How BOOST is unlocking youth jobs and food security in Kenya

On farms across five counties, young people are taking on new roles. They are not just growing crops. They are testing soils, supplying inputs, running services and helping other farmers improve their yields. In doing so, they are building livelihoods that did not exist before.

This is the change taking shape through the Boosting Sustainable Food Production in Kenya (BOOST) programme. Working with national and county governments, the UN Rome-Based Agencies are supporting a model that places young people at the centre of local food systems.

At the heart of this work are agroecology service hubs. In just one year, 10 hubs have been set up across 10 sub-counties, bringing together more than 500 members, most of them young people. These hubs are not only places of learning. They are working businesses.

Their reach is already wide. More than 27,000 farmers have accessed services through the hubs. Over 137,000 tree seedlings have been distributed. More than 500 jobs, both direct and indirect, have been created. Together, the hubs have generated around KES 3.8 million in income, showing that this model can sustain itself.

For many young people, this is changing what is possible. Instead of leaving in search of uncertain work in towns and cities, they are choosing to stay and build something where they are. With training in agroecology, agroforestry and agribusiness, they are earning, learning and supporting others at the same time.

Through the hubs, young agripreneurs provide services that farmers need every day. They produce tree seedlings, carry out soil testing and supply organic inputs such as bio-fertilisers and biopesticides. They prepare vermicompost and offer mechanised services such as planting and spraying. They also help farmers aggregate and sell produce such as maize, sorghum and beans.

As their skills grow, so does trust. Farmers are increasingly willing to pay for these services, knowing they improve yields and reduce costs. Part of that income is returned to the hubs, helping them continue and expand their work.

“I thought I would have to leave for Nairobi to find work, but now, right here in my village, I am making money, training other youth, and showing them that farming can be modern and enjoyable,” says Silvier Akoli, a youth agroecology hub leader.

Access to inputs and finance is also improving. A mobile-based e-voucher system is helping farmers and young agripreneurs obtain certified seeds and other quality inputs. Delivered through private sector partnerships and administered through Equity Bank, the system is reaching over 13,000 users. It is also helping them begin to build a financial record, opening the door to future credit.

The changes go beyond individual farms. Counties are strengthening their extension systems with agroecological approaches. Demand for bio-fertilisers is growing. New links are forming between youth groups, agro-dealers and financial institutions. What is emerging is a more connected and locally driven food system.

BOOST is funded by the European Union through a EUR 10 million grant. It is managed by the International Fund for Agricultural Development and implemented by the Government of Kenya through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization and other stakeholders. The programme focuses on maize, sorghum, beans and potatoes across Bungoma, Kakamega, Homa Bay, Migori and Nandi, with county governments leading delivery on the ground.