Message from Dr Michael Mwachiro, Secretary SSK Council

Dear Members,

I would like to extend a warm welcome to our annual conference and AGM here in Mombasa. As always, this is a much anticipated and exciting learning opportunity. In addition, it is a great opportunity for re-unions and relaxation. I would like to thank all of our members, invited guests, collaborators and supporters who have been able to join us for this premier society event.

As is tradition, it is also an opportunity to reflect on the past two years and the growth and achievements that we have had. It has been a pleasure to resume in person events after the covid pandemic ended and with this came many CMEs both at regional and national level, training workshops and resumptions of courses like the ATLS courses. I would like to recognize the efforts of the various chapters, Committee leads and others who have engaged in society events at multiple levels. Kenya continues to be a leader in surgery in the region both in training and provision of care and this is a reflection of our membership. As a society, we have also made quality in surgery and training our focus and this has culminated in research and training projects focused on quality.

This year is also an election year for the society and we look forward to welcoming the new council to office. It has been an absolute pleasure and honour to serve as the secretary of the society. As my time comes to an end, I would like to thank all our members for the support and enthusiasm as we have navigated the various seasons together. I would also like to acknowledge all those who have mentored and supported the various members in leadership and service positions in the society. As many are aware, we have also have lost a number of our colleagues including Prof Yusuf Kodwavwalla and Prof George Magoha and it is my wish that we shall honour their memories and legacies by continuing to serve humanity with steadfastness, compassion and integrity.

Finally, we have also enjoyed great collaborations and it is noteworthy that innovations and global surgery are featuring heavily not only on this conference but in prior events in the lead up to this meeting. I recognize the efforts that the scientific committee has put in preparing a robust and exciting program for the next few days. It is also my wish that we also take some time to relax and rejuvenate and enjoy the local sites, sounds and cuisine while here in sunny Mombasa.

Karibuni!