How to Start a Beekeeping Business in Kenya [Full 2024 Guide]

There is a huge opportunity for a beekeeping business in Kenya. In fact, according to the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA, ¹only about 20% of annual honey production potential (25,000 metric tons) is achieved in Kenya, leaving the full potential of 100,000 metric tons unrealized. 

Kenya is also the third-biggest producer of honey in Africa, offering immense potential for entrepreneurs seeking to enter the industry. 

With its diverse honeybee species and favorable climate, Kenya presents a fertile ground for establishing a successful beekeeping business. 

This article provides a comprehensive step-by-step guide to help aspiring beekeepers like you kick-start their ventures in Kenya.

Beekeeping Business in Kenya – Market Overview

• The global honey market was projected to reach $12 billion in 2015.
• Kenya’s annual honey production potential is 25,000 metric tons, but only about 20% is achieved, leaving 100,000 metric tons untapped.
• Kenya ranks third among honey producers in Africa, after Ethiopia and Tanzania.
• Traditional log hives contribute 80% of honey production, while modern hives like Kenya Top Bar (KTB), Langstroth, and mixed modern-traditional hives account for the remaining 20%.
• Approximately 91,000 individuals are directly employed in beekeeping, supporting around 547,440 people, mainly older men, as beekeeping is perceived as an occupation for the elderly rather than the youth.
• Most honey income comes from domestic sales, with only 2% exported overseas.
• In Kenya, a kilogram of honey costs five times more than a liter of petrol and can be even higher in Arab markets.

Steps to Start a Beekeeping Business in Kenya 

• Understand Beekeeping
• Research the Market and Competition
• Obtain the Necessary Knowledge and Skills
• Secure Resources and Equipment
• Set Up Your Apiary 
• Market and Sell Honey and Bee Products
• Fulfill Legal and Regulatory Requirements
• Financial Management and Sustainability

1. Understand Beekeeping

Before you start your beekeeping venture in Kenya, it is important that you understand the industry well. This will help you avoid some mistakes along the way. However, you don’t need to know everything at once. You will learn most of the things along the way, so just familiarize with the basics.

Some of the things you should know before moving ahead include:

• Types of honeybee species
• Types of beehives 
• Capital requirements
• How and where to set up an apiary 
• Harvesting seasons
• Different products you can get from bees
• The general and financial benefits of beekeeping

You can learn through: 

• Beekeeping Training: Seek formal or informal training programs offered by agricultural institutions, beekeeping associations, or experienced beekeepers. Learn about hive management, pest control, honey harvesting, and business aspects of beekeeping.
• Join Beekeeping Associations: Engage with local beekeeping associations and networks to learn from experienced beekeepers, gain insights, and access resources and support.

Generally, beekeeping involves nurturing and managing honeybee colonies to produce honey, beeswax, propolis, and other bee-related products. 

In Kenya, key honeybee species include Apis mellifera, Apis cerana, and Apis dorsata.

2. Research the Market and Competition

• Assess Market Demand: Conduct thorough market research to understand the demand for honey and bee products in your target area. Identify potential buyers, such as local consumers, retailers, hotels, and health stores.
• Analyze Competition: Study existing beekeeping businesses in your area to understand their products, pricing, and market share. Look for opportunities to differentiate your business.
• Develop a Business Plan: Define your business goals and objectives. Estimate startup costs, ongoing expenses, and potential revenue streams, and then create a marketing strategy to effectively reach your target audience.

3. Identify a Good Location for Your Beehives

Selecting the perfect location for your beehive is crucial for maximizing bee productivity and ensuring the safety of both people and animals. Generally, 80% of beekeeping in Kenya is done in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), although you can also do it in non-ASAL areas. 

You will need to Identify a location for your apiary that offers ample forage and is free from potential disturbances. Also, consider proximity to water sources and accessibility. 

If you are in warmer regions, I recommend positioning the beehive in a shaded area to protect the bees from excessive heat. Conversely, in colder and wetter areas, like highlands, providing minimal shade is sufficient to prevent the hives from becoming cold and damp.

