Kenya’s John Kiarie elected global president of World Scout Parliamentary Union

Nairobi has marked a historic moment in global scouting politics as Mr John Kiarie, Member of Parliament for Dagoretti South Constituency, was elected Global President of the World Scout Parliamentary Union (WSPU) during the closing ceremony of the 11th WSPU General Assembly at Safari Park Hotel last evening.

The five-day international gathering, which ran from November 9–13, 2025, brought together parliamentarians from across the world under the theme: “Parliamentary Scouts in SDGs, Creative Economy and Climate Action.”

In his acceptance speech, Mr Kiarie acknowledged the enormity of the task ahead, pledging to champion the resolutions of the Assembly and steer the global agenda of the WSPU.

“I come into office at a time of great global shakeups, a reality in the world today. But there is space for us scouts to put our mark on the global footprint and make it better,” he said.

Mr Kiarie highlighted the critical role of scouting in government, institutions, religion, families, and society at large, urging members to lead decisively in a world demanding informed and empathetic decision-making.

“A lot is happening globally but there is a place for scouting in government, institutions, religion, family and the society. We are called to lead. Today the world is crying and critical thinkers to make informed decisions are needed, and WSPU in its special place has a big role to play,” he added.

Emphasising the importance of emotional intelligence and problem-solving skills, Mr Kiarie warned that global challenges, including the ongoing epidemic of femicide, require urgent attention:

“We currently have a big epidemic of femicide in our society, yet the skill of problem solving can come in handy to avert such situations,” he said.

The new WSPU President also called on delegates to embrace their identities and foster patriotism as a cornerstone for tackling both local and global challenges:

“There is a great need to refocus and re-anchor ourselves to belonging, be proud of who we are, be proud of the family we come from, and to be associated with the organisations that we partner with. Patriotism is the anchor for attaining common goals, as it gives the ability to face some of the local problems and even global disasters,” he said.

Looking ahead, Mr Kiarie expressed confidence in Africa’s rising influence on the global stage:

“It’s time for Africa, Africa is ready to take the mantle and we shall be going out there putting up a crusade to recruit more people to join our worthy cause. And it’s a great honour to be serving you,” he stated.

Concluding his speech, Mr Kiarie made a firm commitment to lead the WSPU with dedication:

“I am more than ready to undertake all the duties and responsibilities that will be bestowed upon me as President, and we shall stand together as one to achieve this mission as scouts.”

The 11th WSPU General Assembly successfully closed with a renewed sense of purpose, as delegates left Nairobi tasked with implementing actionable solutions aligned with sustainable development goals, climate action, and the creative economy, guided under the leadership of Kenya’s first Global President of the Union.