Food security remains one of Africa’s most urgent challenges, with millions facing hunger and inadequate nutrition. In Kenya, nearly 30% of households are food insecure—particularly in arid and semi-arid regions—while malnutrition among children persists at alarming levels.
According to the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS), 18% of children under five are stunted, 10% are underweight, 5% suffer from wasting, and 3% are overweight—painting a grim picture of the nation’s nutritional well-being.
In response to this crisis, First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto, through her flagship Mama Kitchen Garden initiative—supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development—is championing efforts to enhance food security and improve nutrition at the household and school level.
The initiative promotes nutrition-sensitive agriculture, agritech innovation, climate-smart farming, and women’s economic empowerment. It encourages families and learning institutions to embrace kitchen gardens as a sustainable way to access fresh, nutritious food while fostering agricultural education.
Speaking during the National Mama Kitchen Garden Private Sector and Development Partners Breakfast Meeting held at the Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) Headquarters, Principal Secretary for Agriculture Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh emphasized the need for a coordinated and inclusive approach to ensure long-term impact.
He highlighted the value of school kitchen gardens as “outdoor laboratories,” offering students hands-on learning in soil testing, plant growth, pest control, and sustainable farming. “Experiential learning fosters curiosity, innovation, and paves the way for the next generation of agricultural scientists and environmental stewards,” said Dr. Ronoh.
He also noted the initiative’s potential to create mentorship opportunities by connecting students with seasoned farmers and agricultural experts in structured, knowledge-sharing platforms.
For urban families and schools with limited space, Dr. Ronoh encouraged the adoption of vertical farming and hydroponics as innovative solutions to boost food production in constrained environments.
Elizabeth Koskei, CEO of Mama Doing Good, the organization implementing the initiative jointly with the State Department for Agriculture, said the Mama Kitchen Garden is rooted in the belief that women, families, and communities have the power to transform their lives through self-reliance and nutrition-focused farming. “Our vision is that every household—regardless of income or space—can cultivate a small garden and enjoy the dignity of healthy, homegrown food,” she stated.
Key stakeholders present at the event—including KALRO Director General Dr. Eliud Kireger and Kenya Seed Company Managing Director Sammy Chepsiror reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Mama Kitchen Garden and scaling up food security solutions across Kenya.
The official launch of the National Mama Kitchen Garden is scheduled for 9th May, 2025, at the Agriculture Training Centre (ATC) in Koibatek, Baringo County.