Here are some optimal places for setting up your beehive:

• Proximity to abundant nectar sources, such as flowers, trees, and forests.
• Avoid areas with significant human and livestock activity to minimize interference; stay away from roads and markets.
• Look for shaded locations that provide protection from direct sunlight.
• Choose sites distant from smelly products and swampy or excessively damp conditions.

It’s also important to be cautious of ants, particularly red ants and black carpenter ants, as they are known to invade beehives. So, make sure to keep an eye out for ant activity when evaluating potential apiary locations.

4. Acquire Beehives and Other Equipment

Purchase high-quality beehives, protective gear, smokers, hive tools, and honey extraction equipment. Choose hive types suitable for your bee species and local conditions. We will talk more about the different types of beehives and other equipment you need later in the guide, so keep reading.

That said, here are the common equipment you will need to start a beekeeping business in Kenya: 

• Beehive: The beehive is the home for the bees and where they build their honeycombs. Common types include Langstroth, top-bar, and Warre hives.
• Frames and Foundation: These are wooden or plastic frames that fit inside the beehive. They provide a structure for the bees to build their honeycomb. Foundation sheets made of beeswax or plastic are placed inside the frames to guide the bees in building straight combs.
• Bee Suit and Protective Gear: A bee suit, which includes a jacket, pants, gloves, and a veil, provides protection from bee stings. It’s essential to wear protective gear to prevent bee stings during hive inspections.
• Smoker: A smoker is a device that generates cool smoke, which helps calm the bees during inspections. It makes them less likely to become agitated and sting.
• Hive Tool: This is a versatile tool used for prying open beehive boxes, separating frames, and scraping off excess propolis and wax.
• Bee Brush: A soft-bristled bee brush is used to gently remove bees from frames and hive components during inspections.
• Feeder: Beekeepers may use feeders to supplement the bees with sugar syrup or other supplements during times when nectar flow is limited.
• Queen Excluder: This is a mesh or perforated barrier placed between the brood chamber and honey supers. It allows worker bees to pass through but keeps the larger queen out, ensuring the honey supers remain free of brood.
• Extractor: For harvesting honey, an extractor is used to spin honeycombs, separating honey from the wax without destroying the comb.
• Uncapping Knife or Fork: To prepare frames for extraction, beekeepers use an uncapping knife or fork to remove the wax cappings from the honeycomb.
• Honey Jars and Labels: Clean, food-grade honey jars and labels are necessary for storing and selling honey.
• Bee Feeder: Some beekeepers use feeders to provide supplemental food to their bees, especially during times of scarcity or winter.
• Swarm Box: A swarm box is used to capture and relocate swarms of bees. It typically consists of a temporary hive structure designed to attract and house the swarm until it can be moved to a permanent location.

You might not need all of this equipment but it’s good to get as many as is necessary. 

5. Set Up Your Apiary and Source Bees

Now that you have your beehive and other necessary equipment, here are general tips on how to set up your apiary: 

• Hive Types and Positioning: Select hive types such as Langstroth, Kenyan top bar, or traditional log hives based on your beekeeping goals. Position hives in a shaded area with good air circulation and protection from strong winds.
• Apiary Site Preparation: Clear the area of weeds and ensure a clean surrounding. Set up a fence to deter large animals and provide a water source for the bees.
• Hive Installation: Place the beehives securely on stands or platforms, ensuring stability and proper alignment.
• Hive Health Monitoring: Regularly inspect hives to check for signs of disease, pests, or queen performance issues. Take necessary measures for prevention and treatment.
• Hive Maintenance and Inspections: Maintain hives by replacing old combs, managing honey stores, and addressing hive cleanliness. Inspect frames and supers to maintain healthy colony growth.
• Pests and Disease Control: Implement integrated pest management strategies to combat Varroa mites, wax moths, and other common bee pests. I recommend you consult local experts for appropriate treatment options.
• Honey Harvesting: Know the right time for honey extraction, use appropriate techniques to collect honeycombs, and ensure proper hygiene during processing. Consider using protective gear to avoid bee stings.

