Kenya’s most dependable economic source remains agriculture. The agricultural sector contributes to 26% of Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employs more than 40 per cent of the total population and more than 70 per cent of the rural population. The sector accounts for 65% of the export earnings, and provides income for more than 80% of the Kenyan population. With the above unmatched attributes, the sector constantly requires an injection of new workforce which can equally adopt emerging technology towards enhanced production.
Having noted the above, the Cabinet approved the revival of 4K Clubs in all public and private schools in Kenya. The 4K which stands for (Kuungana, Kufanya, Kusaidia Kenya) and which translates to mean ‘Coming together, to Act, in order to Help Kenya seeks to promote an early interest by pupils and students in the agricultural sector towards improved livelihoods and food security in Kenya.
Polycom Kenya through My Small Way youth Organization joined the effort towards reintroduction of the 4K Clubs in 2021 with a sole aim of ushering a new generation of techno-savvy agricultural players who would revolutionize every aspect of agriculture in the project area.
After 2 years of project Implementation the projects have realized the following;
- Enhanced interest by over 620 pupils in agricultural activities both in school and at home
- Improved livelihoods through subsistence gardening among 430 households around the school
- Enhanced food security and nutritional status among the pupils both in schools and households
- Strengthened leadership skills among school environmental clubs leaders in 3 schools
Recommendations
Up-scaled replication of 4-K activities in other schools in the sub-county is recommended. Capacity-building in financial management among the club leadership and patrons is recommended. This will ensure continuity with the activities in school for better commercial gains. The schools are advised to allocate more land and 30% financial support to expand club activities.