Apiculture is paying in Kirinyaga County.
Bee farmers under Wezesha Kirinyaga economic empowerment programme are supported to diversify their activities and increase their incomes.
“The project is harnessing beekeeping by supporting the farmers to exploit the untapped potential in apiculture,” said Governor Anne Waiguru.
26 groups will be provided with bee hives as well as honey harvesting kits.
Kanjikomu Self-Help Group in Kabare Ward, Gichugu constituency, is among the first groups to receive 24 bee hives and two honey harvesting kits. The group has harvested over 200 kilogrammes, estimated to earn Ksh200,000.
Utheri Wa Ngondo Community Based Organisation (CBO) from Kangai ward in Mwea is another group of farmers who have benefited from county government support.
There are about 13,000 bee hives in Kirinyaga County, including Longs Troth, Kenya’s top-bar bee hives, and traditional log hives, which all produce about 359 tonnes of honey per year.