President Barack Obama Inauguration Dinner Dance

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Kenyans in Bedford joined the rest of the world in celebrating President Barack Obama’s inauguration at Harpur Suite in Bedford on Saturday 24^th January.

The colourful celebration was attended by  councillors Sue Oliver, Colleen Atkins and Councillor Randolph Charles who is also the Chairman of Bedford Race Equality Council. Randolphl Charles gave the key note speech on what Obama’s victory meant to the Black people and the world.

Mr Sam Ochieng, Director of Sacoma in London, was the Master of Ceremonies.

The Kenyan Community Bedford used the occasion to market Kenya with Sandra Hullette a tutor at Westbourne College winning a holiday to Kenya. Sandra scored the highest marks in an environmental quiz. She was delighted to win the two return air tickets and two nights at the Mara Sarova Lodge situated in the world famous Maasai mara courtesy of Kenya Airways and Sarova Group of Hotels who supported the inauguration dinner dance.

Prior to the event, the organisation had been in daunted with media interest especially on Tuesday 20^th January when President Barack Obama was sworn in. Some of the trustees appeared on TV, while others were interviewed by newspapers. There was a special Kenya programme on BBC three counties radio. The presenter spoke live to guest speakers  in Kenya and USA.

In the hall, the organisers had set up a Kenya Tourism Stand which had Kenya information and a holiday to give away.

A voter information stand was set up by Luke Fatturuso, Bedford’s Borough Council Democratic Engagement Officer. Its significance was to remind all that Obama became President because of voters casting votes.

The event was well attended, Kenyans travelled from Luton and various UK cities to grace the auspicious occasion.

DJ Papa Josh entertained the guests with a variety of African and hip hop music.

The event was open to the public as part of the organisation's living in harmony initiatives and promotion of social cohesion.

Kenyan Community Bedford provides its members with a powerful voice on issues that directly affect them and leads the way in engaging at a higher level with the various bodies, organizations, community groups etc in a way that is beneficial to it's service users.

The organisation founded in 2005 and incorporated in 2007 has gained recognition by Bedford Borough Council, Bedford Race Equality Council, the Police Partnership Trust, Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity, amongst others. Its main objectives are to address the welfare, educational, social and cultural needs of the Kenyan and African communities through integration. Key priorities include putting children and families at the centre of all we do. By running a Swahili Saturday class, our main aim is to provide our children with knowledge, skills and confidence to enable them to make healthy informed choices about their futures in a fun filled cultural environment.

The promotion of education, Information, advice and guidance is a vehicle for empowerment and consciousness.