Bee keeping
Modern bee keeping (apiculture) can be a profitable venture. To make it commercially viable twenty (20) hives and above is recommended. It is one of the best ways to utilize idle land.
In Kenya, both the Langstroth and Kenya top bar hive are popular with modern bee keepers. However, each has its advantages over the other with the KTBH being slightly more advantageous for apiculture.
The products are as follows:
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Honey
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Royal Jelly
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Propolis
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Bee venom
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Bee pollen
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Bees wax
The venture is contract based for direct purchase of honey and by-products for up to 5 years. This includes free hives monitoring for 1 year at any location in Kenya.
Honey comb
Bees wax in honey combs contain fatty acids, which are good for the heart as well as for lowering bad cholesterol levels
Soap, lotion, creams
Bees wax has many uses. The most popular is for makings soap, lotion, lip balm and even anti-aging creams.
Candles
Candles, crayons, floor polish, shoe polish, car wax are all by-products of bees wax.
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Hives in Kenya
Langstroth, Kenya Top Bar Hive and a traditional hive are among the common hives in Kenya. The flow hive is available but expensive for most bee keepers.
Modern Apiary
Apairy design can vary due to a number of factors. However, it is good to have it spacious and tidy within a calm setting away from the wind.
Hive quality
It is important to have good quality waxed hives when starting a bee project.
Flowers next to your apairy or bee keeping area are important for quality and consistent honey production. Grow these as annuals or perennials. Fruit trees or other crops that produce flowers work well in addition to water/ water source.
