In 2022, we began a small beekeeping journey with just 10 hives and a big dream. The idea was simple: to empower women and the wider community through beekeeping, so they could earn income to support their children’s education, health, and daily needs. The twist? Beekeeping had always been considered a “man’s thing”—but the women were more than ready to take the challenge.
Today, that spark has grown into a movement. We now have four active community groups—two mixed with men and women (Wakaela and Kikaso), and two led entirely by women (Mbuini and Kyeengai). Together, we are 76 members, with 62 women and 14 men actively participating.
What started with a few hives has become a story of growth, purpose, and learning. From day one, the bees have taught us powerful lessons: their flight of purpose, resilience during hard times, and teamwork and a tireless work ethic. Just like them, our members have learned to stay focused, adapt, and support one another.
Of course, the journey hasn’t been without challenges. Some hives weren’t colonized, others were abandoned. A few members left the project. But with almost 70% of our 50 hives currently active, and groups now producing small quantities of honey with gradual increment, there’s a lot to celebrate.
The impact is visible—and personal. Women are not only earning; they’re connecting, sharing, and learning. The income from the honey goes into table banking, helping mothers pay school fees, buy food, or even start small ventures. Veronicah Vendela, who hosts one of the apiaries, says the bees have boosted her crop yield and inspired her to plant sunflowers—creating even more forage for the bees.
We’re also playing an important role in protecting biodiversity. Bees are some of the world’s most vital pollinators, and by supporting their health, we’re also supporting our ecosystems—boosting food security, and helping the environment thrive.
We’re learning new skills too: pest control, hive monitoring, harvesting, honey testing, and safe storage. And we’re dreaming even bigger by thinking of ways to digitize the project using AI tools for remote hive monitoring and digital record-keeping.
This project is more than just keeping bees. It’s about helping women lead, supporting children, and bringing the community together. With teamwork, care, and small steps, we’re creating a better future—one hive at a time.
We’re still learning. Still growing. Still buzzing.
