Margaret Kenyatta inaugurates 55th Round Square International Conference

Former First Lady Margaret Kenyatta on Monday led the opening ceremony of the 55th Annual Round Square International Conference (RSIC) at the Bomas of Kenya Auditorium in Nairobi.

Organized by students for learners aged 16-18, the week-long conference hosted by Brookhouse Schools is an annual global event with students from different institutions taking turns to host.

The last in-person conference was held in September 2022 in the United Kingdom.

Under the theme 'The New Africa,' this year’s affair unites 1,200 student delegates and their educators, hailing from 50 countries across six continents, to explore the role the African continent is carving for itself in the 21st century.

In her address, Mrs. Kenyatta emphasized the value of community service, exchange programs, and collaborative initiatives.

“Karibuni Kenya, I hope that you will feel at home in our beautiful country. We look forward to hearing about the unique perspectives you will bring to this important dialogue”, said the former First Lady to the international delegates.

She highlighted the potential of the current generation (Gen Z) to lead change and innovation.

“We shall be seeing a bold and visionary generation rise up. You are a generation willing to take chances; to chart your own paths. You are ready to question, to experiment with new ideas, to innovate and ultimately, to build a better world” she stated.

The event saw a vibrant cultural performance, with Brookhouse School students delivering a rendition of the story of the Hummingbird, as narrated by the esteemed Kenyan environmental activist and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Wangari Maathai.

In addition, the affair also featured musical performances by Nikita Kering and innovative demonstrations by Richard Turere, both Brookhouse alumni.

Among the distinguished guests in attendance were Round Square Chairman and CEO Kurt Hahn, World Marathon Champion and United Nations Peace Ambassador Tegla Loroupe, and long-distance runner Henry Wanyoike, among others.