Introduction
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The 4-K Club programme in Kenya was founded in 1962. This happened after a local leaders’ visit to the USA, where they were exposed to various agricultural programmes. The one that stood out among this group was the the 4-H Foundation. The 4-H concept originated from the United States, and is the largest youth development organization with a rich history and an expansive network in urban neighborhoods, suburban schoolyards and rural farming communities.
The 4-H members stand out among their peers in building revolutionary opportunities and implementing community-wide change at an early age. The Kenyan leaders decided to adopt the 4-H concept and principles, which were customized to 4-K Club for ownership and identity. The guiding principle is to empower the youth with agricultural and life skills which will contribute towards better nutrition, health and higher standards of living.
In Kenya, currently, there are over 4,000 4-K Clubs found in primary schools with an estimated membership of over 200,000 countrywide. In the wake of Competency Based Curriculum (CBC), it is envisaged that the 4-K Clubs will provide a holistic approach of Positive Youth Development (PYD) at home, school and the community by building on the strength of the youth as active agents to community development.
The Meaning of 4-K

Kuungana
UNITY of the youth and young farmers as members of the club to foster growth and empowerment in the society.

Kufanya
ENGAGING in doing work with one’s hands and mind, in a bid to meet society’s present needs.

Kusaidia
AID of the country by ensuring its progress through offering innovative solutions to national challenges.

Kenya
An educated, healthy, self-reliant nation points to an assurance of prosperity and a more secure future.

To Learn by Doing
It means being practically involved in the activities under the 4-K Club programmes and projects.
Research indicates that people learn best when they actually do a task. It has been found out that one remembers:
• 10% by reading
• 20% by hearing
• 30% by seeing
• 50% by seeing and hearing
• 70% by saying it ourselves
• 80% by experience
• 95% by saying and doing it ourselves (William Glasser, 1925).
For example, by growing your own crops, you learn to be a better farmer.