Kapenguria: Women in Kapenguria Constituency, West Pokot County, near the Kapkanyar Forest ecosystem, have received 100 environmentally friendly beehives, thanks to a joint initiative by Perur Rays of Hope and the International Tree Foundation (ITF). The donation is part of a broader effort to promote sustainable livelihoods for rural women while supporting forest conservation, with women from the Sinenden and Katlal groups receiving the beehives free of charge.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mildred Ichingwa of Ibees Limited, who trained the women courtesy of Perur Rays of Hope and ITF, stated that West Pokot possesses ideal conditions for beekeeping due to its climate and biodiversity. She highlighted the economic potential, noting that a single hive could yield 15 to 24 kilogrammes of honey per season, with honey fetching between Sh700 and Sh1,000 per kilogram. Ichingwa encouraged the women to view beekeeping as a sustainable income source and a valuable tradition for future generations.
Caroline Menach, HSC, the Director of Perur Rays of Hope and Principal of St. Elizabeth Girls Secondary School in Morpus, Pokot South Constituency, emphasized the organization's commitment to empowering women and conserving the environment. She revealed that the organization has so far donated 100 beehives as part of a wider initiative to promote eco-friendly practices. Menach added that the organization is also promoting agroforestry by distributing avocado and mango trees to reduce deforestation and improve livelihoods.
In support of national targets to plant 15 billion trees, Perur Rays of Hope plans to plant 50,000 tree seedlings this season, including 20,000 during the Madaraka Day celebrations. Menach stressed the importance of preserving forests for biodiversity and protecting water sources like the Nzoia River. She emphasized that empowering women economically helps reduce Gender-Based violence and improves household food security.
Joshua Mutambuki, the Project Officer for Western Kenya at ITF, expressed satisfaction with the impact of the partnership, describing the beehive donation as a step toward supporting climate-resilient, nature-based enterprises. He also noted that over 100 energy-saving eco-stoves were installed, which provide a smoke-free cooking alternative.
Mutambuki highlighted training in sustainable land management, crop diversification, and soil conservation. He noted that avocado tree distributions are already yielding positive outcomes, with increased production expected in the next two years. Women have been trained in grafting seedlings, enhancing local capacity for tree cultivation.
Viola Rotino, a beneficiary of the programme, expressed her gratitude for the donation, saying it would significantly boost women's incomes. She noted that the income would help women buy household items, pay school fees, and improve living standards. Rotino suggested forming a cooperative to export honey to international markets, enabling women to acquire land and build better homes.
Another beneficiary, Thomas Pkemoi, a farmer from Sinenden village, thanked the organization for the beehives and tree seedlings. He said honey production would help cover school fees and improve health, highlighting honey's benefits for immunity and bone recovery.