Nyeri County has officially activated its Global Scout and Guide City Status, marking a significant milestone in Kenya's engagement with South Korea. The activation ceremony, which coincided with World Tourism Day 2026, was attended by Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Kenya, Kang Hyung-shik, and Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga. This development highlights new avenues for cooperation between Kenya and Korea in tourism, culture, youth development, and people-to-people engagement.
Nyeri's association with the global Scout Movement dates back to the early 20th century when Lord Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scout Movement, spent his final years in the county. His former home, Paxtu, at the historic Outspan Hotel, and his gravesite remain important landmarks of the movement's heritage. In March 2025, the World Organization of the Scout Movement formally designated Nyeri County as the Official Global Guide and Scout City of the World.
The World Organization of the Scout Movement's designation of Nyeri County as the Global Guide and Scout City of the World also saw the Paxtu Museum being designated an official World Girl Guides and Scouts Heritage Site. Scouting was introduced in Kenya in 1908, giving the movement an 118-year history in the country. Governor Kahiga emphasized that the activation aims to give international visibility to Nyeri's heritage.
The global Scout Movement boasts about 60 million members across 170 countries, providing an established international platform for heritage tourism, youth exchanges, international jamborees, leadership programs, and people-to-people connections. The Kenya-Korea connection through the World Scouts Parliamentary Union has continued through parliamentary and scouting exchanges. Kenyan parliamentarians participated in the founding process of the Union alongside their Korean counterparts.
Ambassador Kang Hyung-shik expressed hope that the shared scouting heritage could provide a stronger foundation for cooperation between Korea and Nyeri. He highlighted opportunities in tourism and culture, education and agriculture, trade and investment, and technology. The Ambassador also expressed hope that more Koreans would visit Nyeri to experience its history, nature, and culture.
Governor Mutahi Kahiga and Ambassador Kang discussed cooperation, including the proposed Baden-Powell Center of Excellence, during the Governor's visit to Korea in August. The Governor allocated 10 acres for the Centre under a Memorandum of Understanding with WSPU-Kenya. The proposed facility is expected to support scout tourism and cultural heritage, youth leadership, innovation, skills development, and entrepreneurship.
The activation ceremony also unveiled Nyeri's official guide and Scout City logo following a public competition that attracted 103 submissions. Grace Michuki was appointed Nyeri Guide and Scout City Ambassador to promote the county's scouting heritage, mobilize partnerships, and advance youth leadership and community service.
Key points
- The activation of Nyeri's Global Scout and Guide City Status aims to enhance Kenya-Korea cooperation in tourism, culture, and youth development.
- Nyeri County's scouting heritage dates back to the early 20th century with Lord Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scout Movement, having spent his final years in the county.
- The proposed Baden-Powell Center of Excellence is expected to support scout tourism, cultural heritage, youth leadership, innovation, skills development, and entrepreneurship.
