Beekeeping helps Uasin Gishu farmers diversify income sources

Beekeeping is taking root in Uasin Gishu county where many farmers are shifting from reliance on maize farming.

 More than 10,000 farmers have already embraced diversification to engage in modern commercial agriculture especially growing of high value crops.

 Others are now taking up bee keeping as the demand for honey continues to increase.

 The Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) Programme carried out a major milestone in Kipsomba ward with the handover of more than 220 beehives plus 22 harvesting kits to local cooperative societies.

 The initiative aims to empower residents through sustainable livelihoods while promoting climate-resilient practices.

The event in Kipsomba was presided over by county officials and MCAs led by Mary Goreti who represents Kipsomba ward and also officials from the Climate Change Unit and the Department of Water.

 Goreti lauded the initiative as a practical economic empowerment tool for local communities.

 “I urge all beneficiaries to take this opportunity seriously and maximise on the benefits of beekeeping as a livelihood venture. Honey production is not only profitable but also environmentally friendly,” Goreti said.

Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii has within the last one month distributed over 1 million coffee seedlings as part of efforts to have farmers go for high value crops.

 “We target to have many of our farmers embrace diversification so that they earn more from their farms,” Bii said.

 Goreti also rolled out a series of empowerment programmes aimed at uplifting youth and community-based groups.

 These initiatives included the distribution of motorcycles, tents, chairs, incubators and other tools targeting youth groups and members of boda boda Saccos.

 Speaking during the event, Christopher Mbevi who is the Climate Change Unit Officer in charge of Soy subcounty, emphasised the critical role of bees in supporting climate action.

 “Bees are not just honey producers. They are vital pollinators that contribute significantly to biodiversity, food security and climate resilience. Supporting beekeeping is an investment in both livelihoods and environmental health,” he said.

 Mbevi, Soy Water Engineer Benadys Chelagat, Senior Design Engineer Henry Kendagor visited the ongoing works at the Mobet Dam Safety infrastructure improvement project.

 The team inspected the upgrading of the spillway, the laying of gabions to prevent erosion and road improvements around the dam site and expressed satisfaction with the progress of work.

 Residents said the combination of livelihood support and infrastructure development underscores governor Bii’s commitment to community-driven climate adaptation and sustainable economic growth.