Umoja Kenya Townsville – Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join Umoja Kenya Townsville?

Membership is open to Kenyans living in Townsville and surrounding regions and their families. Non-Kenyans who are legally married to a Kenya can also become a member. The association may from time to time confer membership on other people who support the association’s objectives. It is worth noting that membership is on an individual basis and children under the age of eighteen years automatically assuming membership of their parents.

How do I become a member?

You can register by completing the membership application form available on our website or by contacting the executive committee.

Is there a membership fee?

Yes. There is a once-off membership joining fee of $30 ($20 for students) paid upon joining the association and an annual subscription fee of $20 ($10 for students) paid annually by 30th September each year. The association is self-funded, and the income received from membership and annual subscription fees help pay meet the expenses of the association (e.g. cost filling annual financial statement with the regulatory body, cost of post-office box rental charges, cost of Public Liability Insurance, website hosting charges, as well as subsidizing community activities.

What are the benefits of becoming a member?

Members enjoy networking opportunities, welfare support during emergencies, participation in community events, access to information resources, and the opportunity to contribute to community development initiatives. Membership also opens the door for one to join the association’s benevolent fund, which is a pool of members’ funds set aside in advance solely for purposes of helping members during bereavements.

Can students join the association?

Yes. Kenyan students in Townsville are encouraged to join and actively participate in UKT activities and programs.

Does UKT provide welfare support to members?

Yes. The association provides welfare assistance to members during challenging times such as illness, bereavement, or unforeseen hardship, subject to welfare guidelines. To benefit from the association’s benevolent fund, one must be a paid-up member of the association and join the benevolent fund.

What is the Benevolent Fund?

The Benevolent Fund is a member-supported initiative designed to provide structured assistance to eligible members during bereavement. The fund works by members pooling funds which is then drawn from to provide financial assistance to a member who is bereaved. When pay out is made to a bereaved member, members of the fund build the funds up again by replenishing the deposits with a stipulated timeline.

How can I request welfare assistance?

Members can contact the Welfare Director or any executive committee member to initiate a confidential welfare support request. A member can also make a request for welfare support on behalf of another member.

Is welfare support confidential?

Yes. All welfare matters are handled with discretion and respect for members’ privacy.

What events does UKT organise each year?

UKT holds four key events annually. The events are held every quarter as follows: -

• 1st Quarter (October): Masujaa Day Get-together cum Sports Day/Family Fun Day

• 2nd Quarter (end of November/early December):  Christmas cum Jamhuri Day Gala Dinner

• 3rd Quarter (end of march/early April): Easter Get-together

• 4th Quarter (Early July: Annual General Meeting & Get-together)​

In addition to these, the association also has several community events such as the Bunnings Sausage Sizzle Fundraiser, Zim-Ken Men’s Whiskey night & Pool Competition, Celebrating Girls Ladies events, New People Welcome Receptions, and many more.

Are events open to non-members?

Most of the association’s events are open to both members as well as invited guests & the broader community. However, charges for these events will be more for non-members and the broader community as members are charged subsidized rates. There are a few events that are reserved for registered members e.g. deliberating and contributing to the proceedings of GMs and AGMs, voting in elections of executive committee, etc.

How can I volunteer to support events?

Members interested in volunteering can contact the Projects or Events team through the Contacts page on the association’s website or by responding to appeal communication from office bearers.

Does UKT support Kenyan students in Townsville?

Yes. UKT works to connect students with the community, provide social support, and share helpful settlement information.

Can UKT assist new arrivals settling in Townsville?

While UKT is not a government settlement agency, members often provide guidance on local services, accommodation tips, employment networking, and community integration. The association may offer some form of support and guidance on an “as and when needed” basis.

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How is Umoja Kenya Townsville governed?

UKT operates as an incorporated association led by an elected executive committee responsible for strategic direction-setting, financial accountability & management, and member engagement. Refer to “Our Team” section under the “About” page of the association website for more information on the make up of the executive committee, the current occupants and their TORs.

How often are elections held?

Office bearers are elected in accordance with the association’s constitution (model rules) during scheduled elections held annually during the association’s Annual General Meeting in July.

Can members participate in leadership roles?

Yes. Eligible members (fully paid-up members) are encouraged to nominate for leadership positions and contribute to the growth of the association. The more members put up their hands to take up leadership roles, the healthier the association will be since the burden of leadership will be shared and there will also be competition of ideas.

How do I stay updated on UKT activities?

Members can stay informed through the website, social media platforms, WhatsApp communication channels, and official email updates. 

​Can businesses or organisations partner with UKT?

Yes. UKT welcomes collaboration with community partners, sponsors, and organisations aligned with its mission and values.

Does UKT support Kenyan students in Townsville?

Yes. UKT works to connect students with the community, provide social support, and share helpful settlement information.

Can UKT assist new arrivals settling in Townsville?

While UKT is not a government settlement agency, members often provide guidance on local services, accommodation tips, employment networking, and community integration. The association may offer some form of support and guidance on an “as and when needed” basis.

Where is Umoja Kenya Townsville located?

UKT is based in Townsville, Queensland, Australia. Please refer to the Contact page for full address details.

How can I contact the association?

You can reach UKT via the Contact page, official email (umojakenyatownsville.com.au), or by reaching out to any executive committee member.

How can I support the association?

You can support UKT by becoming a member, volunteering, donating, or participating in community programs and events.