Superfood of the Rift: Spirulina Transforming Schools in Nakuru and the Mau Forest Region

​The lush slopes of the Mau Forest and the sun-drenched Rift Valley floor have long been the "water tower" and "breadbasket" of Kenya. Today, however, a microscopic organism is taking center stage in the fight against malnutrition: Spirulina.

​Known as a "superfood," this blue-green algae is being integrated into the daily lives of thousands of children and farmers in Nakuru County. Here is an exploration of the suppliers, the local initiatives, and the unique recipes powering this nutritional revolution.

​The "Green" Revolution in Nakuru Schools

​In early 2026, the Nakuru County government, under Governor Susan Kihika, reached a significant milestone in its partnership with Engineers Without Borders–Israel (EWB-I). What began as a pilot project at Keriko Secondary School in Njoro has now scaled up to provide fortified meals to over 65,000 Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) students.

​The goal is simple: use Spirulina’s 70% protein content and dense concentration of iron and vitamins to eliminate stunting and improve cognitive focus in the classroom.

​Where to Find It: Suppliers in the Nakuru-Mau Area

​If you are looking to source Spirulina powder locally, the ecosystem is growing rapidly from small-scale farms to county-backed centers:

1. ​Agricultural Training Centre (ATC) Soilo: Located on the outskirts of Nakuru City, this is the county's primary hub for Spirulina production. It serves as a training ground for farmers and a major production site for the school feeding program.

1. ​Keriko Secondary School (Njoro): The pioneer site for cultivation in the Mau region. While primarily educational, it has been the blueprint for local community tanks.

1. ​Tiwani Spirulina: While headquartered in Nairobi, Tiwani is the most prominent Kenyan brand and distributes bulk powder to retailers and health shops throughout Nakuru and the surrounding Rift Valley.
2. ​Local Women’s & Youth Groups: Under the county’s "Climate-Smart Agriculture" initiative, several groups in Lare (Njoro) and Salgaa have established greenhouse tanks. These groups are often the best source for "fresh" or locally dried powder.

​The Recipe: Spirulina-Fortified "Uji Power"

​In Kenyan schools, the most effective way to deliver Spirulina is through the traditional Uji (porridge). Because Spirulina has a distinct, slightly "earthy" or "sea-like" taste, local cooks have perfected a recipe that masks the flavor while retaining the nutrients.

​School-Style Spirulina Uji (Serves 4)

• ​Base: 1 cup of fermented millet or sorghum flour.
• ​Sweetener: 2 tablespoons of honey or unrefined sugar (to balance the earthy algae notes).
• ​The "Power" Add-on: 1 teaspoon of Spirulina powder (added at the very end).
• ​Optional: A squeeze of lemon or a pinch of ginger (the Vitamin C helps the body absorb the iron in the Spirulina).

​Instructions:

1. ​Mix the millet/sorghum flour with a little cold water to make a smooth paste.
2. ​Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a pot.
3. ​Slowly pour the paste into the boiling water, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
4. ​Lower the heat and let it simmer for 10–15 minutes until thick and glossy.
5. ​The Golden Rule: Turn off the heat before adding the Spirulina. High heat can destroy the delicate vitamins and enzymes in the algae.
6. ​Stir in 1 teaspoon of Spirulina powder until the porridge turns a vibrant, deep green.
7. ​Add honey and a squeeze of lemon to taste.

​Why the Mau Forest Matters

​The success of Spirulina in this region is inextricably linked to the Mau Forest Complex. As the forest provides the groundwater that feeds the alkaline lakes of the Rift Valley (like Nakuru and Elementaita), it maintains the natural environment where Spirulina first evolved.

​By farming Spirulina in tanks near the forest, the community is practicing "climate-smart" agriculture—producing more protein per acre than beef or maize, with a fraction of the water usage.

​Final Word for Residents

​As of January 2026, the Nakuru County government is encouraging more residents to visit the Soilo ATC to learn how to set up small-scale home tanks. For those in the Mau area, this "green gold" is no longer just a supplement for flamingos—it is the future of Kenyan health.