IT'S ALL ABOUT THE RECORD!!!

2002

• 1^st October. Initial meeting for those in interested in forming a Kenyan community organization in Chicago.

• 1^st Jamuhuri Day Commemoration . December 15^th 2002 . This was a pot-luck lunch, were UKC officials and other Kenyans joined Dr. Ndung'u Ikenye at the St. Andrews Episcopal Church to remember Kenya's Independence Day.

2003

• State Registration . March 10^th 2003 . United Kenyans of Chicago-NFP is registered and officially recognized as a non-profit corporation in the State of Illinois.

• Family Funfest Day . July 12^th 2003 . A day for Kenyans, their families and friends to know that UKC had been created and allow everyone to socialize, network and engage in outdoor activities. This was held at the Greene Valley Forest Preserve in Woodridge . About 70 adults and children attended.

• General Meeting. November 8^th 2003 . The purpose of this meeting was to formally introduce UKC to the community and open the doors to membership. Three initial committees/programs were launched Activities Committee, Community Projects Program and Information Resource Program.

• 2^ndJamuhuri Day Commemoration. December 13^th 2003 . This event featured a kids program (slideshow, stories and songs), a presentation on British colonialism, Swahili poetry (by Kenyan children) and traditional music by members of the Mzizi Cultural organization.

2004

• Ambassador Yusuf Nzibo Chicago Visit . February 21^st - 22^nd 2004 . in collaboration with the Chicago Association of Kenyan Professionals (CAKP), UKC brought the outgoing Kenyan Ambassador Dr. Yusuf Nzibo and three members of his staff (Tom Amolo, Kirimi Kaberia and James Wakiaga) to Chicago . They had a chance to sight see and visit with the Kenyan community in Chicago. A dinner was held in their honor, on February 21^st, at the Ethiopian Diamond Restaurant in Chicago.

• UKC Member Newsletter Launch. March 13^th2004 . Newsletter for UKC members launched, whose purpose is to interpret the accomplishments of the organization and provide members with an avenue to share useful information.

• 1 ^st UKC Madaraka Day Celebration. June 5^th 2004. Just over 100 Kenyans, their families and friends got together to remember Kenya 's 41^st Madaraka Day (June 1^st ). The event was held at the Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda , Illinois and organized by UKC, with collaboration from the Milwaukee Kenyan community. Later that evening here was an evening party attended by about 50 people at Ethio Café in Chicago.

• New Kenyan Day. August 14^th 2004 . Held at the Chicago Blaze Rugby Club Grounds in Lemont. This was an outdoor event to welcome new Kenyan residents to Chicago and Illinois and also to introduce them to UKC. About 40 people attended this event, including five new Kenyan residents.

• Kenya Tourist Board Visit and Event. October 1^st 2004 . UKC hosted a delegation from the Kenyan Ministry of Tourism, Kenya Tourist Board (KTB) and the Embassy of Kenya in Washington DC. The primary purpose of the visit was to announce an initiative aimed at involving Kenyans abroad in marketing and developing Tourism to Kenya. UKC arranged a series of meetings at Chicago City Hall, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Field Museum for the visitors. In addition UKC held a dinner for the delegation with the Kenyan community at a suburban hotel. The delegation consisted of Hon. B. Mghanga (Assistant Minister Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife), Dr. O. Achieng (Managing Director, Kenya Tourist Board), Hon. Ms. N. Kamau (Embassy of Kenya Consul-General, Los Angeles), Ms. W. Mwaniki (Snr. Tourist Officer) and Ms. J. Nzioka (KTB Regional Manager).

• Cook County International Christmas Tree Display. For the 1^st time Kenya was represented among 60 or so countries at the Christmas Tree display at the Cook County Treasurer's office in Chicago. The Kenyan display was decorated by UKC and there was a Christmas reception highlighting the trees and ethnic diversity hosted by the Cook County Treasurer, Maria Pappas.

