This archive report was first published on 22 September 2021.
Paul Mutua Kyalo, a trained urban planning specialist, left his government job to pursue a sweet dream – beekeeping. In 2011, he founded Savanna Honey Company, which has since become a leading player in the industry, contracting thousands of farmers across the country.
According to Kyalo, his journey into beekeeping began in his rural home after a short training in beekeeping. He grew up in the arid areas of Ukambani, where he witnessed people struggling to make a living from beekeeping due to lack of proper information. However, after benefiting from a beekeeping program, Kyalo realized the potential of beekeeping and decided to invest in it himself.
With the help of community mobilizers and local administration officials, Kyalo recruits and trains farmers in various parts of the country. He provides them with modern beekeeping equipment and buys honey from them, processing and selling it to clients. His operations are headquartered in Utawala, Nairobi, with satellite offices across the country.
Today, Savanna Honey Company is in over 15 counties, working with over 5,000 farmers. Kyalo's success story is a testament to the potential of beekeeping as a source of income and employment for rural communities.
