Uasin Gishu Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii, EGH, has proposed that the annual scout’s movement celebration needs to be harnessed and used as a fulcrum to combat climate change.

The Governor says the scouts movement, boasting up to 50,000 members in Uasin Gishu and over 2 million in Kenya, and guided by principles of discipline and nature, can help the country attain the President’s target of 15 billion trees by 2030.

In a speech read on his behalf by his Deputy Eng. John Barorot, Dr. Bii said: “I propose a personal commitment that with every birthday celebration, each of you should undertake the honour of planting trees equivalent to your age.”

Dr. Bii furthered: “Your impressive numbers of more than 55,000 in our County empowers you to grow more trees and nurture them to maturity and we want to be the pioneers of this program as a county.”

The County head said the movement instils a deep appreciation for nature and fosters a sense of responsibility to protect trees for future generations. “As a county, we stand ready to support innovative initiatives geared towards combating climate change.”

Eng. Barorot urged parents to allow their children to join the movement as (the movement) enables children to be disciplined, creative and ultimately, resilient.

The 167th Scouts Founders’ Day was celebrated at the County Headquarters. This year’s theme is ‘Scouts Innovating Climate Change Solutions. The scout’s slogan is ‘Uwe Tayari’.

County Executive for Health, Dr. Abraham Serem, Chief Officer for Education, Marion Birgen, Chair of Council for the Scouts Movement, Daniel Komen, and County Scouts Commissioner, Richard Openda, among others, attended the function.