NAIROBI: The usual funfair and excitement that crowns the annual Scouts Founders' Day celebrations in Nyeri will be missing this weekend after the Kenya Scouts Movement decentralised the excursion to counties.
Only 500 visiting scouts are expected in the town that usually attracts a minimum of 30,000 scouts, most of them pupils and students.
The decision to decentralise the scouts' jamboree was communicated by Richard Iyaya, the Kenya Scouts Movement, National Youth programmes Commissioner and the Chairman of Founders Day, during a press conference held at the historical Baden Powell grounds in Nyeri.
Mr Iyaya said the decision was reached following disciplinary lapses witnessed in past events, where people clad in scouts uniforms were involved in ugly incidences.
"It was resolved that we will be holding the annual event in counties. In the past, scouts from all over the country travelled to Nyeri for the event," said Iyaya.
Iyaya said Scouting is about discipline, but some rogue individuals have been infiltrating the event by wearing scout uniforms then engage in immoralities.
NO CONSULTATION
"We held successful event over the years, but some teams started misbehaving. That is why we resolved that we want a population that we can manage," he said.
The decision will also encourage counties to enrol more youths into scouting.
But Education, Youth and ICT Executive Elijah Nguyo castigated the scouting movement for the move, saying it was a disservice to the region.
"We pride ourselves in hosting the Lord Baden Powell day each year. We should have been consulted first before shifting the event to the counties," said Mr Nguyo.
Nyuyo who is a former senior principle and disciplinarian said the county government has petitioned the National Scouts Movement office to reconsider the move, saying it will have negative impact to the values of Scouting and also to the Nyeri economy.
MOST DISCIPLINED
"The annual scouts founders day celebrations markets Nyeri, not only in Kenya but world over. The late Baden Powell's grave site attracts tourists to the town," said Nguyo.
National Scouts Youth Programme Executive Josephat Gitonga said they chose 500, most disciplined scouts from outside Nyeri to attend the celebration.
The event will be graced by Education Cabinet Secretary Prof Jacob Kaimenyi, his devolution counterpart Ms Anne Waiguru and National Cohesion and Integration Chairman Francis Ole Kaparo, who is also the Chief Scout.
