Wednesday May 21, 2025

ESRAG Podcast - With Richard Kirundi

ESRAG Podcast Episode #16

Richard Kirundi

Introduction:

00:10 Intro Admiral & Felix

Short talk about Felix birthday

Interesting news:

01:43 Felix talking about all types of snakes that he hasn’t seen before

02:21 Admiral on climate change to affect blood transfusions

https://www.euronews.com/health/2025/04/19/bleeding-the-planet-dry-climate-change-could-unlock-new-threat-to-the-worlds-blood-supply

05:01 Introduction Guest Richard Kirundi

We welcome Richard Kirundi—a seasoned National Security Consultant and Institutional Reform Expert with over 30 years of government service, including his pivotal role in the Presidential Task Force on reforms in the National Police Service, Correctional Services, and the National Youth Service, known as the Maraga Task Force.

Beyond his extensive experience in national reform, Richard is a passionate environmentalist. He currently serves as the District Environment Chair for Rotary District 9212, encompassing Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and South Sudan. Richard has been instrumental in chartering Africa's first Eco Rotary Club, as well as environmental Rotaract and Interact Clubs. He's the Co-Chair of ESRAG's Africa Chapter, Chair of Kipepeo Green Heritage, and a driving force behind river restoration projects that have garnered international attention, including a visit from the UN Deputy Secretary-General.

06:40 Let’s start with your Rotary journey, what inspired you to join Rotary, and what keeps you committed to Rotary?

08:25 How did Felix join Rotary?

11:33 Are Rotary clubs doing enough in environment space?

16:32 Why the interest in Interact and Rotaract? What is the message by creating these 2 forms of clubs?

20:21 Rotaractors being active for Environment, and how

22:10 You recently received the Presidential Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya for your work in transforming national systems - congratulations. What opportunities do you see for stronger collaboration between governments and Rotary, especially in tackling climate and environmental crises?

28:30 Dashboard for the environment

33:50 Positive words from Richard Kirundi for all.

Good news & Positive ending

36:45 Felix: A lovely memory about late pope Franciscus

https://unfccc.int/news/pope-francis-releases-encyclical-on-climate-and-environment