Nyeri: Governor Dr. Mutahi Kahiga has lauded the Korean Government for its pledge to support the construction of the Baden Powell Centre of Excellence (BCPE). Kahiga emphasized that the establishment of the center will not only immortalize the name of Powell, the founder of the Scout movement, but also position the county as a leading scout tourism destination.
According to Kenya News Agency, the county leader revealed that his office had already engaged in fruitful discussions with a Korean delegation regarding the proposed construction of the BCPE, and plans are underway to expedite the project. The Republic of Korea, through the Korea Scouts Parliamentary Association (KSPA), will fund this landmark project.
‘I was honoured to join the Korean Ambassador and Permanent Representative to UNEP and UN-Habitat, H.E. Kang Hyung-shik, during a bilateral engagement with a delegation from the Republic of Korea at the Korean Embassy in Nairobi. I appreciate the Republic of Korea for its continued partnership and commitment to working with the County Government of Nyeri. I also commend the World Scouts Parliamentary Union (WSPU) Kenya for its continued collaboration with Nyeri and its efforts to promote Scout Tourism in our County,’ posted Kahiga on his Facebook page.
The County Government of Nyeri has designated the AMS land along the Nyeri-Nanyuki/Naromoru Highway for the establishment of the BCPE, recognizing Nyeri’s historical connection to Lord Powell. Discussions also involved exploring market opportunities for Nyeri’s agricultural produce in Korea and promoting local tourism potential.
Kahiga stressed the importance of continued partnership with Korea, noting that the bilateral talks presented opportunities to expand tourism, trade, investment, youth engagement, and international cooperation.
The World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) formally designated Nyeri County as the official global scouting city of the world in March 2024. Furthermore, the Paxtu Museum, Lord Powell’s last residence, was named the world’s Girl Guides and Scouts Heritage site.
During the event, Kahiga said the county government will collaborate closely with scouting bodies both locally and internationally to advance the movement, which boasts over 70 million members worldwide. Chairman of the World Scout Committee, Dani«l Corsen, emphasized that the designation acknowledges the founders’ legacy and Kenya’s significant contribution to scouting.
