1. Egerton University – Queen Bee Rearing Technology (QBRT)
Egerton University, through its Bee Research and Demonstration Unit (BRDU) at the Njoro campus, is implementing the Queen Bee Rearing Technology (QBRT). This program aims to increase the number of young queen bees per colony, thereby enhancing egg-laying capacity and overall hive productivity. The initiative addresses challenges such as declining bee populations due to pesticide use, habitat loss, and climate change .
2. Kitui County – Cooperative-Based Queen Rearing
The Kitui County government supports queen bee rearing through five beekeeping cooperatives comprising over 10,000 members and more than 100,000 hives. The program enables farmers to sell hives with established colonies and offers pollination services by hiring out populated hives to farmers during flowering seasons .
3. Tunza Nyuki – Community Training and Hive Management
Operating in counties like Bomet, Narok, Kericho, Nyamira, and Kisii, Tunza Nyuki provides training in ethical beekeeping practices, hive management, and queen rearing. They have trained over 1,000 beekeepers and relocated 160 bee colonies, promoting sustainable livelihoods and environmental conservation .tunzanyuki.com
4. Indigenous Women’s Beekeeping
ILEPA collaborates with indigenous women’s groups in Narok South to promote beekeeping as an alternative livelihood. The program supplies beehives, harvesting equipment, and training, empowering women economically while contributing to climate change mitigation .
5. African Beekeepers Ltd – Commercial and Community Projects
African Beekeepers Ltd (ABL) has established apiaries across Kenya, managing Langstroth hives and providing pollination services. They have partnered with schools and cooperatives to set up beekeeping projects, offering training and purchasing honey under contractual agreements .africanbeekeepers.co.ke
6. World Vision – Youth Empowerment through Beekeeping
In West Pokot County, World Vision’s CRIFSUP project trains youth in queen rearing, hive construction, and honey processing. This initiative aims to diversify income sources and promote sustainable farming practices .
Tools and Resources for Queen Rearing
For beekeepers interested in queen rearing, Savannah Honey offers a comprehensive Queen Rearing Kit priced at KSh 5,000. The kit includes queen rearing cups, a queen rearing frame, cell protectors, cell bar blocks, and a cell bar holder, facilitating efficient and graft-free queen production .
Environmental and Economic Impact
Queen bee breeding programs in Kenya contribute significantly to:
- Enhanced Honey Production: By increasing the number of productive queens, hive productivity improves, leading to higher honey yields.
- Improved Pollination Services: Managed bee colonies enhance pollination of crops, boosting agricultural productivity.
- Economic Empowerment: Beekeeping provides alternative income sources, especially for women and youth in rural areas.
- Environmental Conservation: Beekeeping encourages the preservation of natural habitats and biodiversity.