This archive report was first published on 6 July 2019.
Located about 15 kilometers from Nakuru Town, Shunem Girls' Boarding High School in Lanet has made a name for itself through its innovative approach to farming.
The school, which sits on nine acres and has a student population of 450, has implemented organic farming methods, using chicken manure to grow a variety of vegetables, including sukuma wiki (collard greens).
Principal James Asuka explains that the school's mission is to farm all its crops organically, and they have achieved this by rearing 200 Kienyeji chickens, which provide the manure used to grow the vegetables.
Once the manure is harvested, it is decomposed for over three months before being used to plant vegetable seedlings. The land is also regularly manured to maintain soil fertility.
Asuka notes that the school's decision to start a chicken project in 2016 was driven by the need for an alternative source of protein for students and the ease of keeping chickens.
With the help of a veterinary officer, the school has been able to manage the chickens effectively, feeding them vegetables from the garden and using their manure to nourish the crops.
This mutually beneficial arrangement has saved the school from buying fertilizers and has enabled them to save over Sh40,000 per term that could have been spent on purchasing eggs.
Debbie Hellen, a Form Four student, notes that the school's agriculture program has taught her new skills, including how to feed and manage the chickens.
Julius Omuko, a poultry specialist, agrees that chickens are a good source of income and food at schools, and that they are relatively easy to manage, provided cleanliness is maintained.
However, the school faces challenges such as lack of extension officers, diseases, and lack of places to preserve vaccines before administration.
