MDF - Chairman's Note
As I began to compose this message, I realized how quickly time has passed as Chairman of Makuri Development Forum (MDF). It has been a period with many rewarding moments, as well as some challenges. Though a period of starting up and setting up systems, we made solid progress on many fronts, including building out strategic platforms, while establishing exciting new ones. I am honoured to be just the first chairman in our long to be history. This legacy of leadership is a tribute to the success and commitment of all, and to the belief in the importance of our purpose held in common with us by our members over the years. Personally, I am truly humbled to lead the incredibly talented and dedicated team who take pride in seeing our community rein it lost glory. MDF works at the very centre of this challenge, across the broadest base of any community in poverty eradication and social problems. Every day, we are working to help people in our community get education, start-up sustenance projects and live happier lives. We recognize that with our leadership comes a responsibility; one we consider a privilege. I’m pleased with how we are meeting that responsibility, but I’m far from satisfied. It is this example of caring by individuals that inspires caring in the whole community, and reminds me of how firmly and fundamentally compassion is woven into the fabric of our culture. This legacy of caring continues as we renew our commitment to philanthropy and “community-ship”. We will look to go beyond relief and rebuilding, and explore programs that will make our community more resilient and prepare them to endure any kind of disaster, be it natural or economic.
ENSURING ROBUST GROWTH
Within the context of our slogan-at the heart of the community- and strategic framework there are specific areas of focus for MDF—our Growth Drivers—that will help ensure robust growth for the future.
- First is our commitment to innovation to create value in education; We need a constant flow of new ideas and different approaches to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.
- Second, one challenge all of us in Kenya today face together is health and health care. This is true in both urban and rural settings. When combined with the rapidly changing demographics of an aging population, a growing middle class and the persistence of chronic disease, the scale and complexity of the issue is magnified. It is my belief that my health team will come up with ways to ensure a healthy community. But it is also the greatest hope for a better future for every individual, every family in our community.
- Third, we will have a laser focus on excellence in execution. Across our organization, we have built greater accountability for quality into the requirements for all of our leaders. This has strengthened quality and compliance at the group level by taking specific steps to reduce variation and increase governance.
MY COMMITMENT TO YOU
Our leadership in community development has been made possible by the belief in our mission that you share with us. I am committed to continuing the proud tradition of MDF as a purpose-led organization, calling on the great range and diversity of our communitywide talent and capabilities. We will further dedicate ourselves every day to the responsibilities defined in our memorandum, the first being our responsibility to “community members” every day. We’ll also continue our commitment to our members, friends, and development partners and to the community in which we operate and proudly call home. And to you, our valued members, who have placed your confidence and trust in us.
This is our legacy
Sincerely,