Savannah Honey and the Youth Fund have joined forces to create meaningful income opportunities for young Kenyans through a comprehensive partnership that provides financing, training, mentorship, technical support, and guaranteed market access.

The Collaborative Agreement, signed on May 7, 2023, aims to equip young entrepreneurs with the resources they need to succeed in the beekeeping value chain while addressing the pressing challenge of youth unemployment in Kenya.

A Transformative Partnership for Youth Employment
Established by the Ministry of Youth Affairs in 2007, the Youth Fund has long been dedicated to helping young people create employment opportunities through enterprise development. By partnering with Savannah Honey, the Fund has opened a unique pathway for youth to participate in Kenya’s thriving beekeeping industry—a sector with immense untapped potential.

Speaking about the partnership, Youth Fund CEO Josiah Moriasi noted that the increasing global demand for beekeeping products positions this collaboration to play a critical role in boosting both local and international market presence for youth-led enterprises. “This partnership is expected to create a significant impact on the lives of young entrepreneurs in the beekeeping value chain, addressing youth unemployment and promoting sustainable development,” he said.

Savannah Honey CEO Kyalo Mutua outlined the company’s commitment to supporting interested youth by raising awareness of available services and facilitating access. “Savannah Honey will help deliver and install beehives and other beekeeping equipment for participating youth, provide technical support, and ensure a reliable market for various beekeeping products, such as honey, bee pollen, propolis, royal jelly, wax, and bee venom,” he said.

Key Benefits for Participating Youth
Through this partnership, young entrepreneurs can access a comprehensive support package:

Hives and Equipment: Participants can acquire up to 15 hives and necessary equipment with a flexible 12-month payment plan, eliminating the barrier of high upfront costs

Free Beekeeping Training: The project provides free training on beekeeping techniques and best practices, equipping youth with the knowledge to successfully manage their hives

Free Technical Support: Ongoing technical assistance is available to address any challenges participants may encounter during their beekeeping journey

Guaranteed Market Access: A five-year contract guarantees a market for various bee products at favorable prices, including:

Bee Pollen: Sh6,800 per kilogram

Propolis: Sh1,900 per kilogram

Royal Jelly: Sh38,000 per kilogram

Wax: Sh700 per kilogram

Bee Venom: Sh4,000 per gram

Honey: Sh500 per kilogram

Financing: Each young person receives KSh 100,000 in the form of a loan to set up their beekeeping business.

Income Generation Potential
The returns from beekeeping are substantial. CEO Kyalo Mutua revealed that one hive can earn a beekeeper KSh 20,000 from honey alone annually. “A hive can give up to 10 kilogrammes of honey four times a year, each kilo at KSh 500,” he explained.

Additional income streams from other bee products significantly boost earnings:

Product Annual Income Potential
Bee Pollen Up to Sh45,000
Royal Jelly Up to Sh48,000
Wax Up to Sh24,000
Propolis Up to Sh32,000
Bee Venom Up to Sh52,000
Broader Impact and Sustainable Development
Beyond economic empowerment, the partnership contributes to several important areas:

Environmental Conservation: Beekeeping plays a crucial role in pollination, contributing to the health and biodiversity of local ecosystems. By promoting sustainable practices, the partnership helps conserve the environment and protect natural habitats.

Gender Equality: The partnership encourages the inclusion of young women in the beekeeping business, addressing historical underrepresentation and promoting gender equality in the industry.

Alignment with SDGs: The partnership supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Support for SMEs: By providing funding and resources to young people involved in beekeeping, the partnership supports the growth of small and medium enterprises in the industry.

Looking Ahead
The partnership between Youth Fund and Savannah Honey represents an exciting development in Kenya’s beekeeping industry. By providing funding, training, and market access, the two organizations are creating a significant impact on the lives of young entrepreneurs, addressing youth unemployment, and promoting sustainable development.

Kenya is one of the largest producers of honey in Africa, yet many young people have not had the opportunity to participate due to lack of resources and knowledge. This partnership aims to remove those barriers and create a new generation of successful young beekeepers.

For more information about Savannah Honey’s youth empowerment initiatives and other programs, contact 0748091894 or visit Savannah Honey Africa