District 6250 is heading to Kenya in May 2026 for an unforgettable Rotary Friendship Exchange (RFE) with District 9212, a region that includes Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and South Sudan.
Participants will stay with local Rotarians, explore vibrant cities and Maasai wildlife parks, savor authentic Kenyan cuisine, and experience Rotary fellowship like never before. This once-in-a-lifetime adventure will also include District 9212’s final conference before it divides into two districts, bringing together more than 1,000 Rotarians to celebrate service and friendship.
The return exchange will welcome Kenyan Rotarians to Wisconsin in the fall of 2026, a chance to extend the bonds of international goodwill right here at home.
Interested in traveling, learning, and building global connections?
Contact Edwin Bos at edwin@bosdesignbuilders.com for details, and get ready for a true Rotary adventure!
Learn more about the trip details and how to apply here.
Please read fully and contact Edwin Bos at edwin@bosdesignbuilders.com if interested. If you do not receive a confirmation, your interest has not been recorded, so please resend.
Your very own Rotary District 6250 is known for having one of the most robust Rotary Friendship Exchange programs in North America, so take advantage of these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities!
Background
In January 2025, District Governor Mike Kloss stood in a banquet line at the International Assembly in Orlando, the annual gathering of Rotary District Governors from around the world. While waiting, he and District Governor Wairimu Njage struck up a conversation. After an exchange of business cards and a large-scale Zoom call, this Friendship Exchange was born.
What to Expect
The Rotary Friendship Exchange will connect Rotary Clubs and Rotarians in Kenya. Participants will stay with local Rotarians, enjoy city and business tours, explore Maasai wildlife parks, and experience local food, drink, and culture. Rotary meetings and cultural exchanges will fill your days with meaningful connections and memories.
Prepare to be surprised by the activities and tours organized for you! This RFE will also include District 9212’s final District Conference before it splits into two districts. Meet and party with more than 1,000 local Rotarians! Watch the District 9212 Conference video on YouTube: “The Last Dance.”
The return leg will bring Rotarians from Kenya to Wisconsin in the fall of 2026. For more information, visit the Rotary International RFE page and the District 6250 Friendship Exchange page.
Where
Kenya, with arrival in Nairobi. Participants will travel between cities by car, mini-bus, bus, or train (TBD). A full itinerary has not yet been developed, but it will include major cities, cultural highlights, and opportunities to connect with local Rotary Clubs.
When
District 6250’s visit to District 9212 in East Africa will take place from May 15-25, 2026. Rotarians from District 9212 will visit our district in the fall of 2026 (exact dates TBD).
Travel Requirements
An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is required to enter Kenya and can be applied for online. Check with the CDC for recommended immunizations, but don’t be overwhelmed: CDC Kenya Travel Page
Tentative Travel Schedule
- 5/14/2026:Fly out of Chicago (Chicago → ??? → Nairobi, Kenya)
- 5/15/2026:Arrive in Nairobi; itinerary organized by Kenyan Rotarians
- (To get a feel for the experience, see the 2022 Poland RFE Trip Report - Disclaimer: every RFE is unique!)
- 5/25/2026:Depart Nairobi and return to Chicago (or another destination)
Who
This exchange is open to 8-10 participants, including Rotarians, spouses, and/or family members. If interest exceeds capacity, District 6250’s RFE policy will guide selection, giving preference to first-time participants and younger Rotarians. Participants traveling to Kenya are expected to host Kenyan Rotarians when they visit Wisconsin. Don’t let this intimidate you — you will receive plenty of support and it’s a wonderful opportunity for connection and friendships.
How
The RFE will last approximately 10 days. Participants must be flexible, open to new experiences, and ready to “go with the flow.” Optional private travel within Africa or Europe before or after the RFE is at each participant’s discretion. The final group will meet in Wisconsin at least once prior to the trip to finalize details and logistics
Costs
Round-trip airfare to Nairobi is currently estimated at around $1,000 (subject to change). Additional train or bus travel expenses may apply.
Participants are typically hosted by local Rotarians, which is the plan for Kenya. However, every RFE is different, and flexibility is essential. Trip leaders will work out details throughout 2025 and early 2026.
Pre-trip Timing
We hope to have the final RFE group identified by the end of January 2026. At that time, participants will be asked to submit brief bios so that our Kenyan hosts can begin pairing them with local host Rotarians and start planning an itinerary.
A $500 deposit will be required by February 2026 (fully refundable upon return). This ensures commitment and fairness to our hosts.
Trip Leaders
- District 6250: Edwin Bos, Fort Atkinson
- District 9212: Margaret Munene, Nairobi
Please contact Edwin at the email above if you are interested.
Questions are welcome, though the itinerary is still being finalized.
Firm interest is appreciated, as the trip is only six months away.