A Form Four student in West Pokot County is making headlines after successfully turning a small piece of land at home into a thriving vegetable farm.
Margarine Chesang, a student at Mnagei Secondary School and an active member of the 4K club and Science clubs, has used agricultural skills learned in school to grow crops such as sukuma wiki (kale), managu, kunde, carrots, and bananas.
The products from her farm have greatly transformed her life. After selling part of the produce, Chesang is able to buy essential school supplies like pens and books. At the same time, her family enjoys fresh vegetables and fruits from the garden, reducing household food expenses.
“I balance school work and farming by following a personal timetable. I usually work in the garden during evenings and weekends,” Chesang explained.
To prepare the land, she spread animal waste from chickens and cows over the soil, mixed it with a jembe, and irrigated the crops with water from a borehole at her homestead. When the rains arrived two months later, the crops flourished.
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Chesang credits her success to the support she has received both at school and at home.
“My principal, Hanna Lotuliatum, is very supportive in academics, co-curricular activities, and clubs. I also thank my guardians for providing seedlings for the garden,” she said.
At Mnagei Secondary School, the 4K Club has also established gardens where students grow avocados and vegetables, knowledge that Chesang has applied at home.
“Mixing school and home experience has enabled me to succeed in farming,” she said with pride.
Her story highlights how school-based agricultural clubs are empowering students with practical skills that make a real difference in their lives and communities.
By Martin Ruto
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