Kenya Launches Africa’s First Bee Venom Marketplace in Boost to MSME Growth

Kenya has taken a major step in advancing agricultural innovation and enterprise development with the launch of Africa’s first Bee Venom Marketplace in Nairobi.

 The initiative, spearheaded by Savannah Honey, is expected to transform the country’s beekeeping sector and create new income opportunities for farmers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The marketplace was officially launched by Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya, Cabinet Secretary for Co-operatives and MSMEs Development, who praised the initiative as a milestone in Kenya’s journey toward value addition and global competitiveness.

 He noted that the project aligns with the Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which prioritises job creation, enterprise growth, and market expansion for ordinary citizens.

Speaking during the event, Dr. Oparanya emphasised the importance of moving away from exporting raw materials to producing finished and high-value products. 

He highlighted bee venom and other bee extracts as emerging commodities with strong demand in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and alternative medicine industries.

 With global markets for bee products expanding, Kenya now has an opportunity to position itself as a key supplier in the sector.

Currently, the country produces limited quantities of honey compared to domestic and international demand, forcing imports to fill the gap. 

This shortage, according to the Cabinet Secretary, represents a major opportunity for local farmers and MSMEs to increase production, improve quality, and access better markets.

Savannah Honey’s investment in a dedicated bee venom production, processing, and marketing centre has been described as a pioneering move in Africa. 

The company has also been supporting farmers through training, provision of modern Langstroth hives, technical assistance, and guaranteed markets. These efforts are helping to professionalise beekeeping and turn it into a reliable source of income.

The Ministry of Co-operatives and MSMEs Development has pledged continued support to the sector through policy reforms, digital transformation, and improved access to affordable credit. Special attention is being given to youth- and women-led enterprises to ensure inclusive growth.

Beyond economic benefits, beekeeping is also being promoted as a climate-smart activity. Bees play a vital role in pollination and biodiversity conservation, while offering livelihood opportunities, especially in semi-arid regions where crop farming is limited.

As Kenya strengthens partnerships between Government, the private sector, and cooperatives, the Bee Venom Marketplace is expected to serve as a model for other value chains.

 The initiative signals a new era in agricultural innovation—one where farmers, MSMEs, and investors work together to unlock sustainable growth and prosperity.