John Morijoi is a bee farmer from Loita, Narok South, Narok County.
The farmer who is making a fortune from selling honey says he opted for bee farming as it requires minimal efforts.
To further boost his career, Morijoi registered a company, Loita Acacia Honey Limited, whoch is located along Narok-Nakuru Highway.
Here is his story as told by WoK.
Morijoi said he opted for bee farming as it takes little time and requires minimal capital capital to start.
Years after getting into the business, he noted that he has no regrets and prefers beekeeping to any other agribusinesses.
Morijoi said bee farming is a simple venture as the farmer is only required to check when the honey is ready for harvesting.
“For eight years now, I have been actively involved in the beekeeping business. I find it much better than other types of agribusinesses as it requires little time and space,” he noted.
Morijoi noted that his family is living a decent life and he is able to pay his children’s school fees all thanks to beef farming.
Additionally, he also noted that he is working closely with self-help groups to pass down his knowledge on bee keeping.
“Women are huge beneficiaries of apiculture. I have engaged women from different areas such as Nchaishi, Enkiu, Elangata Enterit, Loita and Olderekesi in Narok South. Many of them are happy doing the business and have improved their livelihoods,” Morijoi said.
Morijoi supplies his honey products through his company, Loita Acacia Honey, which is located along the Narok-Nakuru Highway.
He sells honey wholesale at a cost of Ksh 500 per litre and Ksh 800 when sold at retail prices.
Other than honey, Morijoi also sells bee wax, royal jelly, bee venom, propolis and pollen.
“I have many customers who book my honey. Many buy at wholesale while others buy in retail. I maintain cleanliness to ensure my honey is of high quality,” he said.
Morijoi also sells beehives.
“I offer installation services to my customers. Sometimes I assist the farmer in harvesting for the first and second harvests,” he said.
As a farmer who has found success in bee keeping, Morijoi has called on the County Government Department of Agriculture to offer training and beehives to farmers willing to get into the business.
“One major challenge that farmers are facing is lack of basic knowledge in apiculture. The government can take up that role and train farmers. They also need assistance in acquiring beehives because traditional ones are not efficient,” he said.
Kenya produces about 100,000 metric tons of honey annually.
This is, however, an insignificant amount at just about 20 per cent of its potential.
Kenya has great potential in beekeeping as 80 per cent of the land mass is classified as arid and semi-arid.
These regions have an abundance of flora, such as acacia trees, and other factors capable of supporting a bee industry all year round.
