Parliament is set to spearhead efforts to modernise Kenya’s scouting laws and policy framework, with calls for reforms to align the movement with the 2010 Constitution and the country’s devolved system of government.
World Scout Parliamentary Union (WSPU) Global President and Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie said the legal framework governing scouting, which dates back to 1963, should be reviewed to reflect changes in Kenya’s governance system, including the establishment of county governments.
Kiarie, who also chairs the Parliamentary ICT Committee, said Parliament has a responsibility to provide the legislative, policy and financial support required to strengthen scouting and expand its contribution to the development of young people.
He spoke on Friday during the formal commissioning of the newly gazetted WSPU Board, attended by legislators, scouting officials and other leaders.
Kiarie said Parliament was the natural starting point for reforms because laws, policies and public funding are anchored in the legislative process.
“We must take it upon ourselves to bring the laws of this scouting movement up to date,” Kiarie said, noting that the existing legal framework predates the current Constitution.
He challenged members of the newly constituted board to move beyond their formal appointment and pursue practical reforms that will strengthen scouting across the country.
According to Kiarie, the parliamentary union provides an important link between the Kenya Scouts Association and legislators who can influence legislation, government policy and budgetary allocations supporting the movement.
He said young scouts in schools need champions in Parliament to ensure their interests and the future of scouting are reflected in national legislation and policy.
Kenya Scouts Association Executive Director Poppins Misoe said strengthening the movement would require closer collaboration between Parliament, county governments, the association and other institutions involved in youth development.
Misoe said the new WSPU board provides an opportunity to deepen engagement with policymakers and establish partnerships that can translate scouting ideals into practical programmes.
Leaders at the event said scouting, which is largely introduced through the school system, plays an important role in nurturing discipline, leadership, teamwork, loyalty and responsible citizenship among young people.
They called for Parliament and county governments to create an enabling environment for the movement through appropriate legislation, policy interventions and budgetary support.
The leaders also urged officials entrusted with leadership positions in scouting to lead by example, particularly in discipline, integrity, time management and teamwork.
The event also renewed calls for Nyeri County to take advantage of its historical connection to the global scouting movement.
Nyeri is the home and final resting place of Lord Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of scouting, and his wife, Lady Olive Baden-Powell.
Leaders said the historical connection gives Kenya a special responsibility to preserve and promote the ideals of scouting.
They said Nyeri has the potential to become a global scouting hub by using its historical heritage to attract international scouting activities, institutions and visitors.
Nyeri Governor Mutai Kahiga said leadership positions come with responsibility rather than privilege.
He pledged the county government’s cooperation with the WSPU in advancing scouting and said Nyeri would continue working with the parliamentary union beyond the current leadership.
“Let us uphold the tenets and beliefs that were bequeathed to us by our founder and ensure that we uplift the name of Lord Baden-Powell through our actions,” Kahiga said.
The leaders said the international scouting community was watching Kenya, particularly Nyeri, and challenged the county to take a greater role in promoting scouting globally.
The WSPU leadership also disclosed that it had recently held engagements with counterparts in South Korea.
The discussions focused on strengthening parliamentary support for scouting and identifying opportunities for international cooperation.
The leaders said the engagements demonstrated the global nature of parliamentary support for scouting and provided Kenya with an opportunity to learn from the experiences of other countries.
The newly gazetted board was consequently urged to use its mandate to build partnerships locally and internationally while ensuring that the movement remains grounded in its founding principles.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
