A school farming project dubbed “Kilimo Shuleni” which was launched last year at Ildamat Boys High School in Kajiado Central has yielded a bumper harvest.
The pilot project launched by Quickmart Supermarket chain in conjunction with Memusi Hope Foundation, Brookside Dairy and other partners saw over 5 acres of land put under drip irrigation and various crops such as maize, beans, vegetables and fruits planted at the school farm.
The school with a population of over 400 students is now able to fully feed itself with surplus produce being sold in the neighbouring markets and proceeds directed towards catering for needy students’ bursary kitty.
Speaking at the school after harvesting some of the produce, Quick mart Retail Marketing Manager Betty Wamaitha, said the project was a success and would be replicated in other schools to enable students to have enough food.
Wamaitha added that the surplus harvest would be sold and the income used to cater for needy students’ school fees.
“The Kilimo Shuleni project launched seven months ago has been a success as it has resulted in a bumper harvest. We have harvested maize, beans and vegetables which has enabled the school to have enough food for the students,” she said.
She emphasised that the project was aimed at improving the education standards in the county through farming.
“Kilimo Shuleni is designed to fortify food security in public secondary schools, especially those in semi-arid areas in Kajiado County. It is aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable students in public schools by setting up school farms to enable them access adequate food.” Said Wamaitha.
Kajiado Central Legislator Memusi Kanchory hailed the project adding that it will ensure students have enough food in school thus are able to concentrate in their studies resulting in good academic performance.
Kanchory revealed that the prolonged drought had affected many residents thus parents were unable to pay school fees on time resulting in schools struggling to feed the learners.
He noted that the introduction of Kilimo Shuleni has ensured that students have enough food and motivated the community to embrace agriculture as an alternative source of livelihood thus boosting food security.
“Through the project, the school is now able to feed the students thus ensuring they concentrate on their studies and improve in academic performance,” he said.
Pius Kimita, the school’s principal said the project has helped cut down the cost of feeding the students.
Kimita noted that students have also been able to gain valuable farming skills and agricultural knowledge.
By Rop Janet
