Savannah Honey has launched a landmark KSh 100 million beekeeping programme targeting 1,000 farmers across Kenya, providing loans, modern equipment, training, and guaranteed market access to transform the country’s underutilized apiculture sector .

The programme, announced in August 2024, aims to distribute 20,000 beehives nationwide while offering loan facilities ranging from KSh 60,000 to KSh 200,000 per farmer, with a flexible repayment period of 12 months . This initiative represents Savannah Honey’s most ambitious effort yet to address Kenya’s persistent honey production deficit.

Comprehensive Support for Farmers
Speaking about the programme, Savannah Honey CEO Kyalo Mutua emphasized the company’s commitment to equipping farmers with the right information and resources to maximize their yields. “Depending on the package that a farmer chooses, we will guide them through the process to ensure they maximize their potential for high yields,” Mutua said .

The programme offers participating farmers:

Flexible Loan Facilities: Credit packages between KSh 60,000 and KSh 200,000, tailored to individual farmer needs

Modern Equipment: Distribution of 20,000 Langstroth beehives across the country

Free Training: Comprehensive training on beekeeping techniques and best practices

Technical Support: Ongoing expert assistance to address challenges and optimize production

Five-Year Market Contract: Guaranteed market access for 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

Addressing Kenya’s Honey Production Deficit
The programme comes at a critical time for Kenya’s beekeeping sector. Currently, only 20% of the country’s honey production potential, estimated at 100,000 metric tonnes annually, is being tapped . This underutilization has forced Kenya to import approximately 80% of the honey consumed domestically, while over 95% of bee pollen, propolis, and bee venom used in the country are imported .

Savannah Honey has expressed confidence that this initiative will significantly boost honey production and empower farmers through access to credit and modern equipment . The programme is designed to benefit farmers across all counties, with the company’s network of apiarists ready to provide support within 24 hours whenever needed.

Why Beekeeping Is a Lucrative Investment
Beekeeping offers substantial income potential with minimal input costs. One hive can earn a beekeeper KSh 20,000 from honey alone annually, with additional income streams from other bee products significantly boosting earnings . A hive can yield up to 10 kilograms of honey four times a year, and with the guaranteed market prices, farmers can enjoy predictable, sustainable income.

Honey currently retails at five times the price of oil, with demand increasing not only in Africa but across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia . In the Arab market, a kilogram of honey can fetch up to $25, presenting significant export opportunities for Kenyan farmers.

About Savannah Honey
Savannah Honey is one of Africa’s leading beekeeping companies, operating in seven countries and recognized as Kenya’s Best Beekeeping Company at the National Business Leadership Awards . The company offers professional Apiary Management training, supplies modern Langstroth hives and beekeeping equipment, and provides end-to-end technical and market support to farmers across the country.

For more information about Savannah Honey’s farmer financing programmes and beekeeping opportunities, contact 0748091894 or visit Savannah Honey Africa