Concern over bee farming Bill

Local leaders and bee farmers in Kenya’s Baringo County have opposed the proposed Livestock Bill 2021 that seeks to outlaw keeping bees for commercial purposes. The Nation reports that the proposed law drafted by National Assembly majority leader Amos Kimunya only allows apiaries registered by the government to keep bees for commercial purposes. The farmers, led by Baringo Bee Keepers and Honey Producers Association chair Justin Chebii, have raised concern that if it is signed into law, the Bill would deal a big blow to farmers in arid and semi-arid areas who solely rely on bees for their livelihood. ‘Why introduce bureaucracies to people in arid areas who depend on honey?’ he asked. Labour & Social Services Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui said Kenyans would be given an opportunity to air their views through a public participation process.