National platform for bee-keeping sector launched in Nakuru

STAKEHOLDERS IN THE beekeeping sector converged in Nakuru this week to launch the national apiculture platform.

The platform is aimed at enhancing a smooth, scrutinised flow of operations by various stakeholders across the beekeeping value chain and will consist of various players including beekeepers, scientists and processors, marketers among others.

Speaking during the launch, Kenya Honey Council Chairman Nzainga Kithuma said a multi-stakeholder platform would ensure a uniform honey sector even if agriculture is devolved.

This, he added, would boost quality and quantity of honey and its products in the country.

“As stakeholders, we are ready to work jointly in a bid to ensure quality production and an expansion of both local and international markets,” he said

Currently, the bees sector is manned by different departments depending on responsibilities, such as forestry, livestock, crops, natural resources.

However, operations under a common umbrella would strengthen the sector which is lately becoming popular.

KEY ISSUES

The stakeholders identified key issues affecting the sector as lack of standardised prices, competition from neighbouring countries, bee diseases among others.

They also noted the need to boost honey production to sustain the growing demand.

“We will need to build capacity for all stakeholders and encourage bee farming as a way of boosting food security and enhancing economic empowerment especially in rural areas,” said Kithuma

As part of eye-opening sessions, the stakeholders toured bee farms and processing plants in Nakuru and Baringo Counties.

Baringo is among the leading honey producers and has earmarked the sector as among its three key value chains with the others being dairy and meat goat.

The forum was funded by Africa Union’s Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) and facilitated by Kenya National Honey Council, Department of Veterinary Services, National Beekeeping Institute among others