Scout leaders in Murang’a County have praised the movement for mentoring young people, building leadership skills and fight cases of substance abuse among the youth.
Speaking during an event to honour a local scout leader and trainer, Ms Monica Njeri, for 33 years of service, the officials said scouting continues to shape responsible citizens through discipline, mentorship, and community engagement.
Murang’a County Scouts Commissioner Mr John Gachui said scouting helps young people identify their strengths and weaknesses while building courage, discipline and leadership skills.
“We engage young people in different activities to keep them busy and focused. Scouts also organize community campaigns and become role models in society,” he said during the event held on Sunday.
Gachui explained the structure of the movement, saying Sungura Scouts wear yellow uniforms and are aged between six and eleven years, while Chipukizi Scouts wear green uniforms and are aged between 11 and 15 years.
He added that Mwamba Scouts wear maroon uniforms and consist of senior school students observing that college and university scouts aged between 18 and 25-years wear orange uniforms, while scout leaders wear red uniforms.
However, the scout leaders raised concerns over lack of adequate funding and failure by some schools to fully recognise scouting as a co-curricular activity.
They called on the government, schools and religious organisations to support scouting programmes through sponsorships and funding.
On his part, Joe Kiiru, a Scouts Commissioner Executive who undertook the leadership course between 2010 and 2016, said he was proud to be part of the movement and the positive transformation it has brought to the Aberdare region.
“I am proud to be a young leader trainer and part of the change in our region,” he stated.
Njeri said she began her journey in scouting as a Girl Guide while in Form Two before becoming a scout leader and trainer, adding that she also teaches Sunday school and trains adults in scouting.
“Scouting has no age limit. The mission is to create a better world through service, discipline, and mentorship,” she said.
The guest of honour, National Scout Deputy Chief Commissioner Ms Alice Kihungi, praised Njeri for her dedication and commitment to service.
She called upon school heads to establish scouting clubs in their learning institutions, noting that the movement plays a pivotal role in mentoring and instilling discipline among other people.
By Bernard Munyao and Yvonne Wanja
