Beekeeping, also known as apiculture, is an important agricultural practice in Kenya. With a favorable climate and abundant flowering plants, Kenya is an ideal location for beekeeping. Bee farming provides numerous benefits, including the production of honey and other bee products, such as beeswax and propolis, as well as pollination services that benefit other crops. In this article, we will explore the practice of beekeeping in Kenya and its significance in the country’s economy.

beekeeping in kenya

Beekeeping in Kenya

Beekeeping has been practiced in Kenya for centuries, with the indigenous African honeybee being the most commonly kept species. The practice was traditionally done using traditional hives made from logs or baskets, but modern beekeeping has seen the use of Langstroth, Top Bar, and Kenya Top Bar beehives.

In recent years, beekeeping has become increasingly popular in Kenya, with many farmers turning to the practice due to its profitability. This has been driven by the increasing demand for honey and other bee products both locally and internationally. Additionally, the government has been promoting beekeeping as a way of alleviating poverty and improving food security.

The Benefits of Beekeeping

The benefits of beekeeping in Kenya are numerous. One of the most significant benefits is the production of honey, which is a valuable commodity both domestically and internationally. Kenya produces over 7,000 metric tons of honey annually, with the majority of it being sold in local markets.

In addition to honey, beekeeping also produces other bee products such as beeswax, propolis, and royal jelly. Beeswax is used in various industries, including the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and food industries. Propolis, which is a resinous substance produced by bees, is used in the production of medicines, while royal jelly is used in the production of cosmetics and nutritional supplements.

Beekeeping also provides an essential service to other crops by pollinating them. Bees play a crucial role in the pollination of crops, and without them, many crops would not thrive. By keeping bees, farmers can improve the yields of their crops, leading to increased food production and improved food security.

The Process of Beekeeping

Beekeeping involves several steps, including hive preparation, hive management, and honey harvesting. The type of hive used will depend on the beekeeper’s preference and the species of bees being kept.

READ ALSO:   French investment company Mirova investing $8.5 million on Macadamia Farming in Kenya & TZ

Hive preparation involves setting up the hive and ensuring that it is well-positioned in a suitable location. The hive should be placed in an area with abundant flowering plants and be protected from direct sunlight and strong winds.

Hive management involves monitoring the hive to ensure that the bees are healthy and productive. This includes checking the hive for pests and diseases, ensuring that the bees have enough food, and providing adequate ventilation.

Honey harvesting involves removing the honey from the hive. The timing of honey harvesting will depend on the beekeeper’s preference and the quantity of honey produced. The honey should be extracted using appropriate equipment, and care should be taken not to damage the bees or the hive.

Challenges Faced by Beekeepers in Kenya

Beekeeping is an important agricultural activity in Kenya, providing income to many households and contributing significantly to the country’s economy. However, beekeepers in Kenya face a number of challenges that hinder their productivity and profitability. Some of the major challenges faced by beekeepers in Kenya include:

  1. Climate change: Climate change has resulted in erratic weather patterns, which affect the flowering and pollination cycles of plants, which in turn affects the productivity of beekeeping.
  2. Pests and diseases: Pests and diseases such as varroa mites, wax moths, and American foulbrood, among others, can devastate bee colonies, leading to significant losses for beekeepers.
  3. Lack of access to markets: Beekeepers in Kenya often struggle to find markets for their honey and other bee products, which limits their ability to earn a decent income from their beekeeping activities.
  4. Limited access to finance: Many beekeepers in Kenya lack access to credit, which limits their ability to expand their operations or invest in new equipment.
  5. Limited knowledge and skills: Some beekeepers in Kenya lack the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage their colonies, resulting in low yields and poor quality honey.
  6. Habitat loss and degradation: The loss and degradation of natural habitats due to human activities such as deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture have reduced the availability of food and nesting sites for bees, affecting their populations and productivity.
  7. Lack of supportive policies: The absence of supportive policies and regulations at the national and county levels has limited the development of the beekeeping sector in Kenya, making it difficult for beekeepers to access government support and resources.
READ ALSO:   Read on the difference between limes and lemons?

These challenges have significant implications for the beekeeping sector in Kenya, and addressing them will require a concerted effort by various stakeholders, including the government, beekeepers, researchers, and other development partners.

Photo Credit

Advantages Of Beekeeping In Kenya

Beekeeping in Kenya has several advantages, including:

  1. Honey production: Beekeeping in Kenya is mainly done for honey production. The country has a favorable climate and vegetation, making it an ideal location for beekeeping. Honey is a valuable commodity and can be sold locally or exported, providing an additional source of income for beekeepers.
  2. Pollination: Bees play a crucial role in pollinating crops, including fruits and vegetables. In Kenya, beekeeping can improve crop yields and quality, which is essential for food security and economic development.
  3. Job creation: Beekeeping can create employment opportunities, especially for rural communities. Beekeeping can also provide additional income streams for small-scale farmers who may have limited resources.
  4. Environmental conservation: Bees are essential pollinators and play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity. Beekeeping can also encourage the planting of trees, which can help mitigate climate change.
  5. Health benefits: Honey has several health benefits, including antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can also be used in the production of cosmetic products, such as lotions and soaps.
  6. Low investment: Beekeeping does not require significant financial investment, making it an accessible enterprise for many small-scale farmers in Kenya. Additionally, beekeeping can be integrated into existing agricultural practices, making it a sustainable and cost-effective activity.

Viability Of Beekeeping In Kenya

Beekeeping is a viable and profitable agribusiness venture in Kenya. With over 1.5 million small-scale beekeepers, the country is ranked among the leading honey producers in Africa. However, the profitability of beekeeping depends on various factors, including the management practices, market access, and honey production and marketing.

To assess the profitability of beekeeping in Kenya, we can consider the following:

  1. Cost of Production: The cost of production includes expenses incurred in purchasing beehives, beekeeping equipment, bees, and labor costs. On average, a beehive costs between Ksh. 2,500 – 4,000, and a colony of bees costs about Ksh. 2,000. Other costs may include protective clothing, smokers, honey extractors, and transport costs. A small-scale beekeeper with 10-20 hives may incur an average annual cost of Ksh. 100,000 – 150,000.
  2. Honey Production: The amount of honey produced depends on the type of beehive used, the quality of bees, and management practices. On average, a Kenyan beehive can produce between 10 – 20 kilograms of honey per year. Assuming a price of Ksh. 400 per kilogram, a small-scale beekeeper with 10-20 hives can earn Ksh. 40,000 – 80,000 annually.
  3. Market Access: The profitability of beekeeping is also influenced by the availability of a market for the honey produced. Beekeepers can sell their honey to local consumers, supermarkets, hotels, and export markets. Beekeepers can also add value to their honey by producing other products such as beeswax, pollen, royal jelly, and propolis.
  4. Management Practices: Good beekeeping practices such as regular inspection of hives, proper feeding of bees, and disease control measures, can increase honey production and quality. It is important for beekeepers to undergo training and seek advice from experts to improve their beekeeping skills.
READ ALSO:   How Covid-19 Lockdowns Threatened Vital Informal Urban Food Trade

In conclusion, beekeeping can be a profitable venture in Kenya, but it requires adequate investment in beehives, beekeeping equipment, and labor. The profitability of beekeeping is also influenced by honey production, market access, and management practices. Beekeepers can improve their earnings by adding value to their honey and other bee products.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating / 5. Vote count:

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

As you found this post useful...

Follow us on social media!