Kakamega Embraces Beekeeping to Boost Economic Empowerment

 

Kakamega County has rolled out an ambitious beekeeping initiative aimed at boosting household incomes and promoting environmental sustainability across local communities.

Residents of Kisa Central Ward in Khwisero Sub-county on Monday received Langstroth beehives from the County Government of Kakamega, in partnership with the Financing Locally Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) program.

The distribution exercise, presided over by County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Water, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Mrs. Peninah Mukabane, benefited several organized groups, including Kisa Central Bee Farmers, Kisa Central Disabled Women, Hiruka Welfare Association, Afya Bora Self-Help Group, Mundeku Farmers Self-Help Group, and Ebuluma Self-Help Group. Each group received 15 modern beehives.

Mrs. Mukabane lauded the beneficiaries for embracing beekeeping as an eco-friendly venture that supports both livelihoods and the environment.

“Beekeeping not only enhances household income but also contributes to pollination and biodiversity,” she said, adding that the County Government remains committed to empowering community-based organizations through programs that build resilience against climate change.

She further noted that there is already an established market for honey and related products, including partnerships with ICIPE and The Hive. Besides honey production, residents are also venturing into the processing of by-products such as candles and beeswax to maximize income.

CECM for Finance, Economic Planning, ICT, E-Government, and Communication, Mr. Benjamin Andama, praised the initiative, terming it a key component of Governor Fernandes Barasa’s development agenda focused on sustainable livelihoods, environmental conservation, and income diversification through climate-smart enterprises.

“We urge residents to continue supporting county programs that improve lives and strengthen the local economy,” Mr. Andama said.

Later, Mrs. Mukabane toured the Misango Water Project to assess its readiness for official commissioning by Governor Barasa.