Turkana Revives 4-K Clubs to Boost Agricultural Skills in Schools
Turkana, Kenya – September 18, 2025
Turkana County has brought back the once-vibrant 4-K Clubs in primary and junior schools, marking a major step toward equipping learners with practical agricultural and environmental skills. The initiative, reintroduced under the World Bank–funded Food Systems Resilience Project (FSRP), follows a two-day training of school heads and club patrons in Lodwar.
The revived programme—implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development in partnership with the Turkana County Government—aims to strengthen food production and sustainability in a region frequently affected by drought and environmental stress. The 4-K model, an acronym for Kuungana, Kufanya, Kusaidia Kenya ( To Unite, To Work, To Help Kenya ), was widely embraced in the 1990s before fading out due to curriculum changes.
Hands-On Farming, Leadership Skills Targeted
County Project Coordinator Victor Lochee said the programme’s return is timely, especially for pastoral communities grappling with food insecurity and land degradation. Schools are now encouraged to create model farms and gardens where learners practice crop production, livestock care, agrinutrition and environmental conservation.
Teachers welcomed the revival, noting its potential to address local challenges. Grace Noel, a teacher from Loitanit Primary and Junior School in Kibish Sub-County, said the model will enable learners to apply classroom knowledge in real-life food production, helping reduce persistent food shortages. She added that managing school farms will build teamwork, responsibility and leadership among pupils.
Boosting Youth Interest in Agriculture
Other educators expressed optimism that the programme will reshape perceptions around agriculture. Joseph Emoit of Lomello Mixed Primary School described the initiative as a strategic intervention capable of motivating young people to embrace agriculture as a viable livelihood.
At Kang’atotha Comprehensive School, head teacher Nelson Erait said the revived 4-K Club aligns well with Competency-Based Education pathways such as agrinutrition, STEM and environmental studies, offering learners lifelong skills even beyond school.
Government Support Strengthens Rollout
State Department of Agriculture Monitoring and Evaluation Officer Silas Kenyatta confirmed strong support from both national and county leadership. Once teachers return to their stations, schools will establish garden committees to oversee operations, backed by county agripreneurs and extension officers who will provide technical assistance.
The FSRP, which succeeds the Emergency Locust Response Project (ELRP), plans to support 30 schools in the initial phase to ensure sustainable implementation of the 4-K Clubs. The Ministry of Education, the Turkana County Department of Agriculture and surrounding communities will play key roles in supporting the programme.
Officials present at the launch included County Project Institution Officer Josephine Emase, County Project Extension Officer Caroline Asekon, and representatives from the State Department for Agriculture.