The Sekenani Youth Hydroponics Project: A Beacon of Hope

Nestled in the heart of Narok County, on the fringes of the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, lies the tranquil town of Sekenani. As with many rural Kenyan villages, Sekenani faces a myriad of challenges — limited economic opportunities, soaring youth unemployment, unreliable water access, and an urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices. Amidst these hurdles, a beacon of hope has emerged in the form of the Sekenani Youth Hydroponics Project.

Financed by the Harambee Africa Initiative, this project is a community-driven initiative, managed by the Sekenani Envirotech Center and aims to empower the youth of Sekenani by providing them with a sustainable and innovative way to cultivate crops to make a living. This project stands as beacon of hope, bringing transformative change not only to the youth but to the entire town.

One of the key advantages of hydroponics is its ability to conserve water, a precious resource in the arid region of Narok County. With traditional farming methods often requiring large amounts of water, the hydroponic system used in this project significantly reduces water usage, making it a more environmentally friendly and sustainable option. By enabling the cultivation of a variety of crops, regardless of soil conditions, the community can diversify its food sources and reduce dependency on external resources. This resilience to external factors contributes to the overall well-being of the village, ensuring a stable and consistent food supply for its residents.

During a field visit to the project by the Strathmore University Business School team, Ben, the Project Manager noted the critical role the project plays in the providing fresh vegetables to the community. “Before we started the Hydroponics Project, it was difficult for the community members to access to fresh vegetables unless it was during the market days. What this project has done is to ensure that the community has a continuous flow of fresh vegetables throughout,” Ben said. “In a bid to grow the business venture, we recently began partnering with local hotels and lodges serving tourists to the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. This has seen us work towards increasing our production and we are now looking to further expand the project.

The success of this project not only demonstrates the power of community-driven initiatives but also serves as an inspiring example for other regions facing similar challenges.

As the hydroponic project continues to thrive, it not only brings hope to the village of Sekenani but also serves as a model for sustainable development, proving that innovative agricultural practices can positively impact communities, especially in areas with limited resources. This project is not just about adopting hydroponics; it’s a comprehensive initiative that encompasses training, youth employment, community engagement, and sustainable development. The project began by identifying and harnessing the untapped potential of the youth in Sekenani, recognizing them as a driving force for positive change in the community.

The ripple effects of the hydroponics project extend to the entire town. As the youth become agents of change, the project contributes to a positive shift in the town’s economic landscape. The increased availability of fresh, locally grown produce enhances food security, and the sustainable agricultural practices promoted by the project contribute to the overall environmental well-being of the region.