beekeeping in Kenya

Last updated on June 9th, 2023 at 08:05 pm

This article focuses on beekeeping in Kenya.

• Beekeeping is commonly practiced in Kenya to produce honey for home consumption and for commercial purposes.

Currently, Kenya produces about 100,000 metric tonnes of honey annually, which is worrying as many beekeepers still use traditional beekeeping methods.

Beekeeping area in Kenya

Beekeeping is practiced in dry and semi-arid regions such as Kitui, Machakos, Makueni, Baringo and Kajiado.

Beekeeping Requirements/Equipment

1. Long lasting bee hive

You need a strong and durable hive to keep bees.

The best hives to use are Langstroth hives, Kenya top bar hives and traditional tree hives.

Hives should have enough space and be easy to care for.

2. Extractors and honey sieves

They are important tools for collecting honey.

3. Bee Suits

Bee suits are usually worn during routine inspections or during harvest.

It provides protection from snaring during harvest.

It should be worn well and over good rubber shoes.

4. Uncapping fork

It is used to remove caps and combs.

5. A good pair of gloves

The best cover to use is leather.

6. The hive tool

The hive tool is an important tool that helps clean the propolis and move the frames.

The best place to set up an apiary

Once you have all the necessary tools/tools, you need to set up the apiary. The apiary should be installed in the area where;

No noise or minimal human activity.

A well-drained area to prevent bees from escaping.
Pesticides that attract bees are sprayed.

There is a fountain near the nectar fountain.
There is good shade and shelter from strong winds.

An apiary can be placed where there are plants such as sunflowers, beans, berries, wildflowers, pumpkins, squash, tulips, etc.

Plants are a good source of nectar.

How to avoid Absconding

Bee Absconding occurs when the bees completely leave the hives. It can be caused by factors such as high humidity, lack of food, water, and extreme weather conditions such as strong winds and direct sunlight.

Careless handling can also cause leakage.

To avoid Absconding, you can do the following;

• Add bees to food.
• Make sure the hives are well watered and organized.
• Manage bees and hives properly.
• Avoid knocking over hives and breaking combs.

honey harvesting

The best honey is harvested during the dry season.

Before harvesting, be sure to wear bee dressing.

You should also avoid wearing woolen clothes, perfumes and fragrances, to prevent bees from following you.

Bee products market in Kenya

Beekeeping is commonly practiced in Kenya to produce honey.

There are markets for honey both locally and nationally as well as internationally.

Honey can be sold directly from stores or suppliers, in various grades including raw honey, comb honey, raw honey, refined and refined. after