A cohort of 162 students from the Kenya School of Agriculture has departed for the United Kingdom to participate in a six-month industrial attachment under the UK’s Seasonal Workers Scheme. This government-supported initiative is designed to equip young Kenyans with modern agricultural skills, positioning them for greater competitiveness in both local and global markets.
The flag-off ceremony marked a significant milestone in Kenya’s efforts to modernize its agricultural sector through global partnerships. Agriculture is not only a pillar of Kenya’s economy but also a major source of employment. The government recognizes its vast potential to drive economic growth, food security, and youth empowerment.
The Kenya School of Agriculture, a leading Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution, is among the select few in Africa participating in the UK’s Seasonal Workers Scheme. Since its inception in 2022, the programme has become an integral part of Kenya’s youth employment and labour mobility strategy, providing students with hands-on experience in advanced agricultural practices in the UK.
Modern agriculture is rapidly evolving with increasing reliance on technology and innovation. The training in the UK is intended to expose Kenyan students to cutting-edge techniques in horticulture, crop management, mechanized farming, and sustainable practices. By acquiring these skills, the students will be better prepared to contribute meaningfully to Kenya’s agricultural transformation upon their return.
The Kenyan government has made significant investments to strengthen the institutional capacity of the Kenya School of Agriculture, enabling it to offer competency-based education and training (CBET) programmes. These include training in horticultural production, which aligns with global standards and is tailored to equip graduates for employment in both local and international agricultural markets. The initiative also promotes self-employment, encouraging young graduates to become agripreneurs.
This latest group of students joins the growing number of young Kenyan agricultural professionals who have benefited from the Seasonal Workers Scheme. Since 2023, the programme has facilitated the deployment of 392 skilled agricultural workers to the UK. This exchange not only contributes to personal and professional development but also fosters technology transfer and strengthens the bilateral relationship between Kenya and the United Kingdom.
In addition to gaining practical agricultural skills, students will also benefit from a rich cultural exchange experience, competitive remuneration in British pounds, and exposure to global best practices in agri-tech. These experiences are expected to shape a new generation of agricultural leaders in Kenya who are technologically savvy, globally aware, and economically empowered.
The training initiative is part of a broader government agenda to make agriculture more attractive and rewarding to the youth. It reflects a commitment to not just create jobs, but to foster sustainable livelihoods and innovation in agriculture. By equipping young people with the tools to thrive in modern farming, the government aims to ensure that agriculture remains a vibrant and future-ready sector.
This transformative programme signals a step forward in Kenya’s journey to revolutionize agriculture, create quality employment for youth, and embrace global cooperation for sustainable development. As the students begin their training abroad, they carry the hopes of becoming ambassadors of progress and innovation in Kenya’s agricultural landscape.
