Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries in collaboration with the Ministry of Education has taken part in sensitising the national and county government officials in Nandi County on the importance of reintroduction of the 4-K clubs.
Speaking at Kapsabet Boys High school, Chesumei Deputy County Commissioner Diana Wekesa asked leaders to focus on their roles and merge with the 4-K clubs activities since agriculture is not only beneficial to children but also for the future as a country.
“These clubs are coming to reclaim our environment, through conservation of forest cover, food production, prevention of soil erosion and help children to learn to work together as a team,” said Diana.
Dorcas Mbaka, Assistant Director in the Ministry of Education and Kenya Fisheries Services Senior Officer Patrice Jilani, said the reintroduction of the clubs is meant to create awareness and a positive mind set towards agriculture among school going children.
“As per the presidential directive we are here to ensure that this programme reaches the counties and eradicate the negative perception as well as attitude towards agriculture through the officers present here. The reason for the rebrand is to reposition the 4-K clubs model to attract new audience,” said Mbaka.
Jilani on his part said that the government is making an effort to promote cost effective development and fabrication of appropriate agricultural technology and also increase utilisation of agricultural products through value addition.
Through this the agriculture sector will absorb 30% of the unemployed youth in the country.
“The 4-K clubs will help achieve the value chain approaches which include value addition and marketing. It will also help in meeting the high demand of food and boost the Country’s food security,” added Jilani.
The Nandi County government through the Department of Agriculture expressed its full support for the initiative.
Speaking at the same event Agriculture Chief Officer, Wilson Lelei said agriculture is key and that is the core activity for the County thus our economy is backed on it.
“We are happy that the President has focused in agriculture sector which is playing a key role among the big 4 agenda and if we can instil the importance of agriculture right from our schools, we will be able to have a citizen that has core values and interest in the sector. We are glad to be part of the team that is emphasising on the 4-K Club revival and as a county we will partner with the schools and all the stakeholders involved to see that the President’s dream is achieved,” he said.
By Judith Jepleting
