Tinderet: The buzz of bees is fast becoming the sound of prosperity in Tinderet Sub County, where apiculture has shifted from a small household practice to a major livelihood enterprise. What was once considered a side hustle for rural farmers is now a thriving source of income, nutrition, and environmental conservation, with the community embracing beekeeping as both business and culture.
According to Kenya News Agency, in several villages, neatly arranged hives dot farmlands and forest edges, producing not just honey but also beeswax, propolis, and royal jelly that find ready markets locally and beyond. County statistics indicate that Tinderet farmers collectively produce an estimated 180 to 200 tonnes of honey annually, valued at more than Sh. 90 million.
David Sang, the Nandi County Director of Agriculture (CDA), explained that apiculture has been strategically promoted in Tinderet as part of the diversification programme. He explained that the initiative was designed to cushion farmers against the volatility of crop prices and climate shocks. “We have encouraged farmers to take up beekeeping because it requires little land, improves pollination of crops, and provides high-value products,” he said.
Farmers across the sub county are already seeing results. Kiptoo Cheruiyot, a beekeeper from Kapchorua, revealed that from just 15 hives, his family harvested 120 kilograms of honey last season, translating to about Sh. 60,000 in earnings. He pointed out that honey has become a reliable source of school fees and household needs. “Unlike crops that depend heavily on rain, bees are more resilient. As long as there are flowers, there is income,” he said.
Another farmer, Sarah Chepkemoi of Chepkongony village, narrated how her women’s group ventured into cooperative honey production, pooling resources to purchase modern hives and packaging equipment. Their collective brand now supplies honey to local markets and shops in Kapsabet. She emphasized that apiculture has empowered women financially, making them less dependent on seasonal farm produce.
Beyond economic benefits, officials highlight the ecological importance of apiculture. The Tinderet forest belt, one of the region’s most vital ecosystems, is indirectly protected as farmers place hives along its edge, discouraging illegal logging. John Maiyo, the County Environment Officer, noted that bees thrive in a healthy environment, and this motivates communities to conserve trees and flowers. “Beekeeping and conservation go hand in hand. When farmers protect trees, they protect their income too,” he remarked.
Local schools have also begun embracing beekeeping projects as part of agricultural education. At Chebarbar Primary School, teachers say that pupils not only learn about pollination and conservation but also participate in honey harvesting, an exercise that builds both skills and entrepreneurial spirit. The school has started selling honey to raise funds for classroom projects.
Ruth Chepkorir, the Sub County Agricultural Officer (SCAO) for Tinderet, said plans are underway to establish a honey collection and processing centre in Songhor/Soba ward to standardize quality and expand market access. She stated that the centre will help reduce exploitation of small farmers by middlemen. “Once the collection hub is operational, farmers will enjoy better prices and higher volumes of sales,” said the SCAO.
The national government, through its livestock and agriculture programmes, has also supported the sector with training sessions and subsidized equipment. It has to be noted that Tinderet farmers are among the most promising groups in Nandi County, going by their enthusiasm and willingness to adopt modern apiculture methods.
However, the farmers cite occasional theft of hives, attacks from honey badgers, and lack of access to large-scale export markets as barriers to growth. Joseph Rono, chairperson of Tinderet Beekeepers Cooperative, explained: “We have the potential to produce much more honey, but storage and certification for international markets are still a hurdle.”
The youths are increasingly joining the trade, viewing it as a modern agribusiness opportunity rather than a traditional activity. Peter Kiplangat, a 28-year-old farmer with 20 hives near his homestead, remarked: “We grew up seeing bees as dangerous, but now we see them as a business partner. With honey, you never go broke.”