The Ministry of Agriculture has begun reviving 4K Clubs in primary schools to support the school feeding program.

4K is an acronym for Kuungana, Kufanya, Kusaidia Kenya—a program designed to promote farming and foster a positive attitude toward agriculture among learners in primary schools.

The rebranded 4K Clubs are being rolled out in 31,218 public primary schools across the country.

So far, 1,222 Trainers of Trainers have been deployed in 36 counties, where the Ministry of Agriculture has equipped 245 schools with greenhouses, irrigation kits, incubators, and value addition tools to support hands-on agricultural learning.

According to the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Mutahi Kagwe, the aging population of Kenya’s farmers underscores the urgent need to mentor the younger generation to venture into agriculture.

He noted that, in addition to supporting the school feeding programs, the clubs will also equip young learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote food security.

Kagwe further stated that the rollout marks a deliberate shift by the government to groom the next generation of agri-preneurs through practical, school-based agricultural training.

“The clubs should be at the forefront of growing food for students, because schools should be growing their own food. We want young people to be interested in agriculture—we want them to become passionate about it. When that happens, our country will become stable, and we will have enough food to eat. There will be no problem feeding our population,” Kagwe said.

The CS added that his ministry is also advocating for the introduction of Digital 4K—an initiative to link learners with tech-driven farming solutions.

He emphasized the importance of embracing innovative farming technologies to modernize agriculture and improve productivity.

“Tomorrow, when you are a farmer, we want you to be informed. We don’t want you to just listen to others—we want you to have some knowledge for yourself. We used to travel far to look for information, but now, the information will be on your phone, because that is the new path to the future,” he said.

Kagwe made the remarks while presiding over the inauguration of a revitalized 4K Club at his alma mater, Kihate Primary School in Mukurwe-ini, Nyeri County.

He urged alumni across the country to return to their former schools and revive the spirit of agriculture clubs, supporting current learners in acquiring practical agricultural skills.

He also challenged county governments, private sector stakeholders, teachers, and parents to support the initiative.

“I appeal to school administrations, school communities, and board members to support students when they want to start a 4K Club.

Alumni should take an interest in the schools they attended. They must go back and help improve facilities.

They should also support students in establishing 4K Clubs so they can learn about agriculture—and so schools can practice agriculture themselves,” Kagwe said.

– By Wangari Mwangi, KNA