United Asian Network Hosts Inaugural Mombasa Connect, Strengthening Asian Community Engagement on the Coast
Updated: Sep 2
Friday 28 August 2026
UAN Mombasa Connect brought together community leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs and young people to build stronger connections and greater participation in Kenya’s future.
The United Asian Network (UAN) successfully hosted UAN Mombasa Connect on Friday, 28 August 2026, at English Point Marina, Mombasa, bringing together community leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, business leaders, young people and organisations from across the Coast.
Held under the message “Strengthening our community. Building connections. Creating impact. Together for Mombasa and Kenya,” the gathering marked an important step in UAN’s efforts to strengthen its national network and deepen engagement with Kenya’s Asian community beyond Nairobi.
The evening provided an opportunity for participants to learn more about UAN, its national agenda and its vision for creating stronger connections between communities, businesses, professionals and emerging leaders.
SPONSORED By:
Elgon Kenya Ltd, RSM Eastern Africa LLP, Milly Glass Works, R1 Africa, Prime Bank Ltd, Sekura International, Arise, Texas Alarms, Anant Bhatt LLP, Revital and Tariq's Food Crib.
An Evening of Connection and Conversation
The programme began at 7:30 p.m. with registration and a welcome mocktail, followed by the National Anthem.
Opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Hasnain Meghji, Regional Director – MENA Business Consultancy, who served as the evening’s emcee and guided participants through the programme.
Guests were then formally welcomed by Mr. Mohamed S. Rashid, Director – Milly Group of Companies, who hosted the evening.
A key moment of the programme was the formal Welcome to United Asian Network by Dr. Bimal Kantaria, Managing Director of Elgon Kenya and Chairman of UAN.
Dr. Kantaria highlighted the importance of creating platforms that bring people together across communities and sectors, while reinforcing UAN’s commitment to strengthening the Asian community’s contribution to Kenya.
Introducing UAN and Its Leadership Platform
The evening continued with a presentation on the UAN Leadership Summit, delivered by Dr. Amit Thakker, Executive Chairman, Africa Health Business and Vice Chairman of UAN.
Dr. Thakker provided participants with an overview of UAN’s flagship leadership platform and its evolution as a space for dialogue, leadership, business engagement and community participation.
Participants were subsequently invited to share their expectations for UAN Mombasa Connect.
The session was led by Mr. Ashif Kassam, Executive Chairman, RSM Eastern Africa LLP and Trustee of UAN, who encouraged participants to look beyond simply attending events and consider how the Mombasa community can actively participate in UAN programmes, initiatives and the organisation’s wider national agenda.
An interactive session was held by Dr. Vimal Shah, Chairman of Bidco Africa and Chair of UAN Advisory Board. Dr. Vimal challenged the audience to seek for the unity within and appreciate the diversity amongst themselves.
Launching the UAN Mombasa Chapter
One of the evening’s key milestones was the announcement of the opening of UAN MSA, signalling the beginning of a stronger and more structured UAN presence on the Coast.
Following the discussions, participants came together for a group photograph, commemorating the launch and the growing network of UAN members and supporters in Mombasa.
The formal programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Hasnain Meghji, before guests moved into an informal networking session and dinner.
Also present from United Asian Network's Board who travelled from Mombasa were the Finance Chair, Ms. Shilpa Haria, National Engagement Pillar Lead, Mr. Murtaza Mohamedali, Co-lead, Dr. Aruna Varsani, Advisory Member, Mr. Zaheerabbas Khimji and CEO, Ms. Harleen Jabbal.
Why Mombasa Matters
The launch of UAN MSA reflects UAN’s belief that a truly national network must engage communities across Kenya.
Mombasa has a long and significant history of Asian contribution to Kenya through business, entrepreneurship, professional services, philanthropy, community institutions and intergenerational leadership.
UAN Mombasa Connect therefore represents more than a networking dinner. It is intended to create a platform through which the Coast’s Asian community can:
Build stronger connections among individuals, businesses and community institutions;
Identify opportunities, challenges and priorities unique to the Coast;
Participate in UAN programmes, forums and initiatives;
Foster networking, mentorship and youth engagement;
Encourage business collaboration and professional connections; and
Ensure that local voices inform UAN’s national agenda.
Building a Stronger National Network
United Asian Network is a pan-Asian, non-political and non-religious platform committed to strengthening community connections and creating opportunities for leadership, economic engagement, social harmony and the celebration of Asian identity in Kenya.
The Mombasa Connect initiative reinforces UAN’s commitment to ensuring that the national conversation includes diverse voices and experiences from across the country.
“Mombasa is not simply an extension of the UAN network. Mombasa is an important part of the network and of the story we are building together.”
The launch also creates opportunities for UAN to engage more closely with Mombasa-based businesses, professionals, entrepreneurs, community leaders and young people as it develops its programmes and activities on the Coast.
A Community Looking Ahead
As the evening concluded with networking and dinner, the message was clear: stronger communities are built through relationships, participation and collaboration.
UAN will continue to engage with stakeholders in Mombasa to identify opportunities for collaboration and develop initiatives that respond to the priorities of the local community.
The Coast. Our Community. Our Future.
United Asian Network: A Connected Community. A Stronger Future.
Website: www.uan.co.ke Email: harleen@uan.co.ke
About United Asian Network
United Asian Network (UAN) is a pan-Asian, not-for-profit, non-political and non-religious organisation established to strengthen connections, leadership, economic participation, social harmony and Asian identity in Kenya.
Through its National Engagement, Economic Connector, Social Harmony and Asian Identity pillars, UAN brings together community leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, businesses and emerging leaders to create opportunities for collaboration and greater participation in Kenya’s development.
The UAN Mombasa Connect initiative represents the next step in building a truly national network that connects communities across Kenya.
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