President Mwai Kibaki on Wednesday officially opened the historic first World Scout Moot to be held in Africa.

Speaking in Nairobi during the official opening of the moot that brought together over 1,600 scouts from 66 countries across the world, Kibaki said the Government is doing everything possible to prepare the country’s youth for a responsible and productive adulthood.

The President, who is also the patron of the Kenya Scouts Association, reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to ensuring that all the youth in the country get sound education and a fair chance in life, adding that was why it was offering free primary education and subsidized secondary education.

Kibaki urged the youth to take education seriously, set their priorities right and maintain high standards of discipline.

Noting that this is the first time an African country is hosting the moot since its inception in 1931, President Kibaki thanked the World Organization of Scout Movement for granting the Kenya Scouts Association the honour to host the important global event.

The President said the selection of Kenya as the host is a vote of confidence on the central position the country holds in the scouting movement.

“Indeed, and as you are aware, Kenya was not only the first country in Africa to start the Scouts Movement, but is also the final resting place of the founder of the Scouts Movement, Lord Baden Powell,” said Kibaki.

Kibaki observed that the Global Scouting Moot provides scouts with an opportunity to come together and learn, share experiences, create new networks and lifelong friendships as well as participate in voluntary service to communities.

During the 12 days of the scouting event, contemporary issues like peace, conflict resolution, environmental conservation and management, health and human rights will be discussed.

Joseph Kimani