Kenya - World Scout Moot a success

Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has lauded the role played by the Scouting Movement in the promotion of tourism as well as moulding the country's youths.

Speaking at the Rawallan camp in Nairobi on Friday evening during the official  closing of the 13th World Scout Moot the VP appealed to the participants to  be ambassadors of goodwill.

The moot brought together over 1,600 scouts  from 66 countries across the world. He assured the Scouts that the Government will support the movement in  helping the youths bring a positive change in the society.

The Vice President reminded the youth that as taught in the Scout Movement,  through dedicated duty to God, to others and to oneself, they can succeed in  building a better world for all.

He also thanked the World Organization of Scout Movement for granting the  Kenya Scouts Association the honour to host the important global event saying  that this is the first time an African country has hosted the moot since its  inception in 1931.

 "I wish to urge you  in case you have not done so tour and enjoy the country's  scenic beauty of natural attractions and experience the hospitality of Kenyan  people before you depart for your respective countries,'' he told the  participants.

During the 12 days of the scouting event, contemporary issues like peace,  conflict resolution, environmental conservation and management, health and human  rights were discussed.

The VP who is also the Chief Commissioner of Scouts urged the youth  to take education seriously, besides setting their priorities right and  maintaining high standards of discipline.

 "I am also aware that you spent quality time at the global development   village, where you explored in depth a number of issues affecting our societies  and the young people in particular'' he said.

Youth Affairs and Sports assistant minister Wavinya Ndeti said there is need to  explore ways and means of integrating and empowering young people so that  society could achieve its development goals.

The moot has attracted a lot of admiration from young children in the neighbourhoods where the participants have been carrying out expedition activities.

Many of these children are Scouts, and they have been eager to interact with the Rovers from other countries. Young, beautiful and excited, the children are keen to learn about Scouting in other countries.
They have big dreams. They want to advance their education. “What would you like to do in the future?”, I asked one of them. “I want to be an electrical engineer.”

Scouting in Kenya is strong in schools and receives government support through the ministry of Youth and Sports as well as the Ministry of Education.