Once everything is set up, obtain bees from reputable sources, such as local breeders or suppliers. Purchase healthy colonies or nucleus hives, along with queen bees for establishing strong colonies. You can also manually attract bees to a beehive using baits like beeswax but this method by not always work. Anyway, we will learn more about this later, if you don’t want to buy the bees.

6. Harvest the Honey

Harvesting honey from beehives can be scary if you are doing it for the first time. However, with time, you get used to it. You can get a professional to do it while you are still learning the ropes. 

The process of harvesting honey may vary depending on the equipment and type of beehive you have.

Here are general steps to follow when harvesting honey:

• Timing: The timing of honey harvesting is crucial. Bees need enough honey to sustain them through the winter, so it’s essential to ensure they have sufficient stores before taking any honey. In many regions, honey harvesting is typically done in late summer or early fall when the honey flow is at its peak.
• Prepare the Equipment: Before harvesting honey, gather all the necessary equipment, including a bee suit, smoker, hive tool, bee brush, uncapping knife or fork, honey extractor (if you have one), clean food-grade containers for storing honey, and labels.
• Beehive Inspection: Begin by inspecting the beehive to determine if there is surplus honey that can be harvested. Only take honey from the honey supers (the boxes placed above the brood chamber) and ensure that there is enough honey left for the bees to survive the winter.
• Remove Honey Supers: Once you’ve identified honey-filled frames, use a bee brush or gentle puff of smoke to clear any bees off the frames. Carefully remove the honey supers from the beehive.
• Uncapping: If you have an uncapping knife or fork, use it to remove the wax cappings from both sides of the honeycomb frames. This exposes the honey for extraction. You can collect the wax cappings to process later into beeswax.
• Honey Extraction: If you have a honey extractor, place the uncapped frames inside the extractor. A honey extractor spins the frames, using centrifugal force to extract honey without damaging the comb. If you don’t have an extractor, you can crush and strain the honey manually from the comb using a honey press or other methods.
• Filtering: After extraction, you may choose to filter the honey to remove any remaining debris or small wax particles. Use a fine mesh or cheesecloth to strain the honey into a clean container.
• Jar and Label: Pour the filtered honey into clean, sterilized jars, and seal them tightly. Label the jars with the harvest date and any other relevant information.
• Return Honey Supers: Once you have harvested the honey, return the empty honey supers to the beehive. The bees will clean up any remaining honey and wax, preparing the frames for future use.
• Store Honey: Store the harvested honey in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Properly stored honey can last for a long time without spoiling.

7. Market and Sell Honey and Bee Products

• Branding and Packaging: Develop an appealing brand identity and design attractive packaging for your honey and bee products. Emphasize quality, purity, and uniqueness to differentiate your offerings.
• Pricing Strategies: Determine competitive and profitable pricing based on production costs, market demand, and target customers.
• Sales Channels: Explore various sales channels such as local markets, health stores, online platforms, or establishing direct relationships with retailers or hotels.
• Establish Relationships: Build strong connections with potential buyers, beekeeping associations, and organizations involved in honey value chains. Attend trade fairs, events, and exhibitions to showcase your products.
• Promote and Advertise: Utilize social media, websites, local newspapers, and word-of-mouth marketing to raise awareness about your products. Highlight the health benefits and superior quality of your honey.

8. Fulfill Legal and Regulatory Requirements

Kenya introduced novel livestock legislation in 2021 that impacts bee farmers. According to this new bill, beekeepers engaged in commercial activities must obtain a certificate of registration to continue their ventures legally.

Moreover, the bill mandates that apiculture should only be practiced on lands officially designated and registered as apiculture lands.

Obtaining the certificate is not a one-time process; it requires yearly renewals to ensure ongoing compliance with the regulations. Failure to adhere to these new provisions may result in severe consequences, including hefty fines of up to 500,000 shillings, a maximum prison sentence of one year, or both.

