Kenya Society UK advances governance reform and celebrates leadership at 36th AGM and Annual Luncheon
4 August 2026
Kenya Society UK advances governance reform and celebrates leadership at 36th AGM and Annual Luncheon
The Kenya Society UK held its 36th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Annual Luncheon at The Rembrandt Hotel in Knightsbridge, London, bringing together members, diplomats, professionals, business leaders and friends of Kenya to mark a significant milestone in the Society’s development.
At the AGM, members unanimously approved key governance decisions to complete the Society’s transition into a Community Interest Company (CIC) Limited by Guarantee, strengthening its long-term sustainability, transparency and public benefit mandate.
Chairman Mr Juvenal J. M. Shiundu described the transition as “an important investment in the Society’s future,” noting that continuity of leadership through an Interim Committee would ensure a smooth and orderly conclusion of the incorporation process ahead of elections under the new Articles of Association.
The AGM also adopted the Treasurer’s Report and Annual Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025, commending the Society’s prudent financial management in a challenging economic environment. Members expressed appreciation to Honorary Treasurer Mr Kailesh Patel, Accountant Mr Stan Lee and Honorary Auditors PSJ Alexander & Co. for their continued voluntary professional support.
The Kenya High Commission in London was represented throughout the day’s proceedings by Mr William Machocho Weru, Education Attaché, and Ms Sahara Abdi, Second Secretary, underscoring the strong and enduring partnership between the High Commission and the Society in supporting the Kenyan diaspora and strengthening Kenya–United Kingdom relations.
Leadership, resilience and service
The Annual Luncheon, attended by more than eighty members and guests, focused on the themes of leadership, resilience and service.
The Society welcomed internationally renowned engineer and academic Professor Washington Y. Ochieng, CBE, EBS, CEng, FREng, FCGI, Head of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Imperial College London, as Keynote Speaker. In his address, “From Kenya to Global Leadership: Engineering Innovation, Education and the Future of Africa,” Professor Ochieng highlighted the importance of resilient institutions, innovation and education in shaping Africa’s future. Drawing on his own journey from Kenya to global academic leadership, he encouraged young Africans to pursue excellence while remaining committed to contributing to the continent’s development.
The Society was also honoured to host Professor Veronica Moraa Pickering, OBE, MBS, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, as Guest of Honour. Reflecting on her own journey from Kenya to public service in the United Kingdom, Professor Pickering called on members to raise their aspirations through leadership, community engagement and excellence, emphasising the responsibility that accompanies success.
The AGM also paid tribute to long-serving Committee Members Mrs Wambui Njau and Mr Stephen Wambua, who stepped down after many years of dedicated service.
Preparing for the next chapter
In closing, Chairman Shiundu reaffirmed his commitment to completing the Society’s transition into a Community Interest Company and informed members of his intention, at an appropriate time following completion of the transition, to retire as Chairperson. He encouraged members to begin preparing the next generation of leaders to guide the Society into its next phase.
“Our 36th Annual General Meeting demonstrated that the Kenya Society UK continues to evolve while remaining firmly anchored in the values upon which it was founded,” Mr Shiundu said. “The transition to a Community Interest Company represents far more than a change in legal structure; it is an investment in our long-term sustainability, governance and public benefit.”
As the Kenya Society UK approaches its next chapter, it remains committed to strengthening friendship and collaboration between Kenya and the United Kingdom, promoting educational partnerships, supporting young professionals and serving as an inclusive platform for the Kenyan diaspora and friends of Kenya.
