In Kitui County, a quiet but impactful agricultural transformation is underway. The Kamaki Farmers Cooperative Society, which began as a small community-based organization, has grown into a leading force in Kenya’s beekeeping industry, benefiting over 1,000 farmers through collective marketing, honey processing, and value-added products. Today, Kamaki is known for its premium “Kitui Kamaki Honey” and a range of bee-derived products that are steadily gaining market recognition.
Originally founded by a group of farmers practicing dairy, poultry, and green gram farming, Kamaki began as a loosely organized community initiative dependent on donor support. While such support was helpful, it was often inconsistent, which limited the organization’s ability to sustain itself.
“It was against this backdrop of unsustainability that farmers across five locations in Kitui County came together to form what is today Kamaki Farmers Cooperative Society,” explains Esther Mutunga, the cooperative’s manager. This consolidation allowed farmers to gain independence, strengthen their market presence, and protect themselves from the exploitative practices of middlemen, who would purchase honey from individual farmers at low prices, often well below market rates.
The cooperative’s initial focus was to improve collective marketing and create value-added products from the honey produced by its members. With Kamaki’s assistance, farmers began to earn more for their honey, benefiting from improved pricing and packaging standards. Previously, farmers sold honey in water bottles and other unappealing containers, which did little to attract customers. Now, Kamaki has a professionally designed brand and packaging for its honey, ensuring it stands out on shelves and meets quality standards for customers.
The cooperative has also developed a range of bee-based products, including beeswax soaps, body creams, and propolis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kamaki also contributed by producing filler materials for antibiotics, underscoring its commitment to community welfare and diversification. The transformation of beekeeping from a simple agricultural project into a viable business venture has encouraged local farmers, who now view it as a reliable income source.
Kamaki’s success has been demonstrated by remarkable growth in honey production over recent years. Starting with 1.2 tons of raw honey in 2018, the cooperative increased production to 2.6 tons in 2019. By 2021, production had reached a significant 8.7 tons, reflecting the cooperative’s focus on farmer education, branding, and operational efficiency. However, the impacts of climate change were soon felt, with production dropping to 6.0 tons in 2022 and further to 5.4 tons in 2023.
This decline prompted Kamaki to implement climate change mitigation strategies, such as educating farmers on sustainable practices and investing in climate-resilient infrastructure. The payoff was substantial; in 2024, the cooperative recorded an impressive 40.1 tons of honey. “The long-term impact of these strategies has created a magical revolution in our business,” says Mutunga, highlighting the importance of climate resilience in agricultural production.
Despite these successes, Kamaki faces significant challenges in expanding its market reach. One of the primary barriers is the bureaucratic process required to obtain certification marks, such as those from the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), necessary for marketing in Kenya. Complicated procedures and industry cartels have slowed Kamaki’s access to both local and international markets. Additionally, some counterfeiters have exploited the cooperative’s brand to sell substandard honey, impacting Kamaki’s reputation and market share.
Nevertheless, Kamaki recently achieved the KEBS standard mark of quality, which has helped secure its position in the local market. The cooperative is now working to obtain the Kenya Industrial Input mark, which would safeguard its trademark and brand identity as “Kitui Kamaki Honey.” In the international arena, strict export regulations have forced the cooperative to cancel orders from overseas customers, a setback that directly affects farmers who could otherwise benefit from higher-value markets.
Kamaki’s advocacy efforts have also strengthened its position within the honey industry. The cooperative has successfully lobbied the county government to introduce policies that benefit local honey producers and protect farmers from market exploitation. Kamaki’s prominence in Kitui County has enabled it to nurture and support other cooperatives in the region, creating a network of community-based organizations that collectively enhance the region’s honey industry.
In addition, Kamaki has embraced digital transformation to streamline operations. Members use online banking systems for faster payments, reducing delays and allowing for more efficient financial management. Digital marketing tools have also helped the cooperative reach wider audiences, which is essential for sustaining and growing its customer base.
The cooperative’s membership continues to grow, attracting not only farmers but also women, youth, and retirees who might not have previously considered beekeeping. By making beekeeping more inclusive, Kamaki has helped shift perceptions, showing that it is not just an “old man’s” business. Today, the cooperative provides employment opportunities to young people who operate processing plants and work in value-added product units.
Kamaki Farmers’ Cooperative Society has set a new standard in community-driven agriculture, transforming traditional trade into a sustainable, modern business. Through its resilience, innovation, and commitment to collective success, Kamaki stands as a model for other cooperatives in Kenya, illustrating the power of unity and strategic partnerships in advancing rural economies.
