Kenneth Mutugi: Shaping His Future As A Young Farmer
By the time he was 27, Kenneth Mutugi had already established himself as an innovative farmer, passionately practicing mixed farming, including beekeeping, poultry, pig, and crop farming.
Although Kenneth dreamed of studying general agriculture in college, he ended up pursuing building and construction instead. Despite this initial career choice, he was still passionately committed to his agricultural aspirations. Today, Kenneth is successfully blending his construction skills with his farming passion, and with HopeCore’s economic support, he is turning his dream into a reality.
Empowering Kenneth to Grow His Beekeeping Business
Earlier this year, Kenneth received a share of his group’s soft loan, Mwiki B self-help, and used it to buy a pig, which he later sold for a profit.
After successfully repaying this loan, the group requested support from HopeCore for a beekeeping project and received 60 modern frame hives. Kenneth received five of these hives, adding to the 24 traditional hives that he already owned. Kenneth and his group also received an essential training session from Kibari Bee Farm to help members kick-start their beekeeping businesses.
Kenneth harvests an average of five kgs of honey twice a year per traditional beehive, selling the raw honey at Ksh. 500 per kilogram and the refined honey at Ksh. 1000 per kilogram. With the modern hives, Kenneth anticipates harvesting approximately 10 kgs per hive, three to four times a year, significantly increasing his income. The modern hives offer high honey yield, easier inspection, and compatibility with honey extractors, unlike the traditional hives.
Kenneth now sees beekeeping not just as a side venture but as a core part of future farming and is already taking steps to expand this business.
Building a Sustainable Beekeeping Business and Inspiring Others
Beekeeping apiary
Using his innovative construction skills, Kenneth is building an apiary designed to hold 32 hives and create an ideal environment for bees. The apiary is equipped with three water sources and surrounded by planted flowers to provide nourishment, ensuring maximum honey production.
The apiary is strategically located on his farm, which will increase crop pollination, enhancing ecosystem health and boosting overall yield. This beekeeping and crop farming integration aligns with Kenneth’s dream of a sustainable, diversified farm.
‘’With HopeCore’s support, I aim to make my farm a demonstration site, offering hands-on experience and mentorship. My goal is to inspire young people in my community to embrace agriculture as a solution to job and food insecurity,” said Kenneth.
Watch Kenneth’s beekeeping business video to find out more!
HopeCore’s Micro Enterprise program - inspiring people like Kenneth to dream big, transforming lives and communities.
