The National Potato Council of Kenya (NPCK), in partnership with aak-GROW/CropLife Kenya, Egerton University, the 4K Club, and other agricultural stakeholders, held a vibrant Farmers’ Field Day at Egerton University on 5 June 2026. The event brought together farmers, students, extension practitioners, and industry players to showcase innovative technologies and promote Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), while inspiring young people to take an active role in transforming agriculture.

The Field Day forms part of the Stewardship Mashinani initiative, a grassroots programme that has played a significant role in promoting responsible farming practices and creating lasting behavioural change within farming communities. Since its inception, the initiative has focused on raising awareness of sustainable agricultural practices by working directly with communities and leveraging educational institutions through the 4K Club programme.

One of the main highlights of the event was the 4K Club Farmer Field Day, which demonstrated the importance of equipping young people with practical agricultural knowledge and exposing them to modern farming technologies. Learners had the opportunity to interact with a wide range of innovations designed to improve productivity while safeguarding human health and the environment.

Participants explored demonstrations on improved potato production practices, modern mechanization solutions, drone technology, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Spray Service Providers (SSPs), and the responsible use of crop protection products. The exhibition also featured empty pesticide container collection bags, highlighting the importance of safe pesticide handling and environmental stewardship.

For potato farmers, the event offered practical insights into Good Agricultural Practices that can enhance yields, improve the quality of produce, and contribute to more profitable and sustainable farming systems. Through interactive demonstrations and discussions with experts, participants gained valuable knowledge on adopting technologies that address current production challenges while supporting environmental sustainability.

Beyond technology demonstrations, the event celebrated youth participation in agriculture through a variety of engaging activities. Students showcased their creativity and understanding of responsible farming through thought-provoking poems and drama performances centred on the safe and responsible use of pest control products. These presentations reinforced key stewardship messages in an engaging and memorable way.

Environmental conservation also featured prominently during the Field Day. A tree-planting exercise was conducted, after which students received tree seedlings to plant and nurture within their schools and communities. The activity underscored the close relationship between sustainable agriculture and environmental protection, encouraging young people to become champions of climate-smart farming practices.

To strengthen the continuity of agricultural learning, participating schools also received farm tools to support the establishment and growth of their 4K Club projects. These resources will enable learners to apply the knowledge gained during the event through practical farming activities, fostering innovation, teamwork, and entrepreneurship from an early age.

The Farmers’ Field Day served as an important platform for knowledge exchange, bringing together researchers, agricultural organizations, technology providers, extension professionals, and farmers to share experiences and explore practical solutions for improving agricultural productivity. It also highlighted the value of partnerships in driving innovation and supporting the development of resilient farming systems.

The 4K Club initiative continues to play a critical role in nurturing the next generation of agricultural leaders by equipping young learners with practical skills, promoting responsible farming practices, and encouraging them to become ambassadors of sustainable agriculture within their communities. As Kenya continues to modernize its agricultural sector, empowering youth with knowledge and practical experience remains essential to ensuring long-term food security and sustainable rural development.

Through collaborative initiatives such as this Farmers’ Field Day, NPCK, aak-GROW/CropLife Kenya, Egerton University, and their partners reaffirmed their commitment to building a more productive, innovative, and environmentally responsible agricultural sector. By connecting farmers and young learners with modern technologies, practical skills, and stewardship principles, the partners are helping lay the foundation for a resilient and sustainable future for Kenya’s agriculture.