There’s no better way to wrap up the first half of the Toastmasters year than with a gala dinner full of lively company, an energetic MC, and the entire District Trio to top it off. And yes, I traveled all the way to Nairobi for this! Was it worth it? Absolutely—I’m already looking forward to the next event!
The dynamic duo, Areas 5 and 6 Directors, Derrick Mandela and Syria Rama, organized the end-of-year 2023 gala dinner at Strathmore University in Nairobi. It was easily the highlight of the Toastmasters year so far, with a dazzling turnout of members dressed in chic, fashionable attire. Toastmasters always excel at event planning, but this dinner raised the bar so high that perhaps only a gala at the Eiffel Tower could top it!
Derrick and Syria, along with their dedicated team, pulled off a meticulously organized event, showing the true spirit of collaboration. The night’s MC, Okari, brought a perfect blend of energy, humor, and seamless entertainment that kept everyone engaged until 11:00 pm without missing a beat.
For me, the pinnacle of the evening was performing poetry—a moment I’ll cherish forever. The audience’s attention and participation were exhilarating, and I owe a huge thanks to Rachel from K-Toastmasters, who joined my performance with only five minutes to prepare. Bravo!
When people asked if I came to Nairobi solely for this gala dinner, the answer was a resounding yes! Travel, poetry, and Toastmasters—what more could I need?
The District Trio—Distinguished Toastmasters District Director Japheth Musau, Programme Quality Director Robert Karanja, and Club Growth Director Jaynnie Mulle—graced the event, encouraging us to uphold the Toastmasters spirit and continue raising the bar for the next six months.
The evening, capped off with a delicious dinner served by Strathmore’s professional staff, was truly unforgettable. Congratulations to Syria, Derrick, and the entire organizing team for a spectacular event on December 16, 2023.
