Savannah Honey Shines at National Business Leadership Awards

Kenya’s thriving beekeeping industry has something to smile about after Savannah Honey Limited was named Kenya’s Best Beekeeping Company at this year’s National Business Leadership Awards (NaBLA).

The recognition celebrates the firm’s commitment to transforming apiculture through farmer training, innovation, and sustainable production methods that have empowered thousands of smallholder farmers across Kenya and the region.

For years, Savannah Honey has worked to change perceptions around beekeeping — helping farmers view it not just as a hobby, but as a profitable and environmentally friendly venture.

The company designs and manufactures durable Langstroth hives, honey extractors, and protective suits, all suited for African weather conditions.

Farmers also receive installation support, training, and technical guidance to ensure their hives remain productive.

Beyond honey, Savannah Honey has made strides in value addition. Farmers are now able to earn from a range of bee products such as wax, propolis, royal jelly, and even bee venom — all of which the company helps process and market. For instance, under Savannah’s contract-based model, farmers supply:

• Honey at KSh500 per kilogram

• Wax at KSh700 per kilogram

• Propolis at KSh1,900 per kilogram

• Royal jelly at KSh38,000 per kilogram

• Bee venom at KSh4,000 per gram

These guaranteed prices are part of five-year agreements that give farmers stability and confidence in an industry often affected by weather unpredictability.

Savannah Honey’s value chain doesn’t stop there. The firm also produces natural skincare products made from bee derivatives — including propolis soaps, lip balms, royal jelly lotions, and notably, bee venom cream and oil, which are used in apitherapy and skin treatment. It remains the only company in Africa currently producing bee venom products commercially.

Its community programmes have become the backbone of this growth story. Through free training and technical support, Savannah has helped rural farmers improve hive management and honey quality, giving them access to stable income streams even in arid and semi-arid areas.

The company’s influence has also spread beyond Kenya, with ongoing collaborations and training initiatives in Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Somalia. These regional partnerships have boosted both honey quality and farmer incomes across East Africa.

By combining modern technology, research, and fair-trade principles, Savannah Honey has positioned itself as a pioneer in sustainable apiculture. The NaBLA recognition is not just a company milestone — it’s a sign of the growing potential of Kenya’s honey sector and the role bees continue to play in both livelihoods and environmental conservation.