Pupils at St George's Primary School in Nairobi work on their 4K Club project. /HANDOUTSt. George’s Primary School in Nairobi, Kenya, is making waves with its innovative approach to agricultural education.
Through the 4K Club programme, the school is cultivating young minds to understand the importance of agriculture, equipping them with hands-on skills and helping them become more engaged in sustainable food production.
This initiative is transforming the students’ outlook on farming, encouraging them to consider agriculture a viable, profitable career, and addressing the broader challenges of food security and youth unemployment in Kenya.
The 4K Club, which stands for “Kuungana Kufanya Kusaidia Kenya,” is part of a national program to instill agricultural knowledge in youth and was designed after America’s 4H model.
Since its inception in 1962, the 4K Club has sought to teach young people the skills necessary to enhance nutrition, health, and economic development through farming.
At St George’s, the 4K Club has become a thriving example of how young students can learn about the environment, sustainable farming, and food production while also reaping the benefits of their work.
A young farmer’s perspective
He could easily pass for a young, experienced farmer with his deep understanding of farming principles and practices.
Mitch passionately speaks about the importance of agriculture in Kenya’s economy and how the school’s 4K Club is playing a crucial role in producing future farmers.
“Without farmers, there is no food,” Mitch explains.
“Here at St. George’s, we are growing Sukuma wiki, rearing poultry, and raising dairy cattle. These activities provide us with vegetables, eggs, meat, and milk, which we consume and also sell to generate income. The money earned from these sales is reinvested into the school to further develop our facilities.”
A sustainable approach to farming
Mitch takes immense pride in the fact that the school uses organic manure produced from animal and plant waste.
“We don’t use synthetic fertilisers or chemicals; our food is very safe,” Mitch says.
This approach highlights the school’s commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation.
Using organic farming methods allows the students to experience firsthand how sustainable farming practices can contribute to healthier food production while minimising harm to the environment.
The school’s 4K Club operates on the principle of circularity, where waste products are recycled back into the system to support future growth.
Fellow students are equally proud of being members of the 4K Club, highlighting how the club encourages students to take care of the environment while providing essential food sources.
“Through gardening, keeping poultry, and raising cattle, we are not just learning about farming; we are learning to respect the environment and contribute to our community.”
A patrons perspective
Charles Wambua, the club’s patron, plays a key role in its success.
A passionate advocate for youth involvement in agriculture, Wambua is delighted by the progress the students have made.
He smiles as he speaks about the money the club has earned from selling the various products they’ve cultivated.
“We’ve made significant progress,” Wambua says.
“First Lady Rachel Ruto encouraged the club to expand and diversify its operations, and we’ve followed through with that advice.”
Under her patronage, the school has been able to launch several new agricultural projects, which have included the establishment of four gardens and a fishpond.
These gardens are stocked with various crops, including vegetables, and they provide essential food for the students while generating some income through sales.
“The school poultry project now has 500 birds, both layers and broilers, which produce eggs for the students and staff,” Wambua continues.
“We also have dairy cows that supply milk for the students, and we sell any excess to the community.”
The school’s commitment to diversifying its agricultural operations has also led to the establishment of a fishpond, which currently houses 500 fish.
The harvest from the fishpond is used to supplement the students’ diets, while any excess is sold to the local community.
Wambua is confident that agriculture holds immense potential for Kenya’s youth.
“If there was ever proof that there is money in agriculture, it is right here at St. George’s,” he asserts.
“This initiative proves that young people can embrace agriculture and make a viable living from it. Instead of staying jobless and looking for whitecollar jobs, young people should be encouraged to return to the farms where there is opportunity.”
The success of the 4K Club at St. George’s Primary School proves that agriculture can be a rewarding career choice.
The lush gardens, the students’ growing interest in farming, and the positive earnings of the club have proven that farming is not just for the older generation.
Wambua’s confidence in the program is reflected in the growing number of students joining the club.
As the farming activities continue to flourish, more students are eager to be a part of this hands-on learning experience.
Many students have even introduced agricultural concepts in their homes after gaining the necessary skills at school, demonstrating how the knowledge is spreading beyond the school grounds.
A boost by Mama Rachel Ruto In December 2024, the First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, Mama Rachel Ruto, supported the establishment of kitchens in St. George’s Primary School, Nairobi Primary School, and State House Primary School.
The kitchen gardens will enhance the school’s nutritional capacity and serve as a demonstration of sustainable farming practices.
The “Feed One End Hunger” initiative by the First Lady is encouraging schools across Kenya to embrace practical agricultural education and adopt food production on school grounds.
By transforming underused school grounds into productive gardens, the gardens foster innovation among students while providing a sustainable solution to Kenya’s food security.
Through the hard work and dedication of students like Mitch Patrick and the guidance of passionate educators like Charles Wambua, the 4K Club is proving that agriculture is not just a tradition but a thriving and potential career path for the learners in Kenya.
It is a beacon of hope for the future of farming in Kenya.
The story is supported by the Office of the First Lady, which spearheads the Feed One Ender Hunger initiative.