KSA Raises Red Flags Over Proposed KSh2 Billion Baden-Powell Centre in Nyeri

By Violet Kerubo

 The Kenya Scouts Association (KSA) has demanded greater transparency over a proposed KSh2 billion Baden-Powell Centre of Excellence in Nyeri, questioning the project’s financing, ownership, management and the organisations involved in its development.

In a statement, KSA said it was not consulted or involved in the conception and development of the proposed centre despite being the statutory national scouting organisation in Kenya.

The association is now seeking detailed information on the project’s budget, sources of funding, ownership of the land where the facility is expected to be established, the project implementation plan and the intended beneficiaries.

KSA has also raised questions over the roles of WSPU Kenya, the Nyeri County Government, the Korea Scouts Association and the Korean Embassy in the initiative.

According to the association, any major facility presented as a Kenyan scouting project should involve the country’s recognised national scouting body.

Dispute Over WSPU Kenya

The controversy has also brought renewed attention to the relationship between KSA and WSPU Kenya.

KSA has accused WSPU Kenya of promoting what it considers parallel scouting structures, citing initiatives such as a “University of Scouting.”

The association maintains that scouting programmes, training, youth activities, insignia and administration fall within its statutory mandate.

KSA has further announced that it has formally denounced its existing Memorandum of Understanding with WSPU Kenya and directed its members not to associate with the organisation.

The association insists that WSPU Kenya does not represent KSA and should not use the association’s name or identity when seeking financial support.

Questions Over Korean Support

KSA has also appealed to Korean partners involved in the proposed project to suspend or reconsider their support until the outstanding institutional and legal questions are addressed.

The association says it wants clarity on how the project is being presented and whether the appropriate national scouting authorities have been involved in its development.

KSA has additionally sought clarification from the Speaker of the National Assembly over Parliament’s relationship with and support for WSPU Kenya.

KSA Threatens Legal Action

The association has warned that it is prepared to pursue institutional and legal measures to protect its mandate, property, identity and members.

KSA says its concerns should not be interpreted as opposition to investment in scouting or the establishment of a major scouting facility in Nyeri.

Instead, the association argues that a multi-billion-shilling project presented as a Kenyan scouting initiative must have clear legal, institutional and financial structures and should involve the statutory national scouting organisation.

The dispute now raises broader questions about who owns and controls the proposed centre, who is financing it, who will manage it and who ultimately stands to benefit from the investment.

With KSA demanding answers, attention is expected to turn to WSPU Kenya, the Nyeri County Government, Korean partners and other institutions linked to the project for their response to the allegations and clarification of the proposed centre’s structure and financing.