Celebrations rocked Baringo county as bee keepers from 30 counties converged to showcase the milestones achieved in the beekeeping industry while looking at a brighter future for honey farmers.
Information, Communication and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo who graced the occasion to mark the 5th Annual World Bee Day marked on May 20 held at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Organisation (KARLO) in Marigat town, Baringo South Sub-County emphasized the government’s commitment in boosting apiculture saying the launch of free wifi would go along a way in boosting sales.
“I would like to urge all honey farmers to use technology to market your products online to ensure maximum profits as we have launched the free WIFI today and the government is also working on ensuring free internet is available to all Kenyans,’ Owalo said.
Baringo Governor, Benjamin Cheboi who graced the celebrations emphasized the importance of value addition and effective marketing strategies to propel the industry to new heights.
“As a county, we will ensure that water is available so that bees can grow. We will do so by digging boreholes, dams and water pans to allow bees to thrive, hence increasing honey production,” Cheboi said.
Cheboi proudly announced that the county, in collaboration with development partners, had distributed 3,000 modern beehives in the recent past to beekeepers across the county and expressed the county’s commitment to revitalising beekeeping by providing extension services, and necessary inputs, and developing a skilled workforce to drive growth in the sector.
The County boss further highlighted the significance of e-extension and e-marketing platforms in connecting beekeepers with lucrative markets and encouraging youth to embrace opportunities in the honey value chain.
He also emphasised planting bee forage, protecting natural habitats to achieve 30% of tree cover, and constructing dams and waterfalls supporting this sector.
The Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Livestock Development, Harry Kimtai who was the chief guest, echoed Governor Cheboi’s sentiments and emphasised the potential for sustainable economic growth in both the beekeeping industry and the wider agricultural sector.
“The government is committed to promoting food security and improving livelihoods by supporting initiatives in honey production and other agricultural endeavors,” he said.
Risper Chepkonga, the County Executive Committee Member of Livestock and Agriculture, revealed elaborate plans to streamline the beekeeping sector in the county that involves collaborating with Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) institutions to equip aspiring beekeepers with essential skills and knowledge.
“This partnership aims to empower individuals interested in various segments of the bee value chain, promoting entrepreneurship and creating a large pool of experts in the industry,” she said.
Statistics presented at the event shed light on the impressive growth in Baringo’s beekeeping sector for example in 2014, the county produced 124,414 long hive hives, a number that has since skyrocketed to 152,607 in 2022.
Honey production in the county also witnessed a significant surge, increasing from 795,820 kgs in 2018 to 823,385 kgs in 2022 and an increase in wax production was equally remarkable, rising from 153,056kgs to 162,596 kgs with Tiaty East and West Sub-Counties leading with 201,190 kgs of honey and 59,785kgs of wax.
The statistics therefore demonstrate the tremendous strides made by Baringo County’s beekeepers as the growing number of hives and increased honey and wax output signify economic prosperity but also reflect the county’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable practices.
The future for bee farmers in Baringo looks exceptionally bright, with opportunities for continued growth and development and with the government, local authorities, and development partners continued investment in the sector, the honey value chain is poised to create more jobs, boost incomes, and enhance people’s overall well-being.
By Caroline Cherono
