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Kerio Valley Development Authority expands reach with honey outlet in Eastleigh's BBS Mall

By Abdirahman Khalif | 11 Mar 2024

The KVDA annually produces around 130 tonnes of honey with a substantial portion consumed and sold to markets in East Africa and beyond, including the United States.

The Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA) on Monday expanded its market reach, opening a honey distribution outlet at the BBS Mall in Eastleigh, Nairobi.

Beekeeping has emerged as a lucrative economic activity in Kenya's Arid and Semi-Arid Areas (ASALs), with the Kerio Valley as a hub for production.

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The KVDA annually produces around 130 tonnes of honey with a substantial portion consumed and sold to markets in East Africa and beyond, including in the United States.

Officials are pictured at the BBS Mall in Eastleigh, Nairobi, on March 11, 2024, during the launch of a honey distribution outlet by the Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA). (Photo: (Photo: Amin Abdullahi)

Cabinet Secretary Penina Malonza, who officiated the launch of the outlet, noted the opportune moment presented by Somalia's position as the newest EAC member.

"We need to explore that market," said Malonza, who is in charge of the Ministry of the East African Community, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands and Regional Development.

She highlighted the potential for expansion and collaboration within the region.

Guests at the BBS Mall in Eastleigh, Nairobi, on March 11, 2024, during the launch of a honey distribution outlet by the Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA). (Photo: (Photo: Amin Abdullahi)

KVDA Chairman Mark Chesergon said they intend to expand, particularly in Nairobi.

"We want to tell the world that we have the best organic honey," he said, adding they are focused on quality and authenticity.

Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan urged the KVDA to consider bulk packaging, citing the high demand for honey within the local community.

"The community here loves honey so you might consider packaging in larger volumes," he said, adding that “Eastleigh is now the engine driving Kenya’s economic growth and development.”

A group of dancers is pictured at the BBS Mall in Eastleigh, Nairobi, on March 11, 2024, during the launch of a honey distribution outlet by the Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA). (Photo: (Photo: Amin Abdullahi)

Sigor MP Peter Lochakapang hailed the KVDA as a ready market for honey producers in West Pokot and other ASALs, saying local farmers now have access to a reliable avenue for selling their produce and generating income.

"My people can sell their honey to them and make income," said the MP who chairs the Departmental Committee on Regional Development.

Patrick Nyagweso, chief executive of the Kenya National Chambers of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), noted that beekeeping presents a lucrative opportunity for farmers, with a single beehive yielding up to 60 kilos of honey per month, translating to approximately Sh40,000 in revenue.

With many farmers maintaining around 10 beehives, honey production offers a sustainable source of income for communities.