Here is what you can do to avoid this: 

• Register the Business: Consult local authorities and register your beekeeping business as per the legal requirements in Kenya.
• Obtain Licenses and Permits: Obtain necessary licenses, permits, and certifications to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
• Observe Quality and Safety Standards: Adhere to the relevant food safety and quality regulations when harvesting, processing, and packaging honey and other bee products.

9. Financial Management and Sustainability

• Budgeting and Financial Planning: Develop a budget for startup costs, ongoing expenses, and anticipated revenues. Monitor expenses and revenue streams regularly.
• Accurate Record Keeping: Maintain detailed records of sales, expenses, hive management, and any other relevant data for effective financial management.
• Funding Opportunities: Explore funding options, grants, and loans available for agricultural entrepreneurship. Seek assistance from governmental or non-governmental organizations supporting beekeeping initiatives.
• Scaling and Diversification: As your business grows, consider expanding your product line or exploring additional revenue streams like beeswax candles, propolis-based products, or offering pollination services.

Types of Beehives in Kenya

In Kenya, several types of beehives are used for beekeeping, catering to different beekeeping practices and preferences. Some of the common types of beehives found in Kenya include:

• Langstroth Hive: The Langstroth hive is one of the most widely used types of beehives worldwide. It consists of rectangular boxes with frames that hang vertically. It allows for easy management and manipulation of frames, making it popular among commercial beekeepers in Kenya.
• Top-Bar Hive: The top-bar hive is a simple and low-cost alternative to the Langstroth hive. It consists of a long, horizontal box with bars across the top, on which the bees build their comb. Top-bar hives are popular among small-scale and traditional beekeepers in Kenya.
• Kenya Top-Bar Hive: The Kenya top-bar hive is a modified version of the top-bar hive. It features sloping sides to prevent the bees from attaching comb to the walls. This hive is designed to improve ease of use and bee management.
• Warre Hive: The Warre hive is a vertical top-bar hive that allows the bees to build comb in a more natural, vertical pattern. It is designed to mimic the natural nesting habits of bees and is suitable for those seeking a more hands-off approach to beekeeping.
• Traditional Log Hive: In some rural areas of Kenya, traditional log hives are still used. These hives are made from hollowed-out logs and have been used for centuries in traditional beekeeping practices.
• Long Hive: The long hive is a horizontal hive that allows for multiple colonies to be housed in a single long box. It provides a less disruptive method for managing multiple hives in one structure.
• Layens Hive: The Layens hive is a larger, deep-frame horizontal hive with removable frames. It is designed to provide ample space for bees to store honey and brood, making it well-suited for regions with more abundant nectar flows.

Types of Products From Beekeeping 

Beekeeping is a versatile practice that yields various valuable products, commonly referred to as “bee products.” These products are derived from the activities of honeybees and have numerous applications in various industries. 

Some of the primary products you can obtain from beekeeping include:

• Honey: Honey is the most well-known bee product and is the sweet, sticky substance produced by bees from the nectar of flowers. It is a natural sweetener used in culinary applications, as well as in various beverages and baked goods.
• Beeswax: Beeswax is a natural wax produced by worker bees to build honeycomb cells. It has many uses, such as making candles, cosmetics, skincare products, and even as a component in furniture polish.
• Royal Jelly: Royal jelly is a nutritious secretion produced by worker bees to feed queen bees and young bee larvae. It is highly valued for its potential health benefits and is used in dietary supplements and skincare products.
• Propolis: Propolis is a resinous mixture collected by bees from tree buds, sap flows, and other botanical sources. It is used by bees to seal and sterilize their hives. Propolis has medicinal properties and is used in various health products, including throat lozenges and creams.
• Pollen: Bees collect pollen from flowers as a protein source for their larvae. Beekeepers can collect excess pollen using pollen traps. Pollen is often consumed as a dietary supplement due to its nutritional content.
• Bee Venom: Bee venom is the toxin that bees inject through their stingers. It is collected using specialized methods and is used in some alternative medicine therapies, such as bee venom therapy.
• Mead: Mead is an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting honey with water, sometimes with added fruits, spices, or herbs.
• Honeycomb: Honeycomb refers to the wax structure built by bees to store honey and raise brood. It is sometimes harvested intact and used as a delicacy.
• Bee Products in Cosmetics: Various bee products, such as honey, beeswax, and royal jelly, are used in cosmetic products like lotions, creams, and lip balms due to their moisturizing and nourishing properties.
• Bee Products in Health Supplements: Many bee products, like royal jelly, propolis, and pollen, are used in dietary supplements for their potential health benefits.

