Stakeholders push for revival of 4K clubs to tackle climate change

Participants during the launch of the Pioneer Climate Resilience Advocacy Strategy in Laikipia. The meeting aimed to sensitize stakeholders on the revival of 4K clubs in schools. [Amos Kiarie, Standard]

Education and environmental stakeholders have called for the revival of 4K clubs in schools to equip students with practical skills in combating climate change.

The clubs, once a cornerstone of agricultural and environmental education in schools, are seen as vital tools in fostering a generation that understands and actively participates in sustainable practices. 

The 4K Club programme, an acronym for “Kuungana, Kufanya, Kusaidia Kenya” (Unite, Act, Help Kenya), was popular in the 1990s but have dwindled in recent years due to shifts in educational priorities and resource constraints.

With the growing threat of climate change, stakeholders believe it is time to bring them back into the education system. 

According to Pioneer Child Development Programme (PCDP) executive director John Kingori, climate change is no longer a distant issue; it’s a reality affecting every aspect of our lives.

“We need to empower our children with the knowledge and skills to tackle these challenges from an early age. The revival of 4K clubs can play a pivotal role in this effort," he noted.

He added that by reviving the 4k clubs, students can learn to plant trees, manage waste, conserve water, and adopt sustainable agricultural practices—skills critical in mitigating the effects of climate change.

"The clubs traditionally focused on teaching students practical farming techniques, environmental conservation, and community service. So far, we are working with schools like Gitero, Narumoru township, Kihato, Jikaze and Mukandamia primary schools and we are targeting 10 more schools by June 2025 in Laikipia and Nyeri counties to teach children the importance of efficient water use, agroforestry, and soil conservation—skills critical in a water-scarce counties," he said.

Nyeri County education CEC Margaret Macharia, the said aligning the clubs’ activities with the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), will higlight experiential learning and problem-solving. 

“The CBC is about equipping learners with hands-on skills, and 4K clubs perfectly align with this vision, through these clubs, students can develop solutions to real-world challenges like deforestation, soil erosion, and food insecurity," she said.

She urged the Ministry of Education to integrate 4K clubs into school programs and allocate resources for training teachers and acquiring necessary materials. 

"Partnerships with environmental organizations and community leaders could help provide technical expertise and mentorship to students," she noted. 

Rhoda Ndegwa, a Camp Warden at the Kenya Scout Association and a Solar Ambassador for Kenya, said that Parents and guardians should support the initiative by engaging their children in eco-friendly activities at home and in the community. 

"As Kenya continues to face climate-related challenges such as droughts and floods, the revival of 4K Clubs could prove to be a game-changer. By instilling environmental consciousness and practical skills in young learners, the country takes a step closer to a sustainable future," she added.

“With the right tools and knowledge, the youth can lead the fight against climate change.”