Growing Food, Growing Dreams: How Multi-Storey Gardens are Transforming Learning at Tom Mboya Comprehensive School
For many learners at Tom Mboya Comprehensive School, farming was something they only read about in textbooks.
Located next to the Dandora dumpsite in one of Nairobi’s most densely populated informal settlements, the school had almost no open land where students could practice agriculture despite agriculture being part of the Competency-Based Curriculum. Lessons remained largely theoretical, leaving many learners without the opportunity to experience the process of growing food.
Everything changed when KGN established 40 multi-storey gardens within the school compound.
Today, previously unused spaces have been transformed into thriving vertical gardens producing kales, spinach, tomatoes, cabbages, spring onions, amaranth and African nightshade. The gardens have become outdoor classrooms where learners apply the agricultural knowledge they acquire in class.
The gardens are managed by 50 learners drawn from different grades who work on a rotational basis under the guidance of their patron teacher, Ms. Lucy Karimi. Through this initiative, learners have gained practical skills in seedling transplantation, watering, weeding, pest management, harvesting and sustainable urban farming.
Beyond improving learning, the gardens also promote responsibility and entrepreneurship. The vegetables harvested are shared among the student gardeners, while surplus produce is occasionally sold to members of the teaching staff. The proceeds are safely kept by the patron and reinvested in purchasing seeds, seedlings, manure and pesticides to ensure the gardens remain productive throughout the year.
According to Ms. Lucy Karimi, the project has transformed the way agriculture is taught and perceived by learners.
“The multi-storey gardens have completely changed how our learners experience agriculture. Instead of only reading about farming in books, they now plant, nurture, harvest and understand how to sustain a small farming project. They have become more responsible, more confident and genuinely excited about agriculture lessons because they can see the results of their work.”
-Ms. Lucy Karimi, Patron Teacher
From a Tailor to Landlady: The Inspiring Journey of Rebecca Kemunto Nyakwara
Rebecca Kemunto Nyakwara began her journey in Rionchogu village, Ogembo; armed with ambition, two small businesses(a shop and tailoring operation), and just KES 9,000 in savings. Her disciplined saving in Riariote SACCO’s Rionchogu Savings Unit enabled her access a first loan of KES 23,000. She used the funds to purchase inventory and materials, and within a short time her daily income nearly doubled, from KES 200 to around KES 500. By promptly repaying her loan, Rebecca solidified her credibility and trust within the SACCO community.
Kenya Good Neighbors Feeds 4,000 households in North Horr Constituency, Marsabit County
In the heart of Kenya’s Marsabit County, lies a region often plagued by drought, food insecurity, and limited resources, the lives of many households hang in the balance.
The North Horr constituency, home to over 4000 households, has faced numerous challenges, especially in recent years, due to inconsistent rainfall and diminishing agricultural outputs. With families struggling to provide basic food necessities, Kenya Good Neighbors embarked on a crucial mission to bring hope and relief.
