Egerton University’s Faculty of Education and Community Development hosted a significant 4K-Club meeting yesterday, bringing together over 50 headteachers and club patrons from primary schools in Njoro Sub-County. The event, organized by the Egerton Agriculture and Extension Students Association (AEESA) and patronized by Dr. Miriam Kyule, Head of the Department of Agricultural Education and Extension (AGED), showcased the university's dedication to fostering agricultural education and food security.
The meeting attracted key stakeholders, including Alice Thome, Assistant Director of Agriculture and Livestock Development from the Ministry of Agriculture; Nakuru County Principal Agricultural Officer Naomi Muriuki; Dean of the Faculty of Education Dr. Flora Fedha; and a team of experts from West Virginia University. The delegation from West Virginia included Dr. Adeola Ogunade, Dr. Tina Cowger, Dr. Lewis Jett, and others, who facilitated training sessions during the event.
Empowering Future Generations
Alice Thome highlighted the importance of engaging children in agriculture early. “The turnout today is encouraging. By instilling agricultural knowledge in young learners, we are equipping them with vital skills that promote food security and self-reliance,” she said. Thome praised Egerton University for leading efforts to nurture 4K-Clubs nationwide and revealed that the government has allocated resources to support such initiatives.
Dr. Miriam Kyule added that Egerton lecturers and AEESA members would mentor primary schools with 4K-Clubs, providing hands-on training in agricultural practices.
Changing Perspectives on Agriculture
Representing Nakuru County Agriculture Executive Hon. Leonard Bor, Naomi Muriuki urged educators to avoid associating farming with punishment. “When students are tasked with farming activities as punishment, they develop negative perceptions of agriculture,” she cautioned. Muriuki commended Egerton University for driving agricultural awareness and complementing the county’s agricultural policies.
Training for Success
West Virginia University experts led sessions on resource mobilization, teamwork, financial management, and leadership for 4K-Clubs. These trainings aimed to empower participants with skills to manage clubs effectively and inspire students to embrace agriculture as a rewarding pursuit.
Strengthening Partnerships
Dr. Flora Fedha, Dean of the Faculty of Education, reaffirmed Egerton University’s commitment to partnerships that enhance agricultural education. “Through collaborations like this, we can shape future agricultural leaders who will champion food security initiatives,” she said.
The event underscored Egerton University’s role as a leader in sustainable agriculture and education, cementing its reputation as a hub for impactful, community-based solutions.
For more updates on Egerton University’s programs, visit Egerton University’s official website.
