Free
Community membership
For Kenyans, their families and friends of our community who want to stay connected.
- News, notices and the members' WhatsApp group
- Invitations to every KENEWA event
- Access to the members portal
Two ways to join
Choose the membership that suits you. Both start with a free members portal account.
$200 to join
Welfare membership
Financial membership with welfare fund cover for you and your registered family.
- Support in bereavement, illness and hardship
- A vote at general meetings and a say in the welfare fund
- Everything in community membership
Who can join
Membership is open to Kenyans living in or connected with the New England region who support the association's objectives. Anyone aged 18 or over can apply for welfare (financial) membership. People under 18 can apply with a parent or guardian's written consent, on terms the committee sets.
Types of membership
- Welfare (financial) member: pays the joining fees, can vote at general meetings, stand for the committee and receive welfare support.
- Community member: free. Receives news and can attend events, but cannot vote or hold office.
- Life members: recognised by a general meeting for outstanding service. They have the same rights as welfare members and pay no fees.
- Honorary members: invited by the committee in recognition of service. They can attend and speak at general meetings, but cannot vote or hold office.
The full rules are in our constitution (PDF).
Fees
| Registration fee | $30 |
|---|---|
| Welfare fund contribution | $170 |
| Total to join as a welfare member | $200 |
| Annual renewal (each year after that) | $170 |
| Community membership | Free |
Renewing your membership
Welfare membership lasts 12 months from the day the Treasurer confirms your payment. We'll send you a reminder before it's due. The whole $170 renewal fee goes into the welfare fund.
If your renewal is more than 3 months late, you can't vote at general meetings, and welfare support and member services pause until you pay. If money is tight, talk to the committee: they can make exceptions in cases of hardship.
Welfare support starts once your membership has been current for 3 months, except for a bereavement or life-threatening emergency. See Welfare support.
How to become a member
Check you're eligible
Read who can join on this page, and decide whether you want financial or community membership.
Create your account and choose your membership
Sign up with your name, email, mobile and a password, and confirm your email address. The first thing you'll be asked is whether you want welfare or community membership.
Complete your registration
In the members area, fill in your details and next of kin.
Register your family
Financial members add up to 1 spouse, 7 dependants and 7 siblings, plus their parents (or a guardian who raised them, in place of a parent), then confirm the list. Your first list is approved automatically; later additions, changes or removals are checked by the committee.
Pay your fees
Financial members pay $200 by PayID (free and instant) or bank transfer, using the reference shown in the members area. The Treasurer records your payment when it reaches the bank, and your welfare member services unlock straight away.
Committee approval
The committee approves your membership and gives you a member number. You'll see it on your membership card on the members area home page.
New to the members area? Follow the step-by-step guide and try the practice account first.
What members receive
Benefits marked Welfare members are for financial members whose joining fees have been confirmed by the Treasurer. Some programs are still being set up in KENEWA's first year.
Bereavement support Welfare members
Financial help from the welfare fund when a member or registered family member dies, including funeral costs in Australia or repatriation to Kenya.
Help in illness and emergencies Welfare members
Hospital visits, meals, transport and, where approved, financial help after serious illness, injury, fire, flood or sudden job loss.
Direct support line
Request help any time from your members area, or call the committee through the Get help page. Every request is handled confidentially.
A vote and a voice Welfare members
Vote online and at general meetings, stand for the committee, and help decide how KENEWA and its welfare fund are run. Online votes are secret.
Digital membership card Welfare members
Your membership card and member number on your phone, ready to show or print.
Members' documents Welfare members
The constitution, meeting minutes, financial reports and the welfare fund policy, all in one place. Every member can also ask the Secretary to see these records, free of charge (constitution clause 18.1).
Celebrating your milestones
The community marks weddings, new babies, graduations and other happy moments with you.
Settling in
Practical help for newcomers: housing, jobs, Medicare, Centrelink, licences and school enrolment, plus introductions to local services.
Events and celebrations
Madaraka, Mashujaa and Jamhuri Day celebrations, family days and sports days, with member prices or free entry where possible.
Jobs and networking
Job leads, CV help and contacts across health, agriculture, education, trades and business in the region.
Youth and students
Orientation for international students, mentoring for young people, and a student representative on the committee.
Women's empowerment
A women’s network and savings circles in the chama tradition.
Wellbeing
Mental health and wellbeing sessions, and referrals to trusted services when life gets heavy.
Members-only updates
Member news, the WhatsApp group, the monthly newsletter and early notice of events and opportunities.
Stand with a family in need
When a member's family faces bereavement, serious illness or sudden hardship, the KENEWA welfare fund is there. Donations from members, friends and local businesses help us respond quickly, the harambee way.