• Jamuhuri Day Celebration. UKC held its 3^rd Annual Jamuhuri Day program on Saturday December 11^th at the Golf Road Baptist Church in Des Plaines. This event featured:
  
  • Guest speaker Dr. Wunyabari Maloba from the University of Delaware.Dr. Maloba gave an engaging presentation and discussion on aspects of the Mau-Mau liberation struggle.
  • A Kids Program on Kenya and Africa by Mr. Jaote Wawatu.
  • Poetry readings by Chicago poet and author Mr. Adebamgbe Amaker.
  • Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley's proclamation declaring December 12^th to be Kenyan Independence Day in Chicago. The proclamation was presented by City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations Director for Immigrant and Refugee Affairs Mr. Hayelom Ayele.

2005

• UKC Acheives Tax Exempt Status. January 5^th 2005. UKC was granted tax exemption status, under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS tax code. This designation potentially opens the door to resources and opportunities previously unavailable to the organization and enables the organization to begin receiving tax-deductible contributions.

• UKC 2^nd Anniversary Dinner Event. March 12^th 2005. This event was held at "The Barn" (also known as Arabian Knights Farm), in west suburban Willowbrook and was attended by 65 guests. The "Wild West" setting of the facility was a unique experience, along with the buffet dinner, Kenyan themed party favors, raffle prizes and great African music provided by Dr Eddy Wambugu.
  
  Certificates of Appreciation were given to Dr. Edwin Silverman (Chief, State of Illinois Bureau of Immigrant and Refugee Services), Mr. Hayelom Ayele (Director, City of Chicago Advisory Council on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs) and Mr. Arnold Romeo (Director, City of Chicago Advisory Council on African Affairs).UKC also gave an "Exemplary Service Certificate" to Ronnie Lubia, for designing the UKC logo and providing the layout for the UKC web site.

• UKC Career and Personal Development Program Launched. March 23^rd 2005. This program, under the leadership of Elizabeth Scott, was launched in order to provide a framework through which those who participate can effectively maximize the prospects for occupational/professional growth, economic prosperity and the ability to cope with life issues associated with living and working in the United States.

• 2^ndAnnual Madaraka Day Celebration. June 4^th 2005. About 45 people Kenyans and friends of Kenya came together to remember Kenya 's 42^nd Madaraka Day (June 1^st), in spite of an early afternoon thunderstorm. This event was held at the Deer Grove East Forest Preserve in Palatine, Illinois. The event featured a variety of good eats and outdoor games (volleyball, badminton, soccer e.t.c.).
  
  This year we were honored to have the presence of the South African Consul-General Hon. Yusuf Omar and Mrs. Omar. The Honorable Consul-General urged our community to work towards greater synergy and cooperation with other Africans to pool resources and create a united voice for the community. Also present was Nana (Chief) Kobina Korantsen I from Ghana and friends of Kenya from the Illinois, Wisconsin, Ivory Coast, Rwanda and Tanzania.

• UKC Career and Personal Development Program - Presentation on Recognizing and Dealing with Discrimination. August 27^th 2005. This event was held at the offices of the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations. Attorney JoAnn Newsome Esq., Director - City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations and Human Rights Compliance, gave the presentation. The 15 or so individuals present learnt about the process of filing and resolving a discrimination complaint through the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations (CHR), Illinois Department of Human Rights and various County Offices dealing with human rights. The areas covered in complaints are: Housing, Employment, Public Accommodations, Credit Transactions and Bonding. Mr. Arnold Romeo, CHR Advisory Council on African Affairs Director also discussed various avenues through which domestic conflicts may be vocalized and resolved. This event was co-sponsored by CHR Advisory Council on African Affairs and the Advisory Council on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs. The Tanzanian community was represented by TCA Vice President Dr. Eustace Kaijage and Gregory Nimpson President of the World Soccer League and Liberia was also present.

• 1^st UKC Golf Outing. September 10^th 2005. Coordinated by the Activities Committee under Al Liggins, this successful event was held at the Western Acres Golf Course in West suburban Lombard. Some of the visitors came all the way from Indiana and the event was graced by the presence of the South African Consul- General in Chicago Hon. Yusuf Omar, who participated as a player and is a great supporter of African initiatives in Chicago. Mr. Arnold Romeo, City of Chicago Director of the Advisory Council on African Affairs was also present. UKC raised a net figure of $3,318.58 from this outing and provided resources for the upcoming "Student of the Year Scholarship Award" and support for UKC's operations and programs.

