Kenya's Turkana County Targets Million-Kilogram Honey Gap with International Partnership
Lodwar, 22 May 2026
Turkana County faces a staggering supply shortage of nearly 939,000 kilograms of honey annually despite current production of just 80,881 kilograms. The new partnership between the county government and the International Trade Centre aims to bridge this massive gap through strategic apiculture development across three sub-counties. With over 5,200 households already benefiting from beekeeping and access to regional markets in Uganda, South Sudan, and Tanzania, this initiative represents a significant economic opportunity for Kenya’s second-largest county. The collaboration could transform traditional pastoralist communities by providing alternative livelihoods in areas surrounding refugee settlements.
Strategic Partnership Unveils Massive Market Opportunity
The validation meeting held in Lodwar on 21 May 2026 marked a crucial milestone in addressing Turkana County’s honey supply crisis [1]. Deputy Director in charge of Apiculture Josephine Emase revealed the stark reality of the market gap, explaining that Turkana’s annual honey demand reaches 1,019,674 kilograms whilst current production stands at merely 80,881 kilograms [1]. This represents an unmet demand of 938,793 kilograms, highlighting a significant economic opportunity that the partnership with the International Trade Centre seeks to exploit [1]. The collaboration focuses specifically on Turkana Central, Turkana South, and Loima sub-counties, areas that could benefit substantially from enhanced beekeeping infrastructure and training [1].
Current Production Base Shows Promise for Expansion
Despite the substantial supply gap, existing honey production demonstrates the sector’s viability and growth potential. Peter Ikaru, Chief Officer for Livestock Development and Fisheries, highlighted that high production areas in Turkana West/Lokichoggio, Turkana South (Aroo) and Loima/Lokiriama currently produce the county’s annual output of 80,881 kilograms [1]. This production already benefits over 5,200 households across the region, proving that beekeeping can serve as “a full-blown alternative livelihood for pastoralists,” according to Ikaru [1]. The foundation exists for significant scaling, particularly given Turkana County’s position as Kenya’s second-largest county, covering 77,000 square kilometres [1].
Regional Market Access Creates Export Potential
The partnership’s strategic value extends beyond domestic consumption, with Emase emphasising access to regional markets in Uganda, South Sudan, and Tanzania as a key component of the investment opportunity [1]. This regional market access transforms the initiative from a local food security project into a potential export-driven economic development programme. ITC representatives Julius Lokaale and Rao Pothuri reinforced their commitment to making “Turkana a place to Bee,” championing the development of the Turkana County Beekeeping Strategy alongside the Department of Agriculture and Livestock [1]. The strategy aims to coordinate various stakeholders across the honey value chain, creating a more cohesive approach to market development [1].
Community Integration Benefits Host and Refugee Populations
The beekeeping initiative extends its reach to communities surrounding refugee settlements, with World Vision Kenya (WVK) actively working with groups in Nalapatui and Kesekiriet in Kakuma [1]. Halington Kakimon from WVK noted that the Turkana County Beekeeping Strategy will strengthen coordination and cohesion among sector players once completed [1]. This approach creates shared economic opportunities for both host communities and refugee populations, aligning with broader regional stability objectives. Additional stakeholders, including ADRA through representative Marychris Okumu, have emphasised the crucial importance of developing a comprehensive beekeeping value chain strategy [1]. Directors Erenius Nakadio and Richard Lokoyan have also endorsed the strategy development, reflecting broad institutional support for the programme [1].