Air Scouting in Kenya Set for a Major Boost

The Kenya Scouts Association is working on an ambitious programme to revive and boost Air Scouting activities in the country. Spearheaded by the passionate Captain Mercy Makau from the Kenya School of Flying, the programme will see many more young people join Scouting and enjoy a wide range of activities to be offered with the support of the Kenya Air Force.

So far, a lot has taken place to set the pace for a more vibrant Air Scouting branch. Over 62 Air Scout Leaders, majority of whom are pilots, have been trained so far in readiness to handle the influx of new young members. Plans are also in place for the first ever Air Scouts Fly-past during the National Jamhuri (Independence) Day celebrations to take place in Nairobi on 12th December. Captain Mercy is working with the Kenya Scouts Association programme team to review the existing Scout programme to integrate the Air Scouting component.

A partnership with the other branches of the Kenya Defense Forces and the National Youth Service is being pursued to support the provision of lifesaving and other essentials skills training for Scouts. “We need to make sure we instill the right values in children,” said Captain Mercy Makau during a courtesy visit to the Africa Regional Office on 29th May 2015. She was accompanied by Warrant Officer II Mr. Elakana Nyang’au and three other Air Force officers seconded by the Air Force Commander to oversee Air Scouting activities.

The Director for Strategy and Education Service Mr. Christophe Sanon echoed that the Scout programme should be very attractive to interest the young people and provide them with diverse opportunities to learn. Air Scouting, he said, is one such opportunity that could provide life-cahnging experiences for young people. Mr. Jonathan Omondi, the Youth Programme Manager on the other hand lauded the efforts noting that success of the initiative could be a good case study for learning by other National Scout Organizations in the region. He also said that the office would work with Kenya Scouts Association to support the training of adult leaders to help in the delivery of the Air Scout programme to the young people.