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| Charlene Ruto, patron of SMACHS Foundation planting some crops |
By Wasike Elvis
In a heartfelt ceremony today, Charlene Ruto, patron of SMACHS Foundation, officially launched the Kosachei Model Farm, a transformative project aimed at teaching young learners the value of agriculture and sustainability. The farm, which began as a vision eight months ago, is a joint initiative between SMACHS Foundation, Kosachei Primary School, and various local and international partners, and marks an important milestone in the Foundation's broader mission to empower youth through agriculture.
The journey started with a simple conversation about the possibility of setting up a model farm within the school, not only as a learning center but also as a source of food for the students. The discussions soon materialized, and with the school administration's collaboration, a 0.3-acre plot was identified for the farm. The Foundation also donated 10 beehives to complement the project, with local parents stepping forward to donate land to house the hives.
By the end of 2023, the groundwork for the farm was set in motion. In January 2024, students planted 100 tomato seedlings, capsicum, managu, 300 sukuma wiki seedlings, and four avocado trees. The immediate impact was profound, as the produce was consumed by the staff and students, while surplus vegetables were sold to raise funds for the school. The farm quickly became a success, saving the school Ksh 7,500 and generating an additional Ksh 7,000 in sales. The school’s 4K Club, a group of dedicated students, took ownership of the farm and ran it with passion.
However, as with any ambitious project, challenges arose. A poorly timed planting of kales during the second round resulted in the crops being overrun by weeds. Despite this setback, the students re-planted the farm in October 2024, planting a variety of crops, including managu, kales, and carrots. Yet, water scarcity due to erratic rainfall posed a significant challenge.
Undeterred, Charlene Ruto and the SMACHS Foundation responded by donating a 1,000-liter water tank to the school, ensuring that the farm would thrive regardless of the weather. Additionally, the beehives are being relocated back to the school, with safety measures in place to ensure that students can safely learn about apiculture without compromising their well-being.
Today, as part of the official farm launch, Charlene Ruto joined the students in planting 2,000 sukuma wiki seedlings, 500 kilimo cabbages, 500 star tomatoes, 1,500 Fordhook spinach, and an assortment of other vegetables and herbs. "We are optimistic that the crops, which I know you will nurture with love, will provide not only food for you to eat but surplus to sell," said Ruto. She also emphasized the importance of teaching students the value of planting before harvesting and nurturing the land to enjoy the fruits of their labor.
The Kosachei Model Farm is just one of several similar initiatives across the country under SMACHS Foundation's vision for a youth-led agricultural renaissance. Model farms at the AGC Karen Center of Excellence, Vijito School in Nairobi, and the Lodokejek Model Farm in Samburu County serve as hands-on learning platforms, showing young people that farming can be both fun and lucrative. The Foundation aims to inspire young people to take up climate-smart agriculture and lead the way in tackling food insecurity and changing weather patterns.
As part of the celebration, 50 school bags were distributed to the students involved in the farm’s success. These bags, Ruto explained, symbolize more than just carrying books – they represent the lessons, opportunities, and hope that the students will carry with them into the future.
Charlene Ruto took a moment to thank the project's partners for their unwavering support. "This journey would not have been possible without the invaluable contributions from Kosachei Primary School, Yegen Farms, Honeylicious, Yara EA, Continental Seeds EA, Grekkon Irrigation, Finetouch Africa, Syngenta EA, and Borhen. Your support has planted seeds of transformation that will last for generations to come."
She also acknowledged the work of Uasin Gishu County Youth Ambassadors, Clinton Kiplagat and Beneddine Jeptoo, who are actively promoting the Foundation’s transformation agenda across Kenya.
In response to the question often posed to her, "Why do you do this?" Ruto emphasized that the goal of SMACHS Foundation is simple: to plant seeds of change in the lives of young people, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to create a better future for themselves and their communities.
The Kosachei Model Farm is just the beginning. With continued efforts and support, SMACHS Foundation envisions a future where young people across Kenya and beyond are at the forefront of sustainable agriculture and community transformation.