Former chief justice David Maraga recently visited an exclusive organic farm in Maryland, United States, operated by a Kenyan couple, Charles Choti and Dr. Truphena Choti. Maraga described their farm, AfriThrive, as a model of food sovereignty in practice. The farm supplies vegetables and fruits to hundreds of schoolchildren and approximately 1,000 low-income families every week.
AfriThrive's operations are supported by government grants, enabling the distribution of produce to those in need. The organisation promotes indigenous vegetables, equips farmers with technical knowledge and resources, and works with local hospitals and dietitians to supply produce to patients. This initiative aims to improve the health and wellbeing of the community.
During his visit, Maraga highlighted the importance of organic farming and the role of grants in making the operation viable. He noted that the cost of healthcare would decrease if children grew up healthy. Maraga connected his visit to his political platform, emphasizing that Kenya's agriculture policies must prioritize the health of its people as national wealth.
Maraga, who is also a 2027 presidential aspirant, outlined his agriculture pledges under his UGM Party. He pledged to subsidise food production costs, protect farmers' rights, and safeguard indigenous seeds. Additionally, his party would ban harmful chemicals and herbicides that pollute ecosystems and support research into indigenous foods with medicinal value.
The former chief justice further called for the adoption of school feeding programmes across Kenya, arguing that nutritious meals promote good health and keep children in class. He warned that industrial monocultures and over-reliance on chemicals pose a growing threat to farmers' livelihoods and national food security globally.
Maraga's visit to AfriThrive was documented on social media, showcasing garden plots, a greenhouse, and small animal enclosures. The AfriThrive-branded van, with the tagline "Nourish. Educate. Transform," was also visible throughout the visit. This initiative serves as a counter-example to industrial farming practices.
Maraga's UGM Party aims to prioritize food sovereignty and the health of Kenyans. His proposals focus on sustainable agriculture practices, supporting farmers, and promoting nutritious meals in schools. By adopting such policies, Maraga's government aims to improve the overall wellbeing of Kenyan citizens.
Key points
- Former chief justice David Maraga visited a US organic farm run by a Kenyan couple, highlighting its model of food sovereignty.
- The farm, AfriThrive, supplies vegetables and fruits to hundreds of schoolchildren and low-income families.
- Maraga connected his visit to his political platform, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the health of Kenyans through sustainable agriculture practices.
