Lodwar, May 19 2025 (Public Communications and Media Relations)
The County Government through the Department of Agriculture, Livestock Development and Fisheries, has assured the residents of Turkana and the visitors coming to Lodwar that all plans to celebrate the World Bee Day (WBD) on Tuesday, 2oth.
The County Executive Committee Member, Wangiros Longole says “we are ready for the celebrations on Tuesday. Prior to the event, we have had a beehive of activities including planting of trees at Kanamkemer. On the second day, the planning team visited the Hive Limited for excursions at Kalobeyei. And on third day, stakeholders meet in a symposium to share best practices for cross-learning as exhibitions are ongoing.”
In Turkana County, Longole added, “where Agriculture is a vital sector contributing to the food security basket, the preservation of bees and pollinators is essential for enhancing crop productivity, preserving biodiversity, supporting rural livelihoods and as a source of natural medicine,” explained CEC Longole.
On the event, he further said, World Bee Day, celebrated annually on May 20th, recognizes the crucial role that bees and other pollinators play in the health of ecosystems and the sustainability of food systems.
The event brings together stakeholders, including government officials, local communities, farmers, environmental organizations, and beekeepers, to share knowledge, promote sustainable practices, and support the conservation of bee populations.
The WB Day aims to raise awareness about the importance of bees and pollinators in Kenya’s agricultural and ecological systems,while also highlighting on the role of sustainable beekeeping in fostering rural development and economic growth.
Gracing the symposium, the Chief Officer for Livestock Development, Dr Gilchrist Lokoel said the World Bee Day should not only be observed but ignite a shared passion of transformation.
“Today, we come together not just to observe, but to ignite a shared passion -a passion for safeguarding our pollinators , harnessing their power, and transforming our communities through the humble vet mighty bee,” remarked Dr Lokoel.
Speaking during the stakeholder’s consultative symposium,the CCO disclosed that in the arid landscapes of Turkana, where natural resources are precious and resilience is paramount, bees and other pollinators are our allies. the decline threatens not on;y our food systems, but also our biodiversity. our climate and the livelihoods of our people. It is our duty to ensure their survival and prosperity.
This year’s theme , “Bee inspired by Nature to Nourish Us All,”Livestock Chief says, “this reminds us that nature’s smallest creations hold the greatest potential. Bees are more than honey producers, they are vital custodians of our ecosystems, engines of our economy and symbols of resilience and hope, he noted.
Calling on stakeholders to act decisively, the County Chief said there is need to protect the pollinators, grow apiculture economy, and secure a sustainable future for Turkana, Kenya and beyond.
Regina Ciira of the National State Department of Livestock Development challenged the County Government not only give farmers the beehives, but also build their capacity for sustainability of the alternative livelihood. She insisted that Turkana should use natural reserves in the county, so that organic honey produced would be quality that can be commercialized.
Since its establishment in 2018, where the the first ever celebrations were held in Kapenguria. Previous 6th edition of WBD was celebrated in Kajiado County. the event was celebrated in Kajiado County. Turkana County is the host of this year’s 7th edition.
