Karibuni Kenya! Ex-First Lady opens global conference to showcase students' talents

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

The event, an international students conference hosted by different schools around the world, is run by and for students aged 16 to 18.

This year's event was hosted by Brookhouse Schools.

The RSIC2023 has drawn participation from 1,200 student delegates and their teachers, coming from 50 countries on six continents.

The theme for the 55th Round Square International Conference "The New Africa" offers the participants an opportunity to explore many ways in which the continent has evolved and is defining its position in the 21st Century.

The former first lady extended a warm welcome to all the international delegates as they prepared to holistically engage and learn more about Kenya and the continent of Africa.

"Karibuni Kenya, I hope 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," she said.

Margaret Kenyatta underscored the importance of learning through participation in community service, exchange programmes and projects.

"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 added.

The audience was treated to a vast array of entertainment with a performance of the story of the Hummingbird, as told by celebrated Kenyan environmental activist, women’s rights advocate, and 2004 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Professor Wangari Maathai.

Musicians Nikita Kering and Richard Turere both Brookhouse alumni also showcased their prowess in music and innovation respectively.

Also present during the RSIC2023 opening ceremony 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.