Beekeeping in Kenya: A Sweetness that Stings Right like Honeybee

A bee sting or two for honey is worth the pain I have to endure. Not a sentiment held by a majority of persons.

However, isn’t there sufficient evidence to support the opinion of the majority? Bees have harmed both individuals and animals in the past. Bees have killed both animals and humans on a variety of occasions.

A fact, but what triggered the bees to act in such an aggressive manner?

Again it takes two to tango! Right? Okay, enough about who did this and who did that!

Despite your previous experience with animals, I would like to introduce you to bee farming. Managing bees is a lucrative business that enhances the environment and can yield good financial returns for a farmer if well done.

There can be no denying bees’ role in the food chain and the environment. They are the most efficient pollinators there are. They have an unmatched ability to transfer pollen from one plant to another.

Bee Keeping

A row of bee hives in a field of flowers with an orchard behind

I am fully aware of what the wind does too! But hey! The bees perform a better job of pollination. Right?

The two scenarios of becoming a bee farmer are either large-scale or smaller scale. Either way, you will be rewarded financially.

Bee varieties

There are various types of bees found in our country Kenya but the commonly known bees are the Honeybee (Apis mellifera) and the Stingless bee.

Climatic conditions determine the type of bees found in your locality. It is important to inquire about information from reputable institutions such as the Apiculture Platform of Kenya.

According to the type of bees found in your locality you can use the commonly found bee to begin your farming venture.

The honeybee is red in color, larger in size with a big abdomen, and aggressive when provoked. This bee is known for its high production of honey, becoming the most recommended swam for a bee-keeping venture.

The stingless bee is a rare type of bee that is also found in Kenya but mainly used for the production of honey for medicinal purposes.

How to prepare an Apiary

Remember I mentioned it’s your choice on which farming scale you want to venture into. If you’re just starting, then simplicity is your best bet.

Be aware that hives come in different types and sizes. This allows you to have options on what works best for you as a farmer.

As a small scale farmer use the readily available resources within your locality;

Pot hives, Log hives, and basket hives are the most basic to start with as a beginner and on small-scale farming. These hives do not require a lot of manpower, finances, or technical know-how.

Pot Hives: As the name suggests the hive is made from old pots that are no longer functional within the domestic circles.

Log Hives: Trees are the best source for this type of hive. Cutting a log that is hollow or using dead logs to create hives serves the purpose.

Basket Hives: Every homestead has one or two baskets that serve no purpose. Repurpose these baskets into hives for your venture in beekeeping.

Once you have your choice of material then it’s time to modify your material to form a suitable hive.

The circular shape for both pot and basket hives makes it easy during the setup process. This hive’s cylindrical shape adds to its versatility since it requires a minimal amount of modification.

Important caution to undertake is to make sure there are suitable entryways for the bees. A 7- 8 mm works well since it allows for ease of entrance and exiting of the worker bees.

Where to Place your Hives

Place the hives in a quiet with no human interruption to avoid agitating the bees. Bees don’t respond well to noise and other human interruptions. This makes them stop doing what they are meant to do and start to defend their colony.

Secluded areas make for the best apiary location. A secluded area with plants or crops such as maize, wheat, flowers, or forestry makes it more ideal. More nectar means more honey.

As you hoist your hives, ensure that minimal interruptions will occur during harvesting or hive inspection. Insects and pests such as wax moths, hive beetles, and wild beetles can infest hives. Due to this, making sure your hives are protected from these insects and secured to prevent falling due to strong winds, people, or other predators is necessary.

It is recommended to hoist your hive to your waistline this means you can inspect, harvest or maintain the hive with convenience. Position your hive entryways facing the East to maximize the morning sunshine and maximum sunlight too.

For hives placed upon trees, it is important to make sure they are well secured and protected from both strong winds and heavy rainfall.

How to Bait your Hive

For bees to occupy your hives easily baiting becomes necessary. You bait a hive by applying melted wax mixed with bee glue (propolis) on the inside of the hives.

Baiting is done according to the type of hive used for breeding. For the log, basket, and pot hive smear bait on the inside top of the hive.

Make sure to perform this before the beginning or at the onset of the flowering season. The largest swarms migrate during this period in search of new homes within the surrounding areas.

Understanding bees

Bees like any other living creatures have their way of life and adaptive systems that allow them to migrate, propagate and manufacture honey.

Understanding bees help you to implement the right husbandry measures which improve honey production.

If you are just starting out in beekeeping, seek the help of a mentor who can guide and instruct you. Bees can behave differently than usual having a mentor helps to consult on the best action to undertake.

Through a mentor, they can guide you when buying the first primary swarm of bees for your hives.

When starting make sure to capture primary swarms that appear at the start of the flowering season. These are the best colonies to have for your hives because they are large in numbers and build combs rapidly.

How to harvest and Maintain Hives

The first harvest is expected between the first 9 – 10 months, with the subsequent harvest coming after 3 -4 months.

Harvesting honey should be done when the bees are least active. The worker bee is not joking when defending her space! Once you decide on the time do not perform harvesting a long-distance away.

Bees follow the queen everywhere so you don’t want to create tension to make them move. During harvesting maintain cleanliness at all times. Reduce insects and pest invasion attracted by the dripping honey on the ground.

High levels of husbandry should be maintained at all times. From controlling noise to supplementing nectar by planting crops around the apiary. Your bees should be in their most comfortable or most natural environment.

Inspect the physical state of your hives by checking post strength and pest infestation. Remember to inspect the build of wax moths colonies during harvesting at the corners of the hives. In case you discover old combs remove them to create space for new combs.

Well-built hives are important. At all times shelter the hives from rain and other unwanted predators. Use the appropriate harvesting tools as recommended to avoid stings. (Smoker, bee brush, hive tool, catcher box, and bee suit).

Potential Markets and financial Gains

Honey is an agricultural product that can be consumed raw with immense health benefits. Also used to manufacture many other products offering value addition.

The potential market for your honey is endless from manufacturing companies to health production companies to beauty Organizations.

The demand for natural honey continues to rise as a farmer you have every opportunity to sell your product to the highest bidder.

In some cases selling through Sacco’s or combined efforts opens doors to better financial gains compared to selling as an individual. At all times determine the right way to sell your products for the best financial outcomes.

Currently, 1kg of honey sells at Ksh; 200 as a raw product. Depending on your production levels choose the most appropriate marketing strategy.