Kenya is still unable to meet local demand for honey and other bee products, forcing the country to rely on imports from neighbouring states, stakeholders in the apiculture sector have said.
Apiculture Platform of Kenya chairman Robin Bai said Kenya’s honey production levels remain below domestic demand, leading to continued reliance on imports.
He said bees are central to food production and biodiversity through pollination, warning that environmental degradation threatens both agriculture and livelihoods.
“The bees require trees and crops because that is where we get our food,” Bai said, adding that educating young people on the link between bees, nature and human survival is critical for sustainability.
He was speaking during an awareness forum on tree planting and pollination at Khamisi Secondary School in Mombasa ahead of World Bee Day celebrations set for May 20.
He called for stronger bee conservation efforts, environmental education and increased youth participation in beekeeping.
He observed that World Bee Day should serve as a platform to encourage farmers to scale up production while embracing sustainable environmental practices.
“We need to consolidate, understand each other, promote each other and ensure we satisfy the demand for bee products in Kenya,” he said.
International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology research scientist Dr Beatrice Gansu highlighted persistent challenges, including poor hive management and limited understanding of bee needs among farmers.
She pointed out that inadequate hive inspection and lack of water provision during dry seasons affect colony health and productivity, urging increased training and adoption of bee-friendly farming practices.
Apiculture Platform of Kenya Coast representative Dr Samuel Kiptalam described beekeeping as both an environmental conservation practice and a viable economic venture, urging greater national support for the sector.
“Beekeeping is a very nice venture. You are protecting the environment while also benefiting from honey and other bee products,” he said.
In Kilifi county, beekeeper Josephine Mwashumbe said awareness around World Bee Day was encouraging more small-scale farmers to adopt modern beekeeping methods and share knowledge.
She emphasised that beekeeping goes beyond honey production, linking it to environmental protection and long-term food security, while noting Africa’s potential to become a major player in global honey markets due to its favourable climate.
Experts at the forum concluded that protecting bees and other pollinators is vital for food security, environmental sustainability and economic growth, particularly in farming-dependent communities.
