By Phares Mutembei

The recently concluded World Scout Moot, the first ever to be held in Africa, gave opportunities for young people to explore Kenya’s beauty.

Scouts aged between 18 and 26 from different parts of the world gathered for the event, held every four years.

At the historical Rowallan Camp the scouts from 60 countries indulged in bird watching, exploration and other exciting educational and recreational activities.

They set off on a journey of discovery and adventure. The interaction of cultures from around the world allowed the scouts to learn about various lifestyles, development activities and academic and social aspirations.

A visit to the Brookside Dairy farm and production factory at Ruiru, one of the biggest dairy farms in the East and Central Africa, was both exciting and educative.

Reliable weather

John Waithega, an electrical diploma student, says his eyes were opened to the huge potential that dairy farming holds. "I have always thought that dairy farming is not profitable but after witnessing the milk production processes I want to get involved in the future," he says.

"The weather here is reliable for farming. While the Government should pursue a path of industrialisation, it should not neglect the promising dairy farming. Agriculture should be a priority in the curriculum so that more youth are attracted to the bountiful returns," says Aunika Lokrauntz, an Engineering student from Sweden.

"It was my first visit to Africa and apart from reaching the peak of Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania I had the chance to learn more about the dairy aspect of agriculture," she says.

She also enjoyed the tree planting and hikes at the Mua, Kiima Kimwe, Iveti and Utanga hills.

"The ‘Kilunda Kamba Night’ was marvellous. We did some construction at Kathome and visited Masaku School for Physically Disabled where we showed the youth how to plant and take care of tree nursery."

Mr Peter Wasonga, a manager at Brookside Dairy, says of the students’ tour: "We wanted the scouts to realise the huge benefits of dairy farming. Normally many people go into farming after they retire from formal employment. Young people miss opportunities in the agricultural sector."

Mohamed Bughara and Rami Abdalla from Libya were excited about the visit, especially to the incubation room where milk samples are checked for safety.