Scouts from all over the world and from various local learning institutions have converged at the Baden Powell Memorial Park in Nyeri town to celebrate this year’s Founders Day.
With over 2,000 of the scouts attending, the theme of this year’s event revolves around the Scouts championing environmental sustainability, emphasizing innovative solutions to combat climate change.
Marking the 166th anniversary of the birth of the Scout Movement in Kenya, the celebrations aim to encourage more members to join as they target to hit 4 million registered members by the end of the year, up from the current 2.2 million.
The Scouts who have been camping in Kaiyamba Scouts Centre in Karatina for a week now were immersed in activities and events that embody the spirit of Lord Robert Baden Powell, the Founder of the Scouts Movement.
Each year, the Scouts pay their respects to Lord Baden Powell by visiting his grave in Nyeri.
The gathering not only commemorates the rich history and values of the Scouts Movement but also underscores the organization’s commitment to fostering environmental stewardship and addressing the pressing issue of climate change.
According to the Kenya Scout Association Deputy Chief Commissioner Alice Kihungi, the Kenya Scout Association (KSA)’s primary focus will be on educating the younger generation about environmental issues as a way to combat climate change.
“In this year’s theme, we want to make sure our young and youthful potential is fully involved in protecting the environment. If we start with the young people, as they grow old they will be in a better position to conserve the environment. We shall plant over 10,000 trees in Tumutumu,” she said.
Kihungi urged parents to encourage their children to join the Scout Movement, emphasizing its core value of promoting trustworthiness among all scouts and instilling essential values that will guide them throughout their lives.
Moses Danda, CEO of the Kenya Scout Association (KSA), said the organization is striving for a broader international perspective in commemorating Founders Day. “We want to appreciate attendance of our fellow scouts from various countries across the world. This gives the function a more international outlook,” he said.
Elide Wambua from the Ministry of Education (MoE) announced a significant partnership between the ministry and KSA to elevate scouting activities to new heights.
“Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the ministry aims to collaborate closely with KSA to enhance scouting initiatives, ultimately aiming to increase the number of registered scouts significantly,” he said.
He added that the ministry has ensured that teachers are well-equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively guide students in scouting activities.
“This proactive measure aims to instill confidence and reassurance among students participating in scouting, ensuring a safe and enriching experience for all,” he said.
Nyeri Trade, Tourism and Cooperatives CECM Diana Kendi said the county government is committed to making the Baden Powel Memorial Park a tourist destination for scouts to get revenues.
“Plans are underway to enter into a MoU with KSA to create a solid framework to expand the scouting movement and establish Nyeri as a scouting city,” she said.
Alex Kabiru, a student at ACK Kiuu Secondary School, expressed the immense benefits of the one-week camping experience for scouts.
“During this time, we received valuable teachings on various moral values, enhancing our character development. We have also planted trees in a bid to conserve the environment,” he said.
By Macharia Kiarie
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