• UKC Small Business Start-up Workshop. October 22^nd 2005. The UKC Career and Personal Development Program held a small business startup workshop conducted by Senior Counselors from SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) - a non profit organization founded in 1964 and dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small business throughout the United States. The presenters were Mr. Larry Larkin (Counselor/Workshop Committee Chair), Mr. Roger Loeffler (Counselor/Former Chicago Chapter Chair) and Mr. Jim Stoynoff (Counselor/Partnership Committee Chair). Those who attended the workshop learnt more about:
  
  - Self Assessment before starting a business and the Five Fundamentals of going into business.
  - Overview of Business Plans and Financing Sources.
  - Overview of Legal Structure and Financial Fundamentals.
  
  This event was held at the offices of the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations and was cosponsored by the Advisory Council on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs and the Advisory Council on African Affairs at the Commission on Human Relations.

• Chicago Kenyan Donation For Kenyan Victims of Hurricane Katrina. September-November 2005. UKC collected $510 from concerned Chicago Kenyans to help in assisting known Kenyan victims of Hurricane Katrina. The Chicago Swahili Chapel, led by Pastor Kamugu, was a key participant in this effort. According to the Kenyan Christian Fellowship Association (KCFA) 46 adults and about 20 children from the Kenyan community were affected. The UKC collection was sent to KCFA, which took the lead in collecting and distributing the funds to the affected individuals and families.

• Chicago Kenyan Groups - Roundtable Meeting. November 12^th 2005. For the first time in Chicago, UKC called together a round table meeting of known leaders of known Kenyan informal and formal groups in the Chicago area. UKC's role as the overall organization for the Kenyan community was emphasized by several speakers and it was also agreed to support positive efforts by groups addressing particular needs in the community. Those who attended the meeting were Mukila Maitha (UKC President), Kalekye Musau (UKC Board Member), Symon Ogeto (CAKP Board Chairman and Masharilileo.com publisher), Jacob Sitati (CAKP President), Pastor Paul Kamugu (Swahili Chapel), Dr. James Theuri and Emma Theuri (KDNC) and Dr. Eddy Wambugu (former Chicago Kenyan community leader).

• Cook County International Christmas Tree Display. For the 2^nd year Kenya was represented among 60 or so countries at the Christmas Tree display at the Cook County Treasurer's office in Chicago. The Kenyan display was decorated by UKC and there was a Christmas reception highlighting the trees and ethnic diversity hosted by the Cook County Treasurer, Maria Pappas.

• 1^st Joint Chicago Kenyan and Tanzanian Independence Day Celebrations. On Saturday December 10^th UKC teamed up with the Tanzanian Community Association, Midwest USA- NFP (TCA) to host a joint celebration of the two countries independence days, which fall on December 12^th and December 9^th respectively. This event was held at the elegant Chicago Park District Columbus Park Refectory from 6pm - 11pm. 257 adults and over 30 children attended this event. The event featured a presentation on the independence struggle (brilliantly put together by UKC member Ronald Bukusi), a fashion parade, food served by Mama Desta's Ethiopian restaurant, a raffle and a cash bar. A proclamation from Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley was read out by the City's Director of African Affairs Mr. Arnold Romeo. The Kenyan Embassy was represented by Mr. James Wakiaga (First Counsellor) and the Tanzanian Embassy by Mr. Joseph Sokoine (First Secretary), both of whom gave brief remarks. Also present for the event were Hon. Mr. Yusuf Omar (South African Consul General in Chicago) and H.E. Mr. Alexander Gbayee (Liberian Consul-General in Chicago). Community leaders from Uganda, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone were also present. We'd like to thank all members and volunteers who made this this event a success and in particular the efforts of the UKC Activities Committee must be applauded. This event also attracted our first corporate sponsor American Family Life Insurance (Marguerite Sanan Agency) who made a major contribution towards the event.

