4K Clubs Cultivate Future Agripreneurs Among Children

Introducing children to hands-on agribusiness early in life lays a strong foundation for their future in the sector. That’s the driving vision behind Elgon Kenya’s collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture to revitalize 4K Clubs in schools across the country.

“Elgon Kenya joined forces with the Ministry of Agriculture to breathe new life into the 4K Clubs, which have existed for some time but had lost momentum,” explains Bimal Kantaria, Elgon Kenya’s Managing Director. “When the new administration at Kilimo House came in, they recognized the need to re-engage young people in agriculture. Today, many youth shy away from agriculture, favoring white-collar or tech jobs. Through our joint efforts, we now have about 1,600 schools actively running 4K Clubs.”

The goal, he says, is to ensure students not only understand agricultural production but also see it as a viable income-generating venture.

At Nyanjega Primary & Junior School in Tigoni, Kiambu County, Elgon Kenya and the SMACHS Foundation have partnered to establish a 1.3-acre model farm complete with vertical gardens. This initiative provides a practical learning space for the school’s 4K Club, demonstrating the full cycle of food production—from planting to profit.

“This school is a shining example of what’s possible,” said Kantaria during a visit to the school. “The students here have planted crops, sold them, and seen the value of their work through the money they’ve earned. That’s incredibly motivating—it shows agriculture can be a profitable and rewarding career.”

The connection to the school is deeply personal for Kantaria. “My family has a long history with Nyanjega. I used to visit here with my father and grandfather, who helped start the school in 1984. Since then, we’ve provided daily porridge to the students and maintained close ties with the school community.”

The day’s event also celebrated the unveiling of upgraded facilities supported by Elgon Kenya, including a new classroom, a modern kitchen, and a dining hall—opened in partnership with Charlene Ruto, CEO of the SMACHS Foundation.

“But the real highlight is the 4K Club,” added Kantaria. “This partnership—with the Ministry of Agriculture, Elgon Kenya, and SMACHS—has borne fruit, literally and figuratively. We’ve proven that with just a bit of encouragement, agriculture can thrive in the hands of our youth.”

Charlene Ruto emphasized that the goal isn’t just to grow food—it’s to nurture future leaders in agriculture. “We’re engaging children at the primary school level so they can grasp the origins of their food and the importance of nutrition,” she said. “Our vision is long-term. In 5, 10, or 15 years, these young students could become the next agricultural policymakers, professionals, or farmers, stepping into roles currently held by an aging farming population.”

The SMACHS Foundation works by first conducting needs assessments in schools, then helping them set up and manage model farms until the school can take over independently. “We equip them with the knowledge and access they need, then hand the project back to the community to ensure sustainability,” Charlene noted. So far, the Foundation has launched similar projects in Samburu, Uasin Gishu, and other regions.

Lawrence Mbugua, Head Teacher at Nyanjega School, shared the impact the project has had. “At first, some parents were skeptical, but once they saw how involved and excited the children were—and how agriculture could become a real career path—they got on board.”

The students’ success has also brought financial rewards. “We sold kale to a buyer from City Park Market—100 bunches a day at Ksh 15 each, earning about Ksh 10,000,” Mbugua said. “The students used that money to buy farm tools and expand their project. They now understand that agriculture is both enjoyable and profitable.”

He also expressed gratitude for the improved infrastructure. “Previously, students ate outdoors—exposed to dust or rain. Now, with the dining hall, they have a clean, child-friendly environment that enhances their overall school experience.”