Protect bees for income and food security, Kitui residents urged

Kitui agriculture executive Stephen Kimwele has urged residents to protect honey bees for their invaluable role in the ecosystem.

The CEC said bees not only produce sweet honey for food and income but are also great agents of pollination, guaranteeing good farm yields.

He said there is need to create awareness on the importance of bees as key pollinators so people can stop activities that endanger their existence.

“It is important to note that daytime spraying of pesticide should not be practiced as it leads to high bee mortality. Not only does it have an adverse impact on the economy of our people, but serious nutritional risks due to bee population decline,” Kimwele said.

The CEC spoke in Mwingi Central on Wednesday where he distributed Langstroth beehives, smokers, buckets and bee suits to beekeeping farmers groups in Waita, Mui, Nguni and Kivou wards.

Kimwele said the items were distributed ahead of World Bee Day on May 20.

This year's theme is 'Bee engaged with youth'. It is meant to raise awareness on the importance of pollinators, the threats they face and their contribution to sustainable development.

The event will emphasise the strengthening of measures aimed at protecting bees and other pollinators.

Also in the highlight is the bees contribution in solving problems related to the global food supply and eliminating hunger in developing countries.

Kimwele said the initiative to encourage beekeeping was aimed not only at protecting bees and promoting sustainable beekeeping, but also creating employment opportunities and improve the overall livelihoods of residents.

He reaffirmed the Kitui county government's commitment to promoting sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing the livelihoods.

"Governor Julius Malombe’s administration is actively supporting agriculture by empowering farmers through such initiatives," Kimwele said.