2006

• UKC 3^rd Anniversary Benefit Dinner and Scholarship Award Night. March 18^th 2006. This event was held at the Grace Place Community Center in Chicago. On this occasion the scholarship recipient, John Ngugi, received a commemorative plaque from Kenya's Deputy Chief of Mission in Washington D.C. Mrs. Lily Sambu and a $500 award. In addition Mrs. Sambu presented the "UKC Volunteer of the Year" certificate to Al Liggins, for his work on UKC's activities in 2005 and the "UKC Member of the Year" award to Frank Kinama for his continued dedication, reliability and service to UKC since its inception. It is UKC's intent to recognize, encourage and support high achievement and service within our community. Those who attended the event included members of the Chicago Kenyan community and friends of UKC from neighboring countries. City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations Directors Hayelom Ayele and Arnold Romeo were present, along with the Chief of the Illinois Bureau of Immigrant and Refugee Services, Dr Edwin Silverman. Mike Were, representing the Kenyan community in Milwaukee and Chicago African community leaders, Alie Kabba (President of the Sierra Leone Community Association of Chicago and the United African Organization - UAO) and Ebenezer Antwi-Nsiah (Vice President, Ghana National Council of Greater Chicago), were also present.

• Chicago Immigrant March and Rally Participation.. May 1^st 2006. UKC was among the many Chicago immigrant community organizations that co-sponsored the May^1st march and rally for immigrant rights in Chicago. UKC was invited to participate and add the voice of the Kenyan and African community during this event by the Coalition of African, Arab, Asian, European, and Latino Immigrants of Illinois (CAAAELII) . UKC participated in the planning meetings prior to the rally and UKC President Mukila Maitha was among the community leaders that spoke at the start of the rally. More than 400,000 people took part in this historic event.

• Thika-Dixon Sister City Initiative.. After a series of meetings and discussions between UKC and the Sister City Committee of the City of Dixon, the Municipality of Thika (Kenya) and the City of Dixon (Illinois) committed and exchanged letters of intent to sign the 1st Sister City agreement for a Kenyan municipality in Illinois. The Mayor of Thika Hon. Councillor John M. Waweru presented the Thika Municipal Shield to Dixon and the Mayor of Dixon Hon. Jim Burke presented a ceremonial city flag to Thika. Areas of interest include educational, cultural and business exchanges. Agriculture is also a key economic activity in the area surrounding these municipalities. This will be the 3 rd Sister City relationship for Dixon, which has existing relationships with Castlebar (Ireland) and Herzberg (Germany). The Dixon Public Library will set up a special display case on Thika and Kenya.

• AYSO Soccer Exchange Visit. June 29^th-July 22^nd 2006. The American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) Region 418, UKC and Global Alliance for Africa (GAA) collaborated to bring 14 teenage boys, accompanied by 3 coaches, for a cultural and soccer exchange visit to Chicago. The players (also known as the Aberdares Expeditious Young Shooters )are from Makomboki Village in Maragwa District. During their visit the team stayed with host families from AYSO Region 418, extensively toured Chicago and played local youth teams. The highlight of their trip was drawing 2-2 with the older AYSO U-19 side. The local media, including ABC News and the Chicago Sun-Times , covered this trip. The Chicago based Pan-African World Soccer League Select XI also played a AYSO Coaches Select XI and won 6-1 during this visit.
  
  The GAA Makomboki Scholarship Fund was set up by the AYSO host parents to help the team complete secondary education in Kenya.

• 2^nd UKC Golf Outing . September 9^th 2006. UKC held another successful Golf Outing at the Meadowlark Golf Course in West suburban Hinsdale. Twenty players participated and were joined for the post event BBQ by several community members and well-wishers. Guest players came from as far away as Ohio and from different countries including Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Ireland. This event raised a net figure of $2,994.74. The President of the Association of Zimbabweans in Chicago (AZC) Ellington Kamba and Committee Member Nkosinathi Ndlovu participated in the outing. Ellington won the "Closest to the Pin" award and Tony Kieya won "Longest Drive" award.