Bees shape up Kenya's food security agenda

Bees play a critical role in food production, biodiversity conservation and ecosystem health through pollination. 

Nearly 75 per cent of major food crops depend on pollinators, making bees essential for agricultural productivity, food security and sustainable livelihoods. 

The apiculture sub-sector supports more than 200,000 households, with nearly 80 per cent of production coming from arid and semi-arid regions, making it one of the most inclusive and climate-resilient value chains in the livestock sector.

Statistics from the Ministry of Livestock Development show Kenya produces about 19,000 metric tonnes of honey annually, against a demand of over 43,000 metric tonnes.

This shortfall represents a clear opportunity for income growth, enterprise development and import substitution. 

Yet, pollinators face increasing threats from climate change, habitat loss, pesticide misuse, pests, diseases and environmental pollution, highlighting the need for greater awareness and coordinated action.

To address these challenges, apiculture stakeholders recently held a breakfast meeting to foster collaboration, mobilise support, and strengthen the sector, as they also prepare for World Bee Day on May 20 in Mombasa.

The 2026 theme is Bees for Sustainable Livelihoods and Biodiversity Conservation. 

Christopher Nzuki, CEO of The Hive Ltd, emphasised the need for deliberate efforts to protect bees, since humans depend on bees for survival.

Nzuki works with over 15,000 beekeepers across the country, training farmers, supplying and installing equipment such as hives, supporting production scale-up and providing markets for honey and other bee products.

He said declining bee populations will affect food production, clothing and many other essential goods.

“The clothes we wear depend on crops like cotton, which rely on pollination,” said Nzuki. 

He warned bees’ critical resources could be disrupted, rivers could dry up, aquifers could diminish, and ecosystems could collapse.

He explained: “Water comes from rivers or underground sources, and these water systems are sustained by forests. Forests, in turn, depend on trees, and every tree begins as a seed.

For a seed to form, a flower must be properly pollinated, and pollination is the work of bees.” He cautioned against the continued destruction of trees and flowering plants, which he noted effectively starves bees and undermines ecosystems.

“Cutting down a single tree is like removing a plate of food from the bees’ table.” 

The Head of Agriculture in the State Department for Livestock Development, Regina Ciira, reflected on her journey, recalling how her understanding of bees has evolved. 

“I prefer to think of bees not just as insects but as livestock, valuable livestock that must be protected. When I see a bee, I feel a sense of warmth but also concern,” she said. 

She emphasised that bee conservation is not just an agricultural issue but a national and societal responsibility.

Ciira said bees are foundational to food systems.

“When we think about pollination, we think about food, but not just food for humans. We must also consider feed for livestock, which ultimately contributes to food security,” she noted. 

Principal Secretary in the State Department for Livestock Development Jonathan Mueke describes apiculture as a key contributor to food security, environmental sustainability and rural livelihoods. 

“Kenya has long recognised bees as livestock, given their economic, environmental and agricultural significance. This position is now gaining global recognition, elevating apiculture within the global development agenda and reinforcing the importance of investing in this sub-sector,” he said. 

Mueke lauded the National Museums of Kenya in advancing research and innovation, including work on stingless bees, which opens new frontiers for smallholder farmers.

Looking ahead, the PS highlighted the need for stronger private sector involvement to position Kenyan apiculture products, such as honey, beeswax, and propolis, in both local and international markets.

This will require improved quality standards, certification, branding and aggregation. 

Zipporah Maina of the Retail Trade Association of Kenya said honey is widely available in supermarkets, but quality remains a concern in both formal and informal markets. 

She stressed that all products must meet regulatory and public health requirements, adding that some have faced recalls by the Kenya Bureau of Standards. 

Maina said export markets demand very high standards, and Kenyan consumers deserve the same.

“We are creating awareness to encourage consumers to demand quality, read labels and understand what they purchase,” she said. 

She also emphasised the importance of traceability systems among suppliers, noting that these make it possible to track products back to their source and identify affected batches if issues arise.

Principal Secretary for Agriculture Dr Kipronoh Ronoh underscored the importance of bees in producing oilseeds, legumes, horticultural crops and forage for livestock. 

Healthy bee populations improve both yields and quality, boosting household incomes and export competitiveness. 

“Households earn higher incomes from improved yields and quality, and our exports become more competitive. In short, bees are fundamental to biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and economic growth,” Ronoh said.

He called for a strengthened policy and regulatory environment, including the review and enforcement of pesticide regulations to safeguard pollinators, the promotion of bee-friendly farming practices and the integration of pollinator services into agricultural extension. 

Ronoh also emphasised the need for investment in research and innovation, including climate-resilient bee species, modern hive technologies, value addition, and digital tools for monitoring hive health.

The stakeholders proposed several solutions, including farmer training on safe pesticide use, habitat restoration through planting flowering vegetation, integrated farming to promote biodiversity, supplementary feeding during dry seasons, and improved hive management to control pests such as hive beetles and wax moths.