SCOUTING: WHY ZIMBABWE MUST LEARN FROM KENYA'S SUCCESS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS

By Melusi Sibanda

As Zimbabwe battles a growing drug and substance abuse crisis among its youth, one African country is quietly demonstrating how a well-supported scouting movement can become a powerful weapon against addiction, crime, idleness and social decay.
In Kenya, scouting is not merely viewed as an extracurricular activity or a weekend pastime. It is increasingly being embraced as a strategic youth development tool that nurtures discipline, leadership, patriotism and responsible citizenship while keeping young people away from drugs and other harmful influences.
The East African nation has invested significantly in youth-focused scouting programmes that equip young people with practical life skills, leadership training, community service opportunities and mentorship. Through these initiatives, thousands of young people are being guided towards productive futures while developing the confidence and values needed to become responsible citizens.
A recent event in Kenya highlighted just how impactful scouting can be in addressing some of society's most pressing challenges.
Recently, hundreds of young people, educators, government officials and community leaders gathered at Kego Academy in Rangwe Constituency, Homa Bay County, for the launch of the Kagan Open Troop - a new scouting unit established specifically to empower youth through leadership development, community service, environmental conservation and digital skills training.
The colourful event was attended by Homa Bay County Commissioner Elly Kisulu and senior officials from the Kenya Scouts Association. The programme showcased scouting exhibitions, leadership development activities, cultural performances and a community tree-planting initiative.
However, beyond the celebrations lay a much deeper objective: protecting young people from drugs and other destructive behaviours by engaging them in meaningful, life-changing activities.
The troop's founder and sponsor, Benjamin Odoyo, summed up the mission clearly.
"My passion is to see young people stay away from drugs and other destructive behaviours by keeping them actively engaged in programmes that build character, leadership and life-serving skills," he said.
His message carries valuable lessons for Zimbabwe.
Across the country, concerns over drug and substance abuse among young people continue to grow. Urban centres, mining communities, border towns and even rural areas have witnessed increasing cases of youth involvement in dangerous substances, often fuelled by unemployment, poverty, peer pressure and a lack of constructive recreational opportunities.
While government interventions, awareness campaigns and rehabilitation programmes remain important, experts increasingly agree that prevention must become a central pillar of the fight against drugs.
This is where scouting can play a transformative role.
Scouting provides a structured environment where young people learn discipline, teamwork, leadership, responsibility and service to their communities. It channels youthful energy into productive activities such as community development projects, environmental conservation, outdoor education, entrepreneurship initiatives and practical skills training.
Perhaps most importantly, scouting gives young people a sense of purpose, belonging and identity — factors that significantly reduce vulnerability to drug abuse and criminal behaviour.
The Kenyan model also demonstrates how modern scouting has evolved beyond traditional camping activities.
Recognising the importance of technology in today's world, the Kagan Open Troop intends to equip young people with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills, helping bridge the digital divide and prepare participants for future employment opportunities.
This approach is particularly relevant for Zimbabwe, where many young people, especially in rural communities, still face limited access to digital learning and technological resources.
Countries such as Kenya, Botswana, South Africa and the United Kingdom have successfully modernised scouting by integrating entrepreneurship, environmental stewardship, technology education, community development and leadership training into their programmes.
Zimbabwe already possesses the foundation for similar success.
The scouting movement has a proud history spanning decades and has helped shape thousands of Zimbabweans who later became professionals, public servants, business leaders and community role models.
Yet despite its rich heritage, scouting in Zimbabwe often receives limited attention, inadequate investment and little public visibility. Many schools have inactive scout troops, while numerous parents and young people remain unaware of the enormous benefits that scouting can offer.
This situation must change.
At a time when Zimbabwe is intensifying efforts to combat drug and substance abuse, there is a compelling case for schools, churches, local authorities, private companies and community organisations to revive, expand and modernise scouting programmes across the country.
Scouting should not be viewed as an optional extracurricular activity. It should be recognised as a national youth development strategy capable of producing disciplined, skilled and responsible citizens.
For this to happen, scouting must become more visible, better funded and more accessible. New troops should be established in schools and communities, particularly in areas most affected by drug abuse. Existing scout groups should be equipped with resources, training opportunities and partnerships that enable them to offer relevant programmes aligned with modern realities.
Zimbabwe can also draw lessons from Kenya by integrating digital skills training, entrepreneurship programmes, environmental projects and community service initiatives into scouting activities.
The fight against drugs cannot be won through arrests, prosecutions and rehabilitation centres alone.
It must also be won through prevention.
It must be won by giving young people hope.
It must be won by creating environments where young people can discover their talents, develop leadership abilities and build positive futures.
Scouting offers exactly that opportunity.
Kenya's growing success demonstrates that when young people are guided, mentored and actively engaged, they become less susceptible to drugs and other social ills.
Zimbabwe has the structures, history and potential to achieve similar results. What is required now is renewed commitment from government, schools, parents, churches and communities to place scouting at the centre of youth development efforts.