Benefits of Beekeeping in Kenya 

The benefits of beekeeping extend beyond the delicious honey it yields. 

For instance, bees play a vital role in pollinating crops, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity and food security. In fact, according to South Africa’s Research Council, 80% of indigenous flowering plants in Africa benefit from honey bee pollination, and approximately one-third of all food produced is the result of commercial honey bee pollination. 

Here are some key benefits of starting a beekeeping business in Kenya:

• Income Generation: Beekeeping can provide a steady source of income for farmers. As mentioned earlier, selling honey and other bee products at competitive prices can result in significant profits, especially considering the growing demand for natural and locally sourced honey.
• Low Startup Cost: Beekeeping doesn’t require substantial initial investment, making it accessible to small-scale farmers. Basic beekeeping equipment is relatively affordable, and it’s possible to start with just a few beehives.
• Diverse Revenue Streams: Besides honey, beekeepers can generate additional income from other bee products such as beeswax, propolis, royal jelly, and pollen. These products have various applications in industries like cosmetics, medicine, and food.
• Environmental Benefits: Beekeeping contributes to biodiversity and pollination. Bees play a crucial role in pollinating crops, which enhances agricultural yields and fosters the growth of flora in the surrounding environment.
• Sustainable Farming Practice: Beekeeping is generally environmentally friendly and sustainable. It doesn’t require large tracts of land, and farmers can practice it alongside other agricultural activities, promoting diversification and reducing dependency on a single crop.
• Enhancing Crop Yields: As bees pollinate crops, they boost the yield and quality of fruits and vegetables. This particularly benefits small-scale farmers who can improve their harvests and income through better pollination.
• Food Security: Honey is a nutritious food source, and beekeeping can contribute to food security by providing a locally produced and accessible natural sweetener and supplement.
• Job Creation: Expanding the beekeeping industry can create job opportunities in honey processing, marketing, and distribution, benefiting local communities and the economy.
• Soil Fertility: Beeswax and honey byproducts can be used in organic farming practices to improve soil fertility and act as natural alternatives to chemical fertilizers.
• Drought Resilience: Beekeeping can be a valuable income source during times of drought or when other crops fail, providing a safety net for farmers during challenging periods.

Challenges and Solutions For Beekeeping in Kenya

• Climate and Environmental Factors: Adapt to seasonal changes, rainfall patterns, and address potential challenges like drought or excessive rainfall by providing supplementary feeding and water sources.
• Bee Diseases and Pests: Stay informed about common bee diseases and pests prevalent in your area. Implement preventive measures, regular inspections, and timely treatments.
• Market Fluctuations and Competition: Continuously monitor market trends and adjust your strategies accordingly. Offer unique products, provide excellent customer service, and focus on building customer loyalty.
• Training and Knowledge Gaps: Seek continuous learning opportunities, attend workshops, and stay updated on new techniques, research findings, and industry advancements.
• Developing Resilience: Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, adapt your practices when needed, and maintain a positive outlook to thrive in the beekeeping business.

Beekeeping Business in Kenya – FAQs

The Bottom Line 

Starting a beekeeping business in Kenya requires careful planning, dedication, and a commitment to learning and adapting. By following this step-by-step guide you can lay a solid foundation for a successful venture in the thriving beekeeping industry of Kenya. 

Embrace the rewarding journey of beekeeping entrepreneurship and contribute to the preservation of honeybees while reaping the benefits of a thriving business.

1. KIPPRA, Bee Bulking and Farmer Capacity Building in Bee Keeping: An Opportunity for Increasing Youth Employment and Food Security in Rural Areas