For many years, Joseck Matheri, Calvin Tiony, and their wives faced a big problem while taking care of bees.
A tough animal called the honey badger, although small, really liked honey and caused a lot of damage to their beehouses.
This made them feel very sad and worried about their bee business.
They had many problems to deal with, and it seemed like their beekeeping might stop.
But sometimes when things are really hard, people come up with new and smart ideas.
And that’s exactly what happened – they created a special kind of beehouse made from concrete, which changed everything in beekeeping.
And Here is their story as told by WOK
In 2020, after years of frustration, experimentation, and significant investment, the innovative minds behind Mister Bee Concrete Hives introduced a groundbreaking solution.
Concrete, a material both sturdy enough to withstand honey badger attacks and boasting impressive thermodynamic properties, became the cornerstone of their innovation.
“We chose to work with concrete because it was a material too strong enough for the honey badger but also because of its thermodynamic characteristics,” Said Calvin.
Unlike their wooden counterparts, concrete hives do not conduct heat effectively.
This feature is a game-changer, as it ensures a stable internal temperature regardless of external weather conditions.
As a result, bees can work at full capacity throughout the year, leading to a remarkable 40% increase in honey production.
The durability of concrete also proved to be a crucial advantage.
While wooden hives required replacement every few years, the concrete hives could endure for up to a century.
The design of the concrete hive was meticulously thought out.
It consists of a brood box, a honey super for honey collection, an airtight cover, and a lock notch feature for added security.
The hive’s resilience to fire treatment and its substantial weight make it both fireproof and burglar-proof, eliminating additional sources of loss.
One of the most impressive aspects of Mister Bee Concrete Hives is its commitment to sustainability.
The traditional wooden hives required the sacrifice of thousands of trees each year, contributing to deforestation and carbon emissions.
The adoption of concrete hives drastically reduces deforestation and, subsequently, the release of carbon into the environment.
The ingenuity of the concrete hive design did not go unnoticed.
The venture caught the attention of the Kenya Climate Innovation Centre and the Kenya Catalytic Job Fund, which recognized its innovation, as well as its social, economic, and environmental impact.
The benefits are far-reaching, extending beyond Kenya’s borders.
Partnerships with entities as distant as Australia, the global hub for honey production, have emerged, showcasing the universal appeal of this revolutionary concept.
Mister Bee Concrete Hives has not only revolutionized beekeeping but also democratized it.
With a forward-thinking business model, the company empowers aspiring beekeepers by removing the “professional-only” barrier.
By purchasing a minimum of 25 hives, individuals gain access to a comprehensive package that includes hive installation, beekeeping equipment, training, regular inspections, and guaranteed honey purchases.
While the journey of transforming beekeeping through concrete hives has been beset with challenges, the impact is undeniable.
The market for genuine honey is vast, and the demand far outstrips the local supply.
“Beekeeping is a great way to make use of idle land. It’s also very profitable. It takes 12 years to get a return on real estate but only three years with beekeeping,” Mr Joseck says.
Kenyans often resort to importing honey or settling for adulterated versions. Mister Bee Concrete Hives not only addresses this demand-supply gap but also fosters environmental conservation and economic growth.
