How Nakuru school uses 4-K club to spark agribusiness interest in learners

Sun and Shield School in Rongai Sub-county emerged as the top-performing 4-K Club in Nakuru County, winning the 2024 4-K Clubs Presidential Award Scheme (4-KCLUBPAS) Competition.

The school's 4-K Club focused on planting kales in multi-storey beds and old tires within a designated section of the school grounds.

The judges ruled that their project aligned with the theme "Pests and Disease Management without Use of Chemicals for Food and Nutrition Security".

Joshua Ndung'u, the deputy head teacher at Sun and Shield, explains that students collaborated with local extension officers to learn hands-on farming techniques. 

"The success of this project came after students, guided by their teachers and the extension officers, applied their knowledge directly on the farm," he shares.

The club, consisting of 54 boys and 46 girls, gained valuable experience in kale farming. Mr. Ndung'u points out that the productivity was enhanced by the availability of a dairy farm, where students used farmyard manure to significantly boost crop yields.

"We also utilized urine from our rabbit-rearing project as a natural foliar fertilizer and pesticide. This organic method greatly improved the health and productivity of the kale," he explains.

A key motivation for the students was the school’s commitment to purchasing the produce if it met quality standards. This not only encouraged extra effort but also introduced the learners to the entrepreneurial aspects of agriculture. 

"The opportunity to sell their produce gave the students a sense of responsibility, discipline, and excitement, making the project both educational and rewarding," Mr. Ndung'u notes.

Mr. Ndung'u highlights that in line with the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which emphasizes digital literacy and collaboration, students engaged in online research to support their projects. 

He adds that the award has helped recognize 4-K Clubs as agents of change, and it allowed the students to see first-hand the agricultural practices they've been learning about.

"The decision to introduce the 4-K Club in our school is aimed at sparking an interest in agriculture from an early age, which has increased significantly, especially after the harvest," he says.

The school continues to strengthen its 4-K Club, providing early exposure to agriculture and fostering an appreciation for food production. 

"Our school also runs other programs like rabbit farming, and tree nursery which allows hands-on activities that make agricultural learning both enjoyable and memorable," Mr. Ndung'u shares.

This early exposure, he emphasizes, is crucial for shaping students' perceptions of agriculture and may inspire them to pursue agricultural careers in the future.

"The outstanding performance of our 4-K Club project showcases the power of teamwork, innovation, and sustainable farming practices, while also nurturing an entrepreneurial mind-set among young learners," he says.