Call for Government Support for Scouting Initiatives
A call has been made to the government to provide sponsorship for scouting activities, emphasizing their importance in instilling discipline and self-responsibility among learners. David Lutome, the Kakamega North sub-county scouts commissioner, expressed concern over the lack of government support, stating that it poses a threat to the existence of the scouting movement, which holds a reputable history in the country.
Speaking from Friends Malava Primary grounds during a two-day scouting competition, Commissioner Lutome highlighted that the scouting movement heavily relies on contributions from individual scouts and school managers for camping and competitions. He underscored the significant role of scouting in shaping the future of young learners, both within schools and in society at large.
Lutome lamented the neglect of the scouting movement by leaders, noting challenges in fundraising for transporting winning teams to county-level competitions. He appealed to both national and county governments to recognize scouting as a valuable activity for youth development, urging them to provide necessary support for its continuation.
Furthermore, Lutome urged the sub-county education office to assist in sponsoring scouting activities by covering registration fees and providing transport to and from camping sites. He also called upon the local Member of Parliament, Malulu Injendi, to consider becoming the patron of the scouting movement, emphasizing ongoing efforts to engage him through written correspondence.
In addition to government support, Ivy Liaka, a guide from Samitsi Girl’s Mwamba Girl Guide, urged the Kenya Scouts Association to review the prices of scout uniforms to make them more affordable for all participants. She further encouraged leaders to actively participate in revitalizing scouting troops and families.
The two-day event aims to identify top performers who will advance to the county-level competition, to be held at Kivaywa Boys, underscoring the importance of continued support for scouting activities at all levels.
