- Chief Officer said the activity is one of the measures they have put in place to eradicate poverty
- The next phase, which begins next year, will include the remaining constituencies
Image: Handout
Every morning Wycliffe Ingosi and his team pick buckets of rosemary, lavender and lemon grass to clean and freshen his beehives.
Beekeeping is a popular socio-economic activity in Kakamega county due to the abundant forestland and bee forage.
Dressed in a white apron and mesh hat, they make their way to the river where the hives are set up.
“The hives are placed to face North-South direction to prevent drifting of honeybees when approaching or leaving the hive. It is also preferred that you store them at least 50m away from public utilities,” Ingosi said.
Through the Ministry of agriculture, the county government of Kakamega distributed beehives to women and youth-led chamas to empower them economically.
The hives, made of a wooden square box, metallic cover are mounted on a green stand in a shed where there are no strong winds.
“Beekeeping is ideal for any ‘hustler’ like me who may have no land or capital. Bees are also the ideal livestock to keep because they are environmental friendly,” he said.
Another chama made of women and youths in Imulama area, Ikolomani constituency received 10 beehives.
Liz Makumba who is a member of the chama said beekeeping has been welcomed as an income generating activity.
“We used to travel long distances to buy honey and we would at times get fake products, but with our own, we are sure of consuming quality honey,” she said.
Chief Officer Livestock, veterinary services and fisheries, Jessicah Wesonga said the activity is one of the measures they have put in place to eradicate poverty among women and youths.
“This initiative falls under Governor Fernandes Barasa's development agenda number two and three which is wealth creation and food security. This government wants to improve the living standards of residents by creating activities that generate income,” she said.
The agenda on wealth creation seeks to capitalise on Kakamega's peaceful and progressive environment to promote business growth and attract investors.
Wesonga said through beekeeping, farmers can sell products such as honey and beeswax to both internal and external markets.
“Bees produce various products, from honey to propolis and beeswax, which fetch good money in the market, making beekeeping one of the most profitable economic activities,” she said.
Wesonga said phase one of the Sh3 million beekeeping project was initiated last month in four constituencies namely, Ikolomani, Likuyani, Mumias West and Matungu.
The next phase, which begins next year, will include the remaining constituencies, Mumias East, Malava, Khwisero, Butere, Shinyalu, Lurambi, Lugari and Navakholo.
The equipment was given to three groups per subcounty. Interested groups were selected by subcounty livestock team in collaboration with MCAs.
The farmers have been equipped with protective gear, smoker, accessories such as a hive tool, bee brush and catcher boxer.
On average, a hive can produce up to 60 kg of honey in a year, depending on the strength of the colony, environmental factors and availability of bee forage.
Image: Handout