Introduction
On 4 March 2026, Seeds of the Future took an important first step toward building school-based climate action programs in Kenya.
Our team conducted the first school assessment visit at Migosi Comprehensive School in Kisumu County, exploring the potential to establish a school tree nursery and hands-on environmental learning program.
The visit brought together representatives from:
- Seeds of the Future
- Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI)
- Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO)
Migosi Comprehensive School serves approximately 2,500 students, making it an ideal location to begin a program that combines climate education, agriculture, and environmental stewardship.
A School Already Practicing Agriculture
Students at Migosi are already actively engaged in agriculture through the school’s 4K Club, where they grow vegetables and experiment with creative farming methods.
During the visit, the team toured the school’s vegetable gardens where students are cultivating crops such as:
- Managu
- Spinach
- Kale (Sukuma wiki)
- Spring onions
- Maize
Students have also demonstrated impressive creativity by developing vertical gardens using recycled containers, maximizing production even in limited spaces.
These student-led projects demonstrate the strong potential for integrating practical environmental learning into the school curriculum.
Assessing the Proposed Tree Nursery Site
A key objective of the visit was to evaluate the land allocated for the school tree nursery.
The proposed site measures 15 metres by 15 metres and is located within a secure section of the school compound.
Several advantages were identified during the assessment:
- Secure perimeter walls around the school
- Additional fencing around the nursery plot
- Access to borehole water for irrigation
- Soil composed of loam mixed with sandy soil, suitable for nursery production
With proper preparation, the site has the potential to support thousands of tree seedlings that can later be planted within the school and surrounding communities.
Technical Guidance from KEFRI and KALRO
Technical experts from KEFRI and KALRO provided valuable guidance during the visit.
Their recommendations included:
- Improving compost production using kitchen waste and grass cuttings
- Adding animal manure to strengthen soil fertility
- Pruning nearby trees to allow more sunlight into the nursery area
- Selecting appropriate fruit trees and indigenous tree species
These measures will help ensure the nursery produces healthy, resilient seedlings.
Strengthening Soil Health
During the visit, the team observed that some crops in the vegetable gardens showed signs of nutrient deficiencies, such as yellowing leaves.
To address this, the team recommended strengthening the school’s composting system using:
- kitchen waste
- cut grass
- cow, goat, or sheep manure
The school also has an unused rabbit house, which may be reactivated in the future.
Rabbit manure could become a valuable component of the compost system, creating a circular school farming model where organic waste becomes fertilizer.
Why This Matters
Seeds of the Future is designed to help schools become centres of climate learning and environmental stewardship.
Through school tree nurseries and kitchen gardens, students gain practical skills in:
- climate resilience
- regenerative agriculture
- food security
- environmental conservation
Over time, each participating school nursery will have the potential to produce thousands of seedlings, supporting both school greening and community tree planting initiatives.
Migosi Comprehensive School represents the first step in a long-term effort to empower young people to lead climate action in their communities.
Seeds of the Future welcomes partnerships with organisations, institutions, and individuals who share the vision of growing the next generation of environmental stewards.
Next Steps
Following the assessment, the following actions were agreed upon:
- Clearing the nursery site of waste and overgrown grass
- Establishing a compost production system
- Sourcing manure and loam soil
- Procuring seedling bags
- Selecting appropriate tree seeds
- Labelling nursery beds and planted trees across the school compound
These steps will lay the foundation for the first Seeds of the Future school tree nursery.
The Journey Begins
The visit concluded with a meeting with the school leadership and teachers, who expressed strong support for the initiative.
Together with KEFRI and KALRO, Seeds of the Future aims to transform schools into living classrooms for climate education, where students learn through hands-on environmental projects.
If successful, Migosi Comprehensive School will become the first Seeds of the Future pilot school.
And this is only the beginning.
