By KPC Reporter
Rongo University has entered into a strategic partnership with Apiculture Venture through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at boosting research and innovation in beekeeping and honey production across the country.
The agreement follows this year’s World Bee Day observations by the United Nations, which highlighted that bees and other pollinators are increasingly threatened by human activity—a global concern affecting food security, nutrition, and economic development.
Speaking at the ceremony, Rongo University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Samuel Gudu, underscored the ecological importance of bees as critical pollinators.
“Bees sustain human life through pollination and are vital in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystems necessary for agriculture to flourish,” he said.
Prof. Gudu stressed that institutions of higher learning must raise awareness about the role and plight of pollinators.
He added that the university will incorporate beekeeping and honey production into research areas such as pollination ecology, climate resilience, and biotechnology.
“We have partnered with Apiculture Venture to develop cutting-edge beekeeping technologies, including smart hives, digital monitoring systems, and tools for disease diagnosis,” he said