On Saturday the 23rd of September, a good number of enthusiastic Kenyans braved the cloudy weather to gather at the beautiful Wythmenerplas recreation park in Zwolle. The day turned out well and the jovial and good spirits of all those who came made up for the rather cool weather.

The day started early for both the old and new the executive officials who carried out a smooth and efficient handing over session in the morning. The outgoing office holders were led by the out going chairman Mr. Willy Sagala who gave a brief, but comprehensive report of the successes and challenges Ukea has had in the last three years of its existence. Some of the key successes include mobilisation and recruitment of members and creating the possibility for Kenyans to meet regularly and interact. Despite challenges with funding and finding convenient venues, Ukea has succeeded in marking all Madaraka and Jamhuri days with fun, great food and music since its inception.

Other successes outlined include the forging of a closer working relationship between the Kenyan diaspora community and the Kenyan Embassy in The Hague and the successful demonstration that culminated in the presentation of a memorandum to the Dutch foreign ministry in The Hague in support of a peaceful resolution to the post-election violence that hit Kenya following the December 2007 elections. More successes include a newly revamped, interactive and appealing website.

These and more successes have however not been without challenges. Despite an estimated five thousand (5000) Kenyans in Holland, only a small percentage has registered with Ukea. It is therefore a challenge to encourage more Kenyans in Holland to join and be part of Ukea and help it grow into a strong, reliable and successful welfare association that meets the various needs of all Kenyans in The Netherlands both in good and bad times.

The new team of officials have now been given the mandate to help steer the organisation for the next two years. They immediately set to work and planned an executive meeting for the 6th of September to develop a programme of action for the coming two years. After the handing over, it was party time as many Kenyans turned up with their friends and family to relax and have fun. There was lots of food, drinks, music and fun all day long and the last party animals decided to continue with an after party in Utrecht thanks to the ever resourceful DJ Erick. Much gratitude goes to Nathan Karani and his family for the excellent organisation and ensuring that we had a successful family day.