Nyeri County has signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kenya Scouts Association (KSA) to establish itself as a global scouting hub.
The agreement, signed today at the Baden Powell Historical Gardens, aims to promote scouting tourism and enhance programmes in the county.
Attending the signing were Nyeri County Governor Mutahi Kahiga, Deputy Governor David Kinaniri, and Chief Scout Prof Jacob Kaimenyi.
The MoU includes commitments from both parties, such as Nyeri County’s pledge to lobby for national recognition of scouting as a contributor to social, economic, and educational development.
“This MoU is not just about scouting; it’s about youth empowerment, tourism growth, and positioning Nyeri as a world-class destination. We are proud of our history as the final resting place of Lord Baden Powell, the founder of the scouting movement, and we intend to leverage this heritage for the benefit of our youth and the economy,” the governor said.
READ ALSO: FGM is occurring in over 90 countries, new report shows
The county will sponsor KSA activities and assist in upgrading the Baden Powell Center, while KSA will work to expand scouting tourism in Nyeri and promote it as a top destination.
A notable aspect of the MoU is a 50-50 revenue split from the Baden Powell Historical Gardens’ entry fees, benefiting local scouting projects. Governor Kahiga emphasized the overarching goal of youth empowerment and tourism growth, asserting the partnership’s potential to boost Nyeri’s global scouting status.
Prof Kaimenyi added that the collaboration could create new opportunities for youth and enhance the county’s tourism sector. The event also featured a media briefing and awards ceremony honoring outstanding adult scout graduates, highlighting their contributions to scouting and community development.
This partnership aims to position Nyeri as a central hub for scouting activities while delivering economic and social benefits to the local community.
By Rodgers Wagura
