MINUTES OF THE FOURTH ALUMNI MEETING OF THE KITALE ACADEMY (KA) OLD STUDENTS, HELD ON THE 17TH MAY, 2008 AT THE BOUNTY HOTEL SOUTH B BEGINNING AT 1400 HRS.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Allan Mujukane - Chairman
Edwin Mukele – Attorney
Erick Kimanthi – Representative for ‘94
Sallie Chenyisia – Rep’ for ’90 & Treasurer
Albert Okalo – Ag. Secretary
MEMBERS ABSENT WITH APOLOGIES
Frank Ndong’
Dorothy Amony
Priscilla Mungo
Peter Motanya
Robert Metto – Representative for Diaspora
AGENDA
- Approval of previous minutes
- KA alumni constitution
- Matters arising
- Office setup
- Funding
- Objective of KA alumni
- A.O.B
Min. 10/08 – Introductions
The chairman brought the meeting to order and thanked the members who were present for the quorum had been attained. Before the meeting could proceed, Ed rose on a point of order and condemned the chair for sending “non existence” minutes to some members.
The chair apologized to the members who did not receive the minutes due to some logistical problem.
The acting secretary was also not spared either, he was reprimanded for not organizing the meetings on time i.e. make reservations, provide materials etc. He however, exonerated himself from any wrong doing; due to noncommittal by members that he steps in when Saum is not around.
The chair informed the members about those that could make it to the meeting and had sent apologies.
Min. 11/08 – Approval of Previous Minutes
The chair went through the minutes, bearing in mind that there were no minutes of any previous meetings that had been held prior to that one. The members approved most of the items for discussion despite the fact that we were running behind schedule. The chairman and the acting secretary later signed the minutes after they were approved by the members.
Min. 12/08 – KA Alumni Constitution
The chair reminded the members that we needed the constitution to govern the association and at the same time for registration to take place. The chair called on the consigliore (Ed) to act with ultimate speed for he was the one dragging our feet on this matter. The members thought that it was may be the legal fees that was making the guy “slippery”. He cast our fears aside and even offered to do it for free of charge. He further stated that he would work around the clock and come up with a draft by 2nd June.
Min. 13/08 – Matters Arising
It was discussed at great length and many questions rose as to why in this time and age people don’t check their mail. Many of the people that their addresses appear in the many forwards that go around don't even acknowledge receipt of mails sent to them. The members all agreed that it was being rude, gross and unethical not to do so. It was concluded that perhaps, some people were either not interested or too busy with their lives and it is a bother. The members acknowledged the contribution of members in the Diaspora who keep in touch and give their ideas, Roba, Priss, Peter, Saum and many more; keep up with that spirit and many thanks. It was therefore, put across to all those still interested that their ideas and input was still much needed in proxy or otherwise. Ed proposed that for the sake of liaising with the secretary to facilitate quorum formation, each class (year of graduation) should have a representative. It was agreed by all members and that the invitation is still open to all the classes no matter which year of graduation. Sallie proposed that members should come up with ideas that will make the meetings attractive and worth not missing. It was felt that may be some members were some how apprehensive about the venue(s). It was however, resolved that all members shall learn of the intended venue(s) two weeks in advance or give their proposals when scheduling the next meeting.
Min. 14/08 – Office Setup
It was agreed that we first have a virtual office before setting up an actual one. It was also brought to the attention of all members that there were positions in the office setup that are yet to be filled. Positions such as the vice chair, and any others that may well suit our organization. The members all agreed that communication will always be via E – Mails for it is cheaper and faster, more over it covers a wider audience. The members thanked Rob for breaking the ground and setting up a blog on behalf of the association. It was also put into consideration that not all members will be willing to open an account with g – mail to access the blog. Allan talked of setting up Skype accounts where by those who cannot get around the blog may set up conference calls and discuss the issues live when we have the alumni meetings. Here, members are given a password and can therefore reach out to one another without necessarily migrating to a new address location. It was agreed that the g – mail blog and Skype can work in unison for the benefit of all members.
Min. 15/08 – Funding of KA Alumni
Erick suggested that it would be beneficial to the association if pay up pin-up advertisements is setup in an alumni web site (Which is yet to be established). It will be a good activity to raise funds for the noble course of assisting KA in areas with dire needs. Sallie was given the task of finding a suitable bank that the association will carryout all it’s transactions from. The members debated and reached the amount each member is to contribute each year. A fee of 2k (two thousand Kenya shillings) per annum was arrived at by the members. Erick felt that the figure may be too high for some members. It was however, agreed that the amount can be paid in installments and is subject to members’ recommendations.
Min. 16/08 – Objectives of KA Alumni
1. The alumni have a task of coming together and liaise with the school administration and see what they can indeed do for the school. It is a way of appreciating a place that gave us the much needed foundation in life. A place that taught us manners on how to carry out ourselves in the society.
2. Sponsor a needy pupil through a bursary or subsidize the school fees.
3. Replenish the school library with books or setup one if not operational.
4. Incorporate the school to the alumni web site and then later setup one for them at the expense of the alumni.
5. In the near future, the alumni are to come up with an investment strategy to raise funds and invest in a profit making organization (stock market). The returns can be pumped back to an activity in the school e.g. repair and maintenance, swimming gala, tree planting etc.
6. Net working among the alumni and also for mentorship. It was agreed that this could be achieved through bonding sessions and establishment of business contacts.
Min. 17/08 – A.O.B
There was no any other business. The chairman thanked all the members for carrying out their noble duty of making the meeting a success. The date for the next meeting is 21st June, starting from 1400 hrs at the Cellar, Hurlingham. The meeting adjourned at 1950 hrs.
Allan Mujukane
CHAIRMAN
Albert Okalo
Ag. SECRETARY
