by Mary Mwende
The Kenya Flower Council (KFC), led by CEO Clement Tulezi, recently took a significant step in inspiring the next generation of agricultural professionals. During a visit to Toi Primary School in Nairobi, during this year’s Valentine’s Day, the KFC team planted flowers and engaged with students, reinforcing the importance of agriculture as a viable and rewarding career path.
Speaking at the event, Tulezi emphasized the need to nurture young minds early, helping them appreciate agriculture not only as a means of livelihood but also as a thriving business sector. He highlighted that many industries are rooted in agriculture, from flour and wheat processing to a wide array of value-added products, demonstrating the sector’s economic importance.
“We need people who will be nurtured to have a good understanding and an interest in agriculture,” Tulezi stated. “What better way than starting today, talking to young people and inspiring them to take an active role in shaping the future of this sector?”
The Kenya Flower Council has embarked on a long-term collaboration with Toi Primary School, aiming to create sustained engagement that could potentially produce future agricultural specialists. Tulezi expressed optimism that some of these students will one day become key players in the industry, ensuring that agriculture continues to thrive and evolve.
There remains a common misconception that farming is a last resort for those with limited career options. However, KFC is determined to change this narrative by showcasing the immense opportunities within the agricultural sector. “Agriculture is a trade like any other that needs to be appreciated and nurtured,” Tulezi remarked. “The returns are high, and the impact is significant.”
KFC, known for its advocacy for the floriculture industry, also intends to leverage its expertise in providing mentorship and educational talks for students. Tulezi noted that partnerships and collaborations will be explored to ensure long-term success in agricultural education.
As part of the visit, the KFC team, alongside students and teachers, participated in a flower-planting exercise within the school grounds. This hands-on activity not only beautified the school environment but also gave students a practical understanding of floriculture. The young learners eagerly dug small plots, placed flowers among them roses into the soil, and watered them under the guidance of KFC representatives. This experience reinforced the importance of caring for plants and showcased how agriculture can be both rewarding and enjoyable.
The visit to Toi Primary School marks the beginning of an inspiring journey to instill agricultural knowledge and passion in young learners. The students were excited to learn about the potential of agriculture beyond traditional farming, exploring opportunities in agribusiness, technology-driven farming, and environmental sustainability. This initiative not only seeks to educate but also to empower students with hands-on experiences that could spark lifelong careers in the field.
Toi Primary School’s head teacher welcomed the initiative with great enthusiasm, recognizing the immense value it brings to students. “We are grateful to the Kenya Flower Council for choosing our school as a partner in this meaningful project. Our students will benefit greatly from learning about agriculture in a practical and engaging way,” she remarked.
As part of this ongoing collaboration, KFC aims to introduce mentorship programmes, and interactive agricultural projects that will give students real-world exposure. The Council also plans to invite industry experts to share their experiences, further enriching the learning process. By fostering early interest in agriculture, this initiative will help secure the future of Kenya’s agricultural sector and its contribution to the national economy.
