NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 19 – Kenya is set to host the 13th World Scout Conference next year from July 27 to August 7 in Nairobi.
The global event is expected to attract over 3,000 delegates from countries across the globe.
The meeting will be the first to be held in Africa after a similar one held back in 1930.
Launching the preparation committee on Wednesday night, Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka underscored the role of the scouting movement in molding the youth in the spirit of brotherhood to be responsible future adults.
Mr Musyoka said: “If the scout principles and virtues are embraced by all, particularly the youth, unfortunate incidences such as those witnessed during the post election violence would not occur.”
He said Kenya was proud to organise such an important event in the calendar of scouting and urged well-wishers to contribute towards the success of the conference.
The Vice President pointed out that hosting of such global conference would boost Kenya’s image and reputation across the world.
Mr Musyoka urged other organisations to make bids to host international conferences in the country, saying Kenya had the capacity to develop conference tourism which would enhance the economic growth and provide additional employment opportunities.
“This will prove to the world that Kenya is still a peaceful tourists destination despite the challenges it faced early last year. We can demonstrate to the world that we are a peace loving country and working towards achieving national cohesion,” the VP said.
Youth and Sports Minister Professor Sambili commended the scout’s movement in the country for successfully bidding to be the host of the global event, saying the conference would provide a forum for interactions between young adults across the world to share knowledge and experiences.
The Minister said the movement plays an important role in the empowerment of the youth who constitute a strong social force being the majority of the population.
“This group deserves to be heard and seen in today’s development agenda, these young people are an asset to our nation and must be nurtured and developed,” the Minister added.
She announced the ministry’s Sh40 million support towards the preparation of the conference and presented an initial cheque of Sh20 million.
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