Beekeeping, or apiculture, has a long-standing tradition in Kenya and has evolved from traditional methods to modern practices that have made it easier to produce honey.

Raw honey, a gift from nature, is championed for its numerous health benefits. It is an invincible force in the world of natural supplements. However, its potential as a lucrative source of income is often overlooked.

Consistency in quality has increased the demand for honey, as production has been increasing every month.

What is the importance of honey?

Honey is not just a sweet substance. It’s a natural elixir filled with vitamins, antioxidants, and other vital nutrients.

As a result, it’s highly sought after, not only for its heavenly sweet taste but also for its therapeutic features in cosmetology and medicine.

The rising popularity of honey and bee products opens up a vast and largely untapped market for the taking.

What are honey bee products?

Some of the products from bees are:

Honey

Bee venom, which is made up of a complex mixture of proteins

Royal jelly 

The Economic Potential of Honey

Central to honey's economic potential is its production process. The honey produced by a small bee population can be astounding, and the process is relatively low-maintenance. This translates to high production margins.

Unlike other agricultural products, bee farming doesn’t require vast tracts of land, making it an excellent option for entrepreneurs with limited resources.

We do not live on honey alone. Beyond raw honey, there is an extensive range of honey-infused products that serve a diverse array of markets.

From dietary supplements and skin care products to gourmet food and beverages, honey's versatility lends itself to limitless business opportunities.

The global appetite for honey is on the rise, extending from local to export markets. Imagine selling a small tin of honey for Sh800. Currently, bee farming has high profit potential if all processes are done right.

There are different types of beehives you can use in Kenya

The choice of a beehive depends on a wide range of factors, including:

Availability

Cost

Management practices

Some of the most popular beehive types that you can use are:

Langstroth hives. They are rectangular and boast removable frames that make it easy for beekeepers to inspect the hives and harvest more easily. These hives are a popular option for commercial beekeepers due to their easy management and high honey production capacity.

Kenya top bar hives (KTBH). They have sloping sides for proper temperature control and better ventilation. They are an excellent option for small-scale beekeepers.

Top bar hives. They have a long, horizontal top bar that is removable and great for small-scale beekeepers. 

KTBH langstroth hybrid. It’s a hybrid version of a KTBH and a Langstroth. The top bars are for a KTBH, but the frame system is for the Langstroth. 

Log hives. They are made from hollowed-out logs and are mainly common in rural areas. These types are easy to construct but difficult to manage.

Cost Of Bee Production In Kenya

The cost of bee farming depends on factors like location, operation, and management practices. Let's break down the average cost. 

 Hives. The cost will range from Sh 4000 to Sh 10,000 if you purchase from professional hive makers. 

Bees. This cost will range from Sh 3000 to Sh 20,000. 

Protective gear. You can't handle the small creatures with bare hands. The cost will range from Sh 3000 to Sh 20,000.

Feeding. In areas where vegetation is limited, feeding will cost anywhere from Sh 900 to Sh 6,000 per month. 

Labor. The cost will vary depending on the region.

Marketing. This may cost anywhere from Sh 500 to Sh 5,000 per month. 

Get started with liquid gold with Frutunda

The future of beekeeping is brighter than ever. As more people become aware of the health and environmental benefits that come along with it, the demand for this 'liquid gold' will continue to rise.

At Frutunda, we offer professionally made beehives at an affordable price to help you get started in the right way.