Home
Blog
Commemoration Of Lord Baden Powell In Nyeri, Kenya – The Founder Of The Scouting Movement

Commemoration Of Lord Baden Powell In Nyeri, Kenya – The Founder Of The Scouting Movement

January 21, 2022 5:00 am

Ekai Kaoo

0 comments

Every year, the scouting movement faithfuls in Kenya convene in a small in town at the foot of Mt. Kenya, Nyeri Town in Kenya, to commemorate the life of Robert Powell. Robert Powell, popularly known as Lord Baden Powell, was the founder of the scouting movement worldwide.

Baden Powell was also the first chief scout of the Boy Scouts Association in the world. Lord Baden Powell had served in the British army before leaving to begin the scouting movement in the world. Baden Powell’s wife Lady Olave Powell followed in her husband`s shoes to found the Girl Guides movement in the world. Both Baden and Olave were native English speakers born in London. However, the founders of the scouting movement traversed many parts of the world preaching the scouting gospel and that is how they ended up being in Kenya.

Bade Powell has gained worldwide recognition and respect as a man who acted selflessly in regard to his country as a soldier and humanity as a whole. Lord Baden Powell wrote and published over forty books and 16 pamphlets on the Scouts Movement during his lifetime. Lord Baden Powell travelled to Nyeri town in Kenya in 1938, ailing of ill health until his death in 1941. Lord Baden Powell was buried in a small graveyard at the ACK church in Nyeri town in Kenya. Lady Olave Powell later died while in Europe but her remains were also flown to Nyeri town in Kenya and interred besides her husbands grave in Kenya.

Scouts all over the world celebrate the life and times of both Lady Olave and Lord Baden Powell on 22nd February every year. 22nd February is the birth date of Lord Baden Powell. The scouts and guides travel from all over the world to this small town in Kenya, Nyeri, in the heart of Central province to pay tribute to their fallen hero and heroine. Business in Nyeri town in Kenya booms around this period of commemorating Lord Baden Powell by scouts and guides in the world, as the rather dormant town gets to life and receives worldwide recognition.

The graves of both Lord Baden and Lady Olave in Nyeri town are interred within the compound of the St. Peters A.C.K church in Kenya. St Peters ACK church in Nyeri town in Kenya is located at the periphery of the Nyeri town along the Nyeri- King`ong`o Road. The graves of Lord Baden Powell and Lady Olave in Kenya have been marked as national monuments in Kenya.

Since its 22nd February, 2014 all scouts and girl guides are convening in Nyeri to show their respect for Lord Baden Powell.

About the Author

Ekai Kaoo

Follow me

Emerging from the athletic heartland of Rift Valley, Eka Kaoo was destined to have a relationship with sports. However, instead of lacing up running shoes, Eka picked up a pen, weaving narratives around the athletes who brought pride to Kenya.

Growing up, Eka was deeply inspired by the marathoners and middle-distance runners from his region, often finding himself amidst training camps and local races, absorbing stories of dedication, sweat, and sheer willpower.

Eka pursued his passion academically at a renowned university in Kenya, specializing in Sports Journalism. This formal education, combined with his intrinsic understanding of the Kenyan sporting ethos, allowed him to produce articles that resonated deeply with readers. His pieces, rich with local anecdotes and broad insights, began to get attention both within the university and in the national press.

Upon graduation, Eka became a sought-after name in sports journalism. His writings, spanning across various sports but with a soft corner for track and field, offered a fresh perspective, blending personal athlete stories with technical analyses.

Eka Kaoo's articles soon began appearing in international sports magazines and journals, elevating him to the status of an ambassador for Kenyan sports on the global stage. He covered major events like the Olympics and the World Championships, consistently providing readers with unique, Kenya-centric viewpoints.

Beyond his journalistic endeavors, Eka has been instrumental in organizing grassroots sports events in Kenya, aiming to unearth hidden talents and provide them with a platform to shine.

Today, as one of the leading voices in sports journalism in Africa, Eka Kaoo continues to champion the stories of athletes, always reminding the world of the heart, soul, and spirit of Kenyan sports.