Battered by erratic weather patterns and decreasing rainfall, many farmers in Kiptororo ward, Kuresoi North Sub-County, Nakuru County are turning to beekeeping as an alternative source of livelihood. This shift is driven by the need for a more climate-resilient farming practice, as beekeeping is less vulnerable to the impacts of unpredictable weather changes.
The County Government has supported beekeepers through public-private partnerships aimed at training them in modern honey production methods. This training also covers value addition and agronomic practices that ensure the honey produced complies with the accepted chemical residue limits. These efforts are helping farmers improve their yields and produce high-quality honey.
Richard Kurgat, the Chief Officer for Cooperatives and Entrepreneurship in Nakuru, highlighted the vital role of bee farming in promoting biodiversity and food security. He urged the beekeepers to maintain a healthy ecosystem to support sustainable agricultural practices. He also encouraged farmers to take advantage of the resources and programs provided by the County Government to strengthen cooperatives and small enterprises in the region.
The Ndoinet Bee Keepers Farmers’ Cooperative Society, an umbrella organization for over 200 beekeepers from Chematich, Kapkembu, Kiptororo, and Tirigoi locations, has been instrumental in promoting beekeeping and value addition for commercial purposes. This cooperative is helping farmers pool resources, share knowledge, and protect themselves from unscrupulous brokers in the honey trade.
To further support beekeepers, the County Government offers various financial programs. The Nakuru County Enterprise Fund provides loans ranging from Sh 50,000 to Sh 200,000, while the Cooperative Revolving Fund offers loans from Sh 200,000 to Sh 5 million. These funds are available at affordable interest rates, enabling farmers and cooperative members to access capital and grow their businesses.
Kurgat also emphasized the potential of beekeeping to unlock a variety of products beyond honey, such as wax, pollen, propolis, royal jelly, and bee venom. The County Government has been encouraging beekeepers to join cooperatives to ensure fair prices for their products and access new markets.
In collaboration with the National Beekeeping Institute, Rhino Ark Charitable Trust recently conducted a week-long training for members of the Ndoinet Bee Keepers Farmers’ Cooperative Society. The training aimed to enhance the beekeepers’ knowledge and practices, especially as they live near the Mau Forest Complex, a vital ecosystem in the region. The beekeepers are also part of the Ndoinet Community Forest Association, which is working to conserve the Ndoinet Forest through initiatives like tree planting. The community’s tree nursery, which grows indigenous and some exotic species, plays a key role in both conservation efforts and commercial ventures.
The Mau Forest has long been affected by illegal activities and deforestation, largely due to a lack of alternative income sources for local communities. However, efforts like education, training, and environmental conservation programs are fostering a new generation of beekeepers committed to preserving the forest and supporting sustainable livelihoods. The tree nursery initiative has the capacity to produce up to 100,000 seedlings, with 20,000 seedlings currently in the first phase.
While the beekeeping sector holds promise, challenges remain. Drought, deforestation, poor farming practices, and new pests and diseases have caused declines in bee populations, impacting honey production. Indiscriminate pesticide use also threatens bee colonies, making beekeeping less rewarding for some farmers. According to the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO), the country’s annual honey production stands at around 11,000 metric tonnes, only 20% of its potential. Factors contributing to the low output include inadequate technology, poor beekeeping practices, and a lack of marketing skills.
Despite these challenges, Kenya’s honey industry has significant potential, especially in arid and semi-arid areas where 80% of the country’s honey is produced. However, the reliance on traditional log hives limits productivity, making it harder for farmers to increase their incomes. With continued support, modern practices, and greater investment in technology, Kenya’s beekeeping sector could see substantial growth, benefiting both farmers and the environment.
