The acknowledgement was made sweeter by the company in the room; H.E. Matt Baugh British High Commissioner to Kenya (British High Commission Nairobi), Hon. Martha Karua, SC, Nadeem Ahmed (OCSK Scholarship Secretary) who stewards the pipeline the Society seeks to support, and former masters/chairs of the Society.
Their presence was a sure signal on the educational relationship the two countries have shared for over a century, with some of Kenya's brilliant minds pursuing their higher studies in Britain's finest and globally renowned universities .
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For myself, volunteering for the Oxford and Cambridge Society of Kenya included;
- organising the 2024 (with Paul Mutangili and Joy Murathi) and 2025 London socials that brought together both Kenyan students and alumni from both Cambridge and Oxford, among them Andrew Mugoya, Tasha Mapenzi, Dickson Kamau, Cheryl Mageto, Purity Gakii Kirea and Sanjida Karim
-mobilising members to join and reconnect with the Society to build and active membership base
-co-organising the 2025 pre-departure mentorship webinar for 30 incoming Kenyan Oxford and Cambridge scholars last year. The panel was moderated by Joy Murathi and the panelists sharing their experiences were Patricia Mativo, MSc (Trish), Wavinya Makai, Claire Soit, Gichuki Bonface and Kendi Juma
- chairing volunteer meetings in the interim in Q3 2025
- co-coordinating the various volunteer teams and working with other volunteers Martin Wagah, Dr David O. Odhiambo, Archbald Mwangi, Geunhak Shin, Patricia Mativo, MSc (Trish), Mikhail Nyamweya, Msc, Petra Mariaria
The centennial ball was a fantastic culmination of all the unseen but very important work that goes into nurturing connection, reach and supporting future Kenyan leaders. And the night was even better in the company of Ruth Jepkemoi Singen, Daisy Vuyanzi , MPhil, Cantab, Nungari Mwangi, PhD and Tiffany Njoki.
Having a vibrant society that aims at both civic and individual impact is a collective effort, and for this society in particular, this effort began 100 years ago, and I am glad to have played a part for it to still be ongoing. Here’s to the next 100 years!