Events
(Click on the photo gallery link  above to view photos of some of the events mentioned below).

Since 2005 the Kenyan Community Bedford board of trustees in conjunction with other voluntary and statutory organisations have hosted social and cultural events and attended trainings which are full of useful information and ideas that are relevant to the work we do in the voluntary and community sector. Some of the activities include;

2009 “LEARNING OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM" INITIATIVE

The organisation adopted the above programme to help raise attainment in the young people's club. The club toured the CBBC experience at the BBC Television Centre, House of Commons, National Science Museum and the Royal Albert Hall. Learning outside the classroom allows participants to learn in context, to learn by practical engagement, and to learn by personal discovery. They can master new skills, work collaboratively with others and develop a better sense of themselves and their potential.

24/01/2009 BARACK OBAMA'S INAUGURATION DINNER DANCE

Kenyan Community Bedford hosted a very successful President Barack Obama's Inauguration party in Bedford on 24th January 2009. The party was attended by three local councillors. Sandra Hullete won a holiday to Kenya after winning and environmental quiz on the night.

13/12/2008 KENYA INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS

KCB hosted a successful 45th Kenyan Independence Day Celebrations on 13th December 2008 at Faraday Community Centre at the Faraday Community Centre Bedford.

28/10/2008 HISTORICAL RETURN TO KENYA OF CULTURAL ARTEFACTS

Kenyan Community Bedford welcomed to Bedford a Kenyan government delegation which included Hon. William Ole Ntimama, EGH, MP, the Minister of State for National Heritage and Culture. Bedford Museum facilitated the return of Historical Artefacts previously owned by the late Mr Rawkins who served in the British Army during the Mau Mau uprising in Kenya. The event was attended by Children from Swahili Saturday Classes in Bedford and Young Leaders Academy from Luton

11/10/2008 EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY AWARDS 2008

Kenyan Community Bedford was short listed and received the Commendation Certificate for the PARTNERSHIP AWARD at a Gala Night in Swan Hotel. The event was organised and sponsored by Business Link and Bedford Race Equality Council.

3Oth-Aug 2008 CONSULTATION MEETING WITH DEMOCRATIC ENGAGEMENT OFFICER AT TOWN HALL

Trustees held a consultation meeting with the Borough's Democratic Engagement Officer to help identify barriers that exist among Black and Ethnic minority groups to voter registration.

12-13 July 2008- CULTURAL STAND AT BEDFORD RIVER FESTIVAL

Kenyan Community Bedford run a successful cultural stand at Bedford’s biggest event. KCB showcased African Arts and Craft at the Cultural Marquee. The river festival boasts a line-up of varying events and attractions over the two days, including bands on at least 4 stages, a carnival parade, a festival parade, boat  shows and races, a raft race for local teams and a spectacular firework display. In the past, the festival has included a salsa stage and base jumping demonstrations that wowed the crowds. The river festival also hosts a sports village, where local sports clubs come and demonstrate their skills. KCB was delighted to contribute to the local community by bringing cultural links.

3rd June 2008 CHILDREN'S EDUCATIONAL TRIP TO HOUSE OF COMMONS AND BBC WORLD STUDIOS

An educational Children’s trip to the House of Commons; invite by MP Patrick Hall and later to BBC world studios. Unfortunately this trip was postponed to autumn.

09/April/2008 Q-CAS TRAINING COURSE ON INTRODUCTION TO BENEFITS ADVICE AT BUNYAN FREE CHURCH MILL STREET

The course provided participants an excellent overview of/and introduction to the English benefits system. The course was co-ordinated by Info Train Services Ltd, funded by Change-Up and supported by Bedfordshire Advice Forum.

04/02/2008  EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT TRAINING AT SWAN HOTEL BEDFORD

This Training Programme provided delegates with an overview of relevant equalities legislation to enable them to conduct an Equalities Impact Assessment on policies and procedures. The training was part of a regional partnership project led by Norwich and Norfolk Racial Equality Council and funded by the Capacity builders Improving Reach Programme.

