Kenya, celebrated for its diverse ecosystems, finds itself in a surprising position in honey production.
Despite having the capacity to produce five times its current output, the country imports approximately 80% of its honey needs.
This gap reveals a significant potential for growth, and Savannah Honey, led by CEO Kyalo Mutua, is at the forefront of this transformation.
Kyalo Mutua’s journey into beekeeping began in 2013.
Initially trained as an urban planner, he discovered the promising market for bee pollen, which inspired him to dive deeper into the world of honey production.
With an initial investment of Ksh 300,000, he founded Savannah Honey and collaborated with local farmers to build a sustainable, community-focused enterprise.
What sets Savannah Honey apart is its innovative model, empowering city residents to utilize idle land for beekeeping.
This approach resonates with urban dwellers who can now transform unused land into productive bee farms while balancing urban life. According to Kyalo, “The allure of beekeeping’s potential was simply too compelling to overlook.”
What began as a small venture has grown into a multi-million-dollar enterprise, working with over 4,500 farmers across Kenya and supporting over 1,500 in modern beekeeping techniques, including technical support, equipment installation, field training, and market access for products.
Savannah Honey also stands out as Africa’s largest buyer of bee venom, currently purchasing it at Ksh 40,000 per gram.
Additionally, the company buys honey at Ksh 500 per kilogram, bee pollen at Ksh 6,900 per kilogram, propolis at Ksh 1,900 per kilogram, and royal jelly at Ksh 38,000 per kilogram.
These competitive prices foster growth in the beekeeping sector, providing a stable income for local farmers.
Beyond honey, Savannah Honey has expanded into six other African countries, including Uganda, Rwanda, Malawi, Zambia, and Namibia. The company harnesses the power of bee products for various health applications, such as diabetes, inflammation, low libido, and even cancer. Engaging in apitherapy research, Savannah Honey explores bee products for treating HIV/AIDS and other conditions.
Kyalo’s team is also pioneering cosmetics, developing bee venom creams and body lotions for skincare solutions like acne.
In addition to Savannah Honey, Kyalo Mutua has diversified his entrepreneurial ventures. He is the founder and chairman of East African Chick, specializing in indigenous poultry production, as well as Baobab Properties, a company with interests in land and property development.
He also heads Alpha Tech Machine, which sells agricultural and manufacturing equipment, further supporting rural and agricultural development.
Through strategic partnerships, Savannah Honey is advancing youth empowerment in the honey industry. Collaborations with the Youth Fund and GIZ train thousands of young people in modern beekeeping techniques, creating new opportunities in a growing market.
Kyalo Mutua’s vision for Savannah Honey is about more than honey production—it’s about tapping into Kenya’s agricultural potential, uplifting communities, and shaping a sustainable future in beekeeping.
