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We couldn’t have wished for a better one; truly a splendid evening. A night of feasting, networking and red carpet photo shoots with the who’s whos in the local insurance market, the school’s administration and I07 students, current and past. If you missed this year’s annual NASA dinner, let me try and paint a picture for you.
The time is 6.15p.m, the venue Crowne Plaza hotel. Students have began streaming in and so have the guests. You can see the fascination on a young face as they pick the mind of Mr. Sandeep Raichura (a pioneer Actuary, guru in the profession). Right behind them a small group look to Mr Ezekiel Macharia and Mr Seth Chengo for inspiration- they laugh freely over a glass of juice.
Fast forward to 8p.m. By now the hall is quite full. We’ve heard a few words of insight from Peter Owaga, a newbie at Centum. His take, if you’re going to make it in the profession, you have to work hard (and play hard). Passion and performance are key. We’ve also heard from Mr Elias Omondi of IRA who takes us down memory lane, highlighting the regulator’s involvement in promoting student activities and nurturing the new generation of actuaries. Indeed their efforts are commendable. Just before we break for dinner we have Mr. Chengo congratulating us on making it thus far, and pushing us on to go further in the quest for excellence.
Well, it’s now time to dine, and compliments must be sent to the chef. The buffet table stretches a couple of metres. I guess they must have been told it was a students’ dinner. In Kenyan fashion, everyone serves a good portion of meats and gets settled to take it down with the soft tunes of a live band in the background…
After we’ve all been watered and fed, we settle down to listen to the wise and rare words of the Chief Guest speaker Mr. E. Macharia, FIA. His is insight on how to excel…among the key things he points out is soft skills. Communicate, he says, communicate, communicate. The same is echoed by Prof. Weke when he speaks. We are also privileged to have The Director School of Mathematics Dr. H. Were there, and he assures the young students that the course is geared to preparing them for the career. Something everyone needs to hear.
Fast forward (again). Gifts have been awarded to outstanding N’ASA members and a token of acknowledgement given to the leaving class. We have now met the new committee that will be in charge of planning events for the club. Mr. Eugene Awori, former N’ASA chair does a valediction for the class of 2014…
They saved the very best for last. The 2014 edition of the NuActuary is released in pompous fashion and flair. The theme, Beyond the Horizon… It aims to give insight to students and non-students, actuaries and aspiring actuaries.
At this point, let’s call it a night. You had to be there to experience the glamour and sheer elegance of the whole event. Make a note, mental or otherwise, not to miss the next one.
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