Rachel Ruto launches ‘Mama Kitchen Garden’ initiative

First Lady Rachel Ruto has launched the ‘Mama Kitchen Garden’ initiative, a nationwide program designed to empower women and students to grow thriving kitchen gardens in their homes, schools and communities, contributing to food security and better nutrition across Kenya.

Speaking during the national rollout held at the Agricultural Training Centre (ATC) Koibatek in Baringo County, the First Lady underscored the program’s central mission—equipping mothers, whom she described as “the true anchors of our nation,” with the tools and knowledge to grow fresh, nutritious vegetables for their families.

“We are on a mission to give mothers the power to increase household vegetable intake by empowering Kenyan women to establish a thriving kitchen garden for their families,” she said.

She emphasized that the initiative goes beyond food production—it’s a movement rooted in dignity, pride, and shared responsibility. By engaging both women and children in sustainable agricultural practices, ‘Mama Kitchen Garden’ aims not just to grow food, but to cultivate stronger, healthier futures.

“‘Mama Kitchen Garden’ will give every woman the pride and joy that truly comes from knowing that your family is well fed,” the First Lady added.

She noted that hunger and malnutrition continue to hinder education, health, and overall development in Kenya. She reminded the audience of a powerful truth: “You cannot teach a hungry child.” Through the establishment of kitchen gardens in homes and schools, the initiative seeks to turn these spaces into green, productive areas that nourish both body and mind.

Already, schools in 21 counties have benefitted from the program, forming a growing network of gardens that feed, teach, and inspire. In addition to vegetables, the program also involves planting fruit trees, which the First Lady described as “living legacies” that will provide vital nutrients to children for generations.

To ensure the success and sustainability of the initiative, the State Department of Agriculture, along with various development and technical partners, will provide training, seeds, farming tools, and extension services.

“Our goal is to combine indigenous knowledge with modern farming practices in a participatory manner with our children,” she said.

Looking to the future, the vision is to expand ‘Mama Kitchen Garden’ to all 47 counties—school by school, home by home—ensuring that no household, no child, and no community is left behind.
“This is not just about growing food; it is about growing and nurturing futures.”

In her closing remarks, the First Lady encouraged every household to dedicate space for a kitchen garden and called on partners and stakeholders to support the initiative with the resources and commitment it requires.

“I urge all partners and stakeholders to give this program national importance by providing the funds, technical skills, and inputs required for success.”

Principal Secretary for Agriculture Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh challenged schools to come up with kitchen gardens for they “serve as living classrooms, teaching students sustainable agriculture, healthy eating, and climate resilience.”