Apiculture yields Sh19.23 billion in GDP

The State Department of Livestock Development, represented by Dr Monica Olala, has recommended that for sustainability and adequate food security, Turkana and other counties should choose flowering plants that are native and are pollinator-friendly to the region.

Dr Olala was speaking in Lodwar during the 7th edition of the World Bee Day celebrations. Turkana County hosted this year’s edition.

Observed annually on 20 May, this day is a global initiative by the United Nations to direct attention to the critical role bees and other pollinators play in sustaining food security and biodiversity.

“You better choose native and pollinator-friendly plants in Turkana. This is because a large proportion of the crops grown in the country depend entirely on bees and other pollinators for successful pollination. Therefore, bees are crucial for the production of food crops in Kenya and the world at large,” She advised.

Dr Olala said according to 2024 verified data, beekeeping alone contributed approximately Sh19.23 billion to agricultural GDP, ranking sixth behind beef, dairy, poultry, goats, and sheep.

Olala rallied all the apiculture stakeholders present to adopt safe pesticide use by considering toxicity and timing of application, implement integrated pest management to reduce reliance on harmful chemicals and embrace agroforestry and environmentally friendly farming practices.

She also stressed on the need to preserve patches of natural flora-also known as “bee hotels”, within cultivated lands and to avoid harmful activities such as deforestation, charcoal burning, bush clearing, and improper spraying that destroy bee colonies.

In 2025, the theme “Bee inspired by nature to nourish us all” emphasizes the connection between pollinators, agrifood systems, and biodiversity.

The Acting County Secretary, Joseph Nyang’a, who represented Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai noted that in 2024 alone, Turkana produced 138 metric tonnes of honey, valued at Sh128 million, alongside 46 metric tonnes of beeswax worth Sh 32 million. These impressive results are a product of our sustained investment in training, modern equipment, and processing infrastructure.

He added, “In the 2023/2024 financial year, the County Government allocated 5% of the Department of Livestock Budget to support the apiculture sector. With this funding, Nyang’a confirmed, the County Government has procured and distributed over 1,200 modern beehives, trained more than 640 community beekeepers, established a state-of-the-art honey processing and value addition centre in Naotin, and strengthened seven active beekeeping cooperatives.

These efforts are in line with our broader strategy to build a resilient, commercially viable apiculture industry.

Moreover, CS mentioned that beekeeping in Turkana is one of the most inclusive livelihood activities. Today, 68% of new entrants in the apiculture value chain are women and youth.

The County Government continues to support 24 women’s groups and five youth cooperatives engaged in various aspects of beekeeping. These groups are not only transforming household incomes but are also advancing gender equity and community entrepreneurship.

The office of the County Commissioner was represented by Assistant County Commissioner Andrew Mutuma, who said that Turkana is endowed with rich biodiversity and indigenous knowledge that can be harnessed for sustainable apiculture.

“As part of providing its leadership and coordination in the sustainable development of the continent’s Animal Resources, in 2016, the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) with support from the European Union and in partnership with the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) implemented a Bee Health Project. Among the key outputs of the project was the formation and operationalization of the Apiculture Platform of Kenya (APK), which has coordinated the celebrations for World Bee Day, held here in Lodwar today,” Annie Lewa of AU/IBAR said.

By Peter Gitonga