19TH & 26TH JANUARY 2008- BUSINESS START-UP, COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS PROGRAMME AT QUEENS PARK COMMUNITY CENTRE  

The course provided participants with the necessary skills to encourage business start-up within the community. Train the trainer, Presentation skills session, Business planning, Sales & Marketing, Finance & legalities, mentoring. Training was funded by Investing in Communities (IiC) and Exemplas Ltd.

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS AT QUEENS PARK COMMUNITY CENTRE. 15/12/2007

Kenyan Independence day celebrations attended by Local MP Patrick Hall , Councillor Randolf Charles, Police community Liaison Officer PC James Marshall, Glenis Orkis Community Development Officer Race Equality Council, Debbie Scott-  Sure Foundation and other voluntary groups  among other guests.  This event was also used to celebrate Kenyans Community contribution to the local community. This was a fun filled day with lots of traditional food, dress and dance. This event was partly funded by Bedfordshire Police Partnership Trust

STATE OF THE BOROUGH DEBATE AT HARPUR SUITE 10/11/2007

Took part in a Question Time Session with representatives from the Police, Bedford Hospital Trust, The Bedford Partnership Board, Bedford Town Centre Company, Local Press and the Mayor of Bedford

OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF KENYAN COMMUNITY BEDFORD SWAHILI SATURDAY CLASSES 07/NOV/2007

An Early Intervention Programme; Aimed at young people, classes are held fortnightly at the Day Resource Centre Kimbolton Road. The aim of the project is to provide children with knowledge, skills and self confidence to enable them to make healthy informed choices about their futures in a fun filled enabling cultural environment.

ARTS EXHIBITION IN AID OF UTANGE ORPHANAGE 06/10/2006

Attended a fund raising arts exhibition at Lords House in Turvey to help raise funds to build a children’s orphanage in Utange Kenya.

WICKSTEAD FAMILY DAY OUT 20/08/2006

Decided to celebrate the end of summer by taking the children out for a bonding session with a barbecue party and theme park at Wickstead Park in Northampton.

BLACKPOOL TRIP 08/07/06

By far the best family day out. Hired a 49 Seat Coach to Blackpool pleasure beach. Everyone enjoyed the breathtaking rides and the ice skating show. The trip was a big challenge to organise. Committee members used their skills to make the trip a success. Huge savings offered to KCB for group bookings online made the trip cheap and affordable.

RACE EQUALITY AND BUSINESS WORKSHOP 30/09/06

Workshop was addressed by Business Link and Bedford Race Equality representatives who educated the community on their rights, how to stand against racial discrimination, how to start businesses and the available resources.

MADARAKA DAY CELEBRATIONS-  Queens Park Community Centre 03/06/2006

 A very well attended event by Kenyans and friends of Kenya to mark Madaraka Day, 1 June, commemorates the day that Kenya attained internal self-rule following four decades of armed struggle. Speeches and performances took place in the main hall. Children enjoyed various lots of traditional food prepared by Kenyan women. The men purchased several goats and made a barbecue in line with our tradition.

CHRISTMAS PARTY 24/12/2005- Queens Park Community Centre

A very well attended Christmas party by Kenyans and friends of Kenya. A Religious play enacting the birth of Jesus Christ and performed by Kenyan community children was the highlight of the event. Families danced the night away. KCB child protection policy states that No-alcohol should be allowed where children are in attendance; Drivers were reminded of their responsibility with regards to drink-driving.

JAMHURI DAY CELEBRATIONS-  Queens Park Community Centre -10/12/2005

Hosted local Celebrations for Kenya's most important holiday, 12 December 1963 - the date of Kenya's establishment as a republic and marked by numerous cultural festivities which celebrate the country's cultural heritage. Invited friends of Kenya and the whole Kenya community living in and around Bedfordshire. Events included cultural dances, speeches and barbeque.

BRIGHTON TRIP- 23/O7/2005

Women networking and bonding trip to the seaside. Accompanied by more than 40 kids to the Blackpool pier. A great day out. This was a blessed trip as it led to the birth of the organisation.