A lobby group is reviving and strengthening 4K clubs in primary schools in Homa Bay to promote agricultural production.
Sigona Thomas Foundation is encouraging learners in primary schools to form clubs to enhance food security.
4K Club, which stands for Kuungana, Kufanya na Kusaidia Kenya (unite, act and support Kenya), was introduced in the country in 1962 to promote agricultural production.
Foundation coordinator Steve Amolo said they are reviving and strengthening established clubs to encourage young people not to only focus on white collar jobs to earn a living.
Many young people have the mentality that the best way of earning income is landing a white collar job. This has made the young generation to keep off 4K clubs.
On Friday, Amolo, Janeiro Junior Academy head teacher Philip Aduda, Board of Management chairman Moses Odhiambo and East Kochia acting chief Kenneth Odero took the initiative to Janeiro Junior Academy School in Rangwe constituency.
“The foundation is leasing two acres for the school to grow crops. We want club members to embrace the spirit of crop production and livestock rearing,” Amolo said.
Speaking when they toured the land in Nyangweso, Kochia ward, Amolo said they have realised many graduates ignore crop production.
The situation is a recipe for food shortage that afflicts various parts of the country.
“We’re going with initiative and intend to visit more schools. The foundation started with Ngere Primary School and now Janeiro Junior Academy,” Amolo said.
He said the initiative is aimed at enabling the children to understand that crop production is the genesis of food security.
Amolo said children conversant with agricultural practices will do well in crop production when they grow up.
“The sole objective is to ensure the children grow up knowing how to produce crops. We want to eradicate famine among the future generations,” Amolo said.
Aduda said the initiative has given them impetus in promoting 4K club in the school.
“This donation of land is a big milestone in our endeavours to undertake 4K Club activities. We will train our pupils on modern farming methods,” Aduda said.
“The pupils will be helped to grow horticultural crops such as vegetables and onions for commercial purposes. This will also help them understand the significance of agriculture.”
Odhiambo said the initiative will transform livelihoods of residents.
“Children who have skills on food production are a good sign of a generation that will be self reliant in agriculture. This initiative will eradicate food insecurity in future,” he said.
