Following President Uhuru Kenyatta’s commitment to promoting the inclusion of young farmers in agriculture, several institutions are taking up the mandate of driving progress towards a food-secure country. 

Most schools are actively involved in reviving the 4K clubs (Kuungana, Kufanya, and Kusaidia Kenya) as part of naturing young farmers. 

For instance, at Nairobi’s Ngando preparatory school the agricultural club runs various farming projects growing vegetables and chicken rearing among others. Notably, the club is already supplying vegetables internally and to members of the public. 

Besides honing their agricultural skills, the students are also developing their leadership skills. 

The  agricultural sector is driving the development agenda towards the alleviation of food insecurity and employment creation through urban agriculture and agribusiness promotion and reduction of the burden of zoonotic and food-borne diseases and conditions. 

The focus of promoting 4K clubs in urban centres seeks to alleviate Nairobi’s dependence on other regions for food supply. 

In this line, according to the CDIP report estimates, the Nairobi county agricultural output was expected to stand at Sh2.4 billion between 2018 and 2020. 

During the launch of the club at the ASK Showground at Jamuhuri Park in Nairobi, President Kenyatta said the introduction of the initiative in schools is part of the government’s plan to have agriculture as a key economic activity in the country.  

Through consultations involving key stakeholders, Anne Nyaga, the Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) in the agriculture ministry identified several key strategic issues that were hindering the youth from pursuing agricultural activities. 

The CAS added that the remodeled 4K Clubs will have several aspects that are relevant in modelling the modern-day child. 

The government has also expanded the scope of the new 4K Club to cover climate change, novel diseases, environmental conservation, healthy living as well as civic engagement. The new model is created to build a holistic child who can contribute to society. 

President Uhuru will serve as the club’s patron alongside other key government officials. The government is also working on providing resources to members by offering a guide manual and website to support the club’s activities.  

Image: President Uhuru Kenyatta during the launch of 4k clubs. Source: Kilimo

This story was produced by Mtaani Radio in partnership with Code for Africa, Kenya Community Media Network and the Catholic Media Council with support from the German Cooperation as a part of the Our County Our Responsibility project.