Egerton, Nanjing Universities train Nakuru youth in energy-efficient farming
Egerton University has partnered with Nanjing University of China in a groundbreaking initiative to train more than 100 youths from Nakuru County in energy-efficient farming methods, in a bid to boost food security and empower rural communities.
The training, supported by the China-International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), focused on indoor farming techniques using LED grow lights, vertical farming and smart greenhouse technologies.
The beneficiaries, drawn from all 11 sub-counties in Nakuru, were primarily small-scale farmers keen to adopt modern agricultural practices that promise higher yields and resilience against climate change.
Lecturers from both institutions showcased LED-assisted farming, a technology that allows crops to thrive indoors throughout the year, regardless of weather conditions. The training covered how to adjust light spectrums to suit different crop types, manage vertical gardens and apply smart technology to monitor greenhouse environments.
Prof. Liu Yutao, the Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at Egerton University, emphasized that the project was not only about technology transfer but also about reshaping the future of farming in Kenya.
“Climate change has had adverse negative impacts on food security. Greenhouses shield crops from pests, diseases and harsh weather, while LED lighting ensures consistent growth and higher productivity,” he said.
According to Liu, while greenhouse farming has gained some ground in Kenya, the use of LED-light technology remains relatively unknown, particularly among rural farmers.
“For many participants, this was their first encounter with LED-assisted farming and its potential to boost yields,” he added.
The professor underscored that the adoption of these innovations could significantly enhance food and nutrition security, while also creating income opportunities for youth. Increased yields, he noted, would not only meet household consumption needs but also provide surplus for sale in local markets.
“With shrinking agricultural land due to fragmentation, vertical gardens and LED farming present viable alternatives to ensure continued production,” he said.
Beyond crop production, the initiative also incorporated livestock training, with a focus on genomics in poultry. The program introduced modern breeding methods aimed at improving the quality of meat, eggs and dairy products, which are vital sources of nutrition.
One of the program’s core objectives was to attract more young people to agriculture. Liu observed that the average age of a Kenyan farmer is over 60 years, raising concerns about the sustainability of the sector.
“Youths are the hope of every country. They adapt to new technologies faster than older generations. It is crucial to engage them in farming and give them opportunities to innovate,” he said.
Participants expressed optimism about applying the new skills in their farms. Many said the training had shifted their perception of agriculture from being labor-intensive and risky to an innovative and potentially profitable venture.
“I never imagined that plants could grow indoors using LED lights. This training has opened my eyes to new possibilities. I am confident I can now run a vertical garden and earn a living,” said Peter Maina, a participant from Gilgil Sub-County.
The collaboration between Egerton and Nanjing universities reflects growing academic and technological partnerships between Kenya and China, particularly in areas aligned with sustainable development.
Dr. Grace Kibue, an Egerton University lecturer involved in the program, said the training reinforced Kenya’s efforts to modernize its agricultural systems in line with the government’s food security pillar under the Big Four Agenda.
“This project demonstrates the value of international collaboration in addressing local challenges. By equipping our youth with advanced skills, we are preparing a generation that can drive Kenya’s agricultural transformation,” she said.
The partners revealed that this was the first phase of a larger program aimed at scaling modern farming technologies to more counties across Kenya. Plans are underway to establish demonstration farms at Egerton University, where farmers and agricultural students can continue to learn and test innovations.
“Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that rural youth are not left behind in global agricultural advancements. We want to see them become job creators and champions of sustainable farming,” Liu noted.
As Kenya grapples with the twin challenges of food insecurity and youth unemployment, such initiatives present a timely solution. By merging traditional farming knowledge with cutting-edge technologies, the Egerton–Nanjing partnership is not only offering immediate skills training but also planting the seeds for a more sustainable agricultural future.
The success of the program in Nakuru has already drawn interest from other counties. Stakeholders believe that if replicated widely, energy-efficient farming could revolutionize how Kenya produces food, while giving the country’s youth a stronger stake in the economy.
