Former Soldier Cheruiyot Takes Charge Of Rotary Club Of Nakuru

By Elijah Cherutich

The Rotary Club of Nakuru has installed retired Colonel Raymond Cheruiyot as its president for the 2026/2027 term, with the new leadership pledging to expand community projects in water, education, health, peacebuilding and environmental conservation.

Cheruiyot was installed alongside the club’s board of directors during a ceremony at Waterbuck Hotel in Nakuru on Saturday.

Addressing fellow Rotarians, Cheruiyot said his administration would prioritise projects with measurable benefits for local communities. The proposed areas align with Rotary International’s work in promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, supporting education and protecting the environment.

Cheruiyot said the position would allow him to build on the leadership and public-service experience he gained during his military career.

“I feel honoured to have been elected by my fellow Rotarians to lead this important club. I promise to lead with honour and dignity and reach as many people as possible,” he said.

Former presidential press secretary Lee Njiru, who was the chief guest, urged the club’s new leadership to prioritise responses to pressing community needs.

Njiru, who served under the late President Daniel arap Moi, identified environmental degradation, food insecurity, health challenges and limited access to quality education as issues requiring greater attention.

He also spoke about Pan-Africanism, arguing that divisions among African countries had undermined efforts to develop home-grown solutions to the continent’s challenges.

“Work as a team to solve some of the problems facing our communities. Help people identify their goals and achieve them collectively,” Njiru said.

Outgoing president Ephantus Wachira thanked club members for supporting him during his two terms in office and called for continued cooperation under the new leadership.

The club said it is implementing community projects valued at about KSh28 million. Details of the individual projects, their locations and implementation timelines were not immediately available.