspora. You send home over USD 4 billion annually – surpassing foreign direct investment and even development aid. But remittances must now be matched by investment flows, not just transfers for consumption.” He urged collective investment to transform Kenya’s economy.

Complementing this, Mrs. Perez Ochieng, Co-Founder of Sacoma Global Foods Innovation and Training, delivered a compelling keynote address, sharing her vision for entrepreneurship and innovation that deeply resonated with attendees. Drawing inspiration from the resilience and dedication of Kenyan athletes, Mrs. Ochieng encouraged attendees to apply similar endurance and commitment to their entrepreneurial ventures. She emphasised the opportunity for entrepreneurs to transform ideas into institutions that address global challenges, particularly in health and well-being.

Mrs. Perez Ochieng, Co-Founder of Sacoma Global Foods Innovation and Training

Mrs. Ochieng highlighted that entrepreneurial efforts extend beyond personal wealth, aiming to create opportunities and value for others. She noted that many leading companies began as SMEs, nurtured by visionaries who made significant impacts. She spoke passionately about how companies like SACOMA are spearheading the global movement towards well-being food cultures, navigating complexities amidst diminishing resources.

Celebrating 35 years: a legacy of connection and a future of impact

“The 35th AGM and Annual Lunch was far more than a routine gathering; it was a powerful affirmation of our Society's enduring legacy and a vibrant launchpad for our next chapter,” said Mr. Juvenal Shiundu, Chairman of the Kenya Society UK. “The momentous decision to transition to a Community Interest Company marks a strategic evolution, strengthening our foundation for decades to come. Hearing from Mr. Kiprono Kittony on Kenya's exciting economic potential and Mrs. Perez Ochieng's inspiring call to entrepreneurial action, especially from our diaspora, truly ignited the spirit of possibility in the room. We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of our members and partners. As we celebrate 35 years of fostering connections, we are invigorated to continue our vital work, ensuring the Kenya Society UK remains a dynamic force in celebrating our shared heritage and building a prosperous, inclusive and empowering future for all.”

The Kenya Society UK remains dedicated to its mission of celebrating and promoting Kenyan culture, heritage and partnerships, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Kenya's unique place in the world, and building a prosperous, inclusive and empowering environment for future generations.

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