Savannah Honey has officially commenced beekeeping training for youth under its partnership with the Youth Fund, equipping young Kenyans with the skills and resources needed to build sustainable livelihoods through modern beekeeping .

The training program, which began rolling out on June 10, 2023, represents a crucial next step following the signing of the Collaborative Agreement between Savannah Honey and the Youth Fund on May 7, 2023. Through this initiative, participants receive comprehensive support designed to remove traditional barriers to entry in the beekeeping industry.

A Comprehensive Training and Support Package
The beekeeping project offers participating youth access to a complete suite of benefits :

Access to Hives and Equipment: Participants can acquire up to 15 hives and necessary beekeeping equipment with a flexible 12-month payment plan, allowing them to start their beekeeping journey without significant upfront costs

Free Beekeeping Training: The project provides free training on beekeeping techniques and practices, equipping youth with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully manage their beehives and engage in effective beekeeping practices

Free Technical Support: Participants receive ongoing technical support to address any challenges they may encounter during their beekeeping journey. This support ensures that they can seek guidance and assistance whenever needed, improving their chances of success

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

Income Generation and Economic Empowerment
Beekeeping can be a profitable enterprise, and by participating in the project, youth have the opportunity to generate substantial income . Savannah Honey CEO Kyalo Mutua revealed that one hive can earn a beekeeper KSh 20,000 from honey alone annually, with additional income streams significantly boosting earnings .

Savannah Honey provides KSh 100,000 to each young person to set up the business in the form of a loan, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent youth from seizing this opportunity . The company also helps deliver and install beehives and other beekeeping equipment for participating youth, provides technical support, and ensures a reliable market for various beekeeping products .

Beyond Financial Returns: Broader Impact
The training program extends beyond income generation to deliver meaningful benefits:

Environmental Impact: Beekeeping plays a crucial role in pollination, contributing to the health and biodiversity of the local ecosystem. By engaging in beekeeping, youth actively contribute to the preservation and conservation of the environment .

Entrepreneurship and Skills Development: Beekeeping training fosters entrepreneurship skills among youth, teaching them about business management, marketing, and value addition to bee products—skills that can be applied to other entrepreneurial ventures in the future .

Networking and Collaboration: The project creates opportunities for youth to connect with other beekeepers, industry experts, and potential buyers, leading to knowledge-sharing, partnerships, and access to new market opportunities .

Sustainability and Long-term Support: The provision of free technical support and access to a guaranteed market for five years demonstrates a commitment to the long-term success of participants. The project aims to build a sustainable beekeeping industry, ensuring that youth can continue to thrive beyond the initial training period .

The Bigger Picture
The partnership between Youth Fund and Savannah Honey addresses Kenya’s underutilized beekeeping potential while tackling youth unemployment. Kenya currently imports 80% of its honey and over 95% of its bee pollen, propolis, and bee venom—despite having a production potential of 100,000 metric tonnes .

By targeting youth across the country and providing necessary resources and support, the project empowers young individuals, creates employment opportunities, and contributes to overall economic development at both the individual and community levels .

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