This archive report was first published on 24 July 2019.
On a typical morning at Bahari Girls High School in Kilifi County, the sound of the 6:30 am bell signals the start of a unique learning experience for Form Four students. Their agriculture class is not just about theory, but a hands-on project where each student is allocated a chicken to care for.
Before entering the poultry area, students dip their feet in a footbath to prevent the spread of diseases. This routine is strictly followed to ensure the health and well-being of the birds. According to Mwanamwinyi Mwinyihaji, a student, 'If you don't disinfect your feet, you risk introducing diseases. Chicken houses, feeding and watering troughs must remain clean.'
The school has two separate chicken coops, one for the students with 84 birds and another for the school with 247. Each student's chicken is kept in a separate cage, with the student's index number inscribed on it. The project, which started last year, cost over Sh60,000, according to principal Prisca Mgute.
Principal Mgute explains, 'Each student has been allocated a bird so that they take care of it. If a chicken dies or becomes sick, the agriculture teacher deducts some marks from the student.' The school has employed a farm hand to assist with the care of the birds, but the students are responsible for their own poultry.
The students keep Kenbro breed chickens, which are hardy and suitable for the project. The school also keeps 12 dairy cattle on the two-acre farm, producing 40 litres of milk every day. The milk is consumed by students and teachers, and some is sold to teachers during holidays.
According to Kilifi county chief agriculture officer Fredrick Kaingu, it is easy for schools to generate income through selling milk, eggs, and meat. He adds, 'Students also get nutritional value through the projects by taking milk tea, eggs, and meat.'
