About Us
Kenya Association of Manitoba Inc. (KAM Inc.)
Who We Are
Our history
The Kenya Association of Manitoba Inc. (K.A.M. Inc.) is a non-profit organization of Kenyan Residents in Manitoba, Canada. Kenyans in Manitoba first came together to establish an association in 1986. At the time, the goal was to promote a sense of belonging for Kenyans, Kenyan-Canadians and connect with other ethnic groups in Manitoba. Each year the board of Directors and volunteers put together summer barbecue events, sports tournaments and the annual Jamhuri Day celebrations. Kenyans have also used this platform to connect socially and professionally. Many Kenyans in Manitoba arrive here as families. However, the last couple of years have seen many Kenyan students who are choosing Manitoba as their home. A Kenyan student body, Kenya Students Association of Manitoba (KSAM.) has been established within the larger KAM. Inc.
While this remains to be the core of our work, the organization has evolved to provide programs and services to all members of the community. KAM became an incorporated non-profit in 2020 and this has allowed the organization to access funding through grants. In the fall of 2020, KAM Inc. was successful in receiving a significant grant to carry out a mental health project and a food hamper program. Thus far, we have been offering settlement support informally and we are working on formalizing this into a settlement program. Through the various programs and partnerships, we will continue to support Kenyans in Manitoba in their integration process and community building.
Who we serve and why we do it
Moving to a new country is a bold decision and for most people, it is the start of a new chapter in their life. The first few months are marked with learning about the culture of the people, settling in, finding schools for your children or self, finding employment and making connections. This can be an extremely challenging process especially for those who do not have family or friends to help in their integration process. KAM Inc. plays a major role in connecting with Kenyans who arrive in Manitoba.
Community members often reach out to the new individuals and families and support them in the acquisition of basic needs, understanding the transportation system, donations of winter clothing, donations of furniture among other things. The women within the Association have formed a Kenyan Women in Manitoba (KWM) group that is focused in providing support to newly arrived Kenyans among other things.
Newly arrived Kenyans are always encouraged to connect with the Association through social media. All Kenyans are also encouraged to reach out to the president of the board if they are needing support relating to mental health, basic needs, connecting with others and involvement in the organization.
Objectives of KAM Inc.
- To unite Kenyans both in Manitoba and Canada at large.
- To promote and encourage cross-community interactions, goodwill and understanding between Kenyans and other Canadian communities.
- To promote and share Kenyan social, cultural and educational programs with the Canadian community while at the same time learn from the rich Canadian cultural diversity.
- To cooperate, network, and collaborate with other community groups and organizations with similar aims and objectives.
- To be good ambassadors of our motherland Kenya by being good and law-abiding residents of Manitoba and Canada.
- To help finance and support community projects in Kenya and in Canada.
- To support, guide and assist newcomers to settle and integrate into the Canadian community.
- To inform Kenyans about events within or outside Manitoba that requires their action and/or support.
Our Mission
To unite the people of Kenyan origin in fellowship, their families and friends, residing in the province of Manitoba, Canada. To increase the popularity of our common interests.
Our Vision
To established a strong, united and healthy Kenyan families living in Manitoba for the betterment of Manitoba and the Canadian society at large.
President, Pamela Obonde KAM Inc.
Message
Message From Our President
On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers, I welcome you all.
The Kenya Association of Manitoba INC was formed with a vision of serving the
Kenyan community in Manitoba. KAM INC was registered as a Not-For-profit
organization in October 2020.
KAM aims to serve its members through various community initiatives and
programming. To this end, KAM will collaborate and form networks with like minded
organizations. We will seek to partner with the government of Manitoba, the Federal
government, the Private sector as well as other community groups to advance the
vision and mission of KAM Inc.
As we work towards achieving our objectives, I am hopeful that we shall all bear
witness to the transformative work that each of us has been called to here in
Manitoba. What better ways to serve than to equip our youth to be active
participants and engage the seniors to tap into their wisdom.
Our long-term strategy is to work towards creating a safe space that is welcoming
to the newcomers and helping them integrate into the Canadian culture. We will
continue to tap into and link our members to the resources that are available within
Manitoba. We shall collaborate with other organizations to working on our priorities,
especially mental wellness.
As we seek to be good ambassadors of our native country, KAM will continue to
celebrate, share and preserve our culture and other cultures within Manitoba.
Thank you and may God bless each one of us!!
Ahsanteni
Pamela Obonde
President, Pamela Obonde KAM Inc.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers, I welcome you all.
The Kenya Association of Manitoba INC was formed with a vision of serving the
Kenyan community in Manitoba. KAM INC was registered as a Not-For-pro&t
organization in October 2020.
KAM aims to serve its members through various community initiatives and
programming. To this end, KAM will collaborate and form networks with like minded
organizations. We will seek to partner with the government of Manitoba, the Federal
government, the Private sector as well as other community groups to advance the
vision and mission of KAM Inc.
As we work towards achieving our objectives, I am hopeful that we shall all bear
witness to the transformative work that each of us has been called to here in
Manitoba. What better ways to serve than to equip our youth to be active
participants and engage the seniors to tap into their wisdom.
Our long-term strategy is to work towards creating a safe space that is welcoming
to the newcomers and helping them integrate into the Canadian culture. We will
continue to tap into and link our members to the resources that are available within
Manitoba. We shall collaborate with other organizations to working on our priorities,
especially mental wellness.
As we seek to be good ambassadors of our native country, KAM will continue to
celebrate, share and preserve our culture and other cultures within Manitoba.
Thank you and may God bless each one of us!!
Ahsanteni
Julius Mariita-Nyanaro
Board Members
Meet Our Team
President,
Pamela Obonde
Deputy President,
Janet Mobisa
Secretary,
Mercy Kilmury
Treasurer,
Francis Mangera
Assistant Treasurer,
Elizabeth Wanjohi
Assistant Secretary,
David Muraya
Patron,
Kenneth Otieno
Patron,
Peter Jeremano
Patron,
Dora Gwendo
Board Members
Meet Our Team
President, Pamela Obonde
Vice President, Janet Mobisa
Secretary, Mercy Kilmury
Treasurer, Francis Mangera
Assistant Treasurer, Elizabeth Wanjohi
Assistant Secretary, David Muraya
Patron, Dora Gwendo
Patron, Kenneth Otieno
Patron, Peter Jeremano
KAM
Funders
Canadian
Indigenous Reconciliation Secretariat
Government of Manitoba
