The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has partnered with the Kenya Scouts Association (KSA) to host the Eastern Africa Education Camp and Youth Forum at the Rowallan National Scouts Camp in Kibera, Nairobi.
The camp brings together scouts from seven Eastern African countries: Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. Its goal is to enhance social, spiritual, and leadership skills while promoting cultural exchange among the scouts.
During the opening ceremony, the Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen, highlighted that the theme of the event, “Contemporary Opportunities, Greater Impact,” called on the youth of Eastern Africa to identify current opportunities and leverage them to create positive change for themselves and their communities.
“The Scouts movement plays a critical role in fostering youth development and ensuring that young people make a positive impact within their communities. I commend the partnership between the Kenya Scouts Association, the Kenya Defence Forces, and the National Police Service for their involvement in this event and others in the past. This partnership reflects the Government of Kenya’s commitment to supporting youth initiatives,” said the CS.
Brigadier Faustino Lobaly, representing Chief of the Defence Forces , urged the youth to use the forum as a platform to turn challenges into opportunities and ideas into tangible impacts. He emphasized the shared values of discipline, order, self-sufficiency, and leadership between the military and the scouting world.
“Lord Baden-Powell, the father of the scouting movement, was a celebrated military general, and his leadership principles continue to inspire us all,” Brigadier Lobaly concluded.
The KDF contributes mentorship, medical care, and logistical support to the event, which brings together over 1,500 scouts aged 12 to 26, along with adult leaders, from the seven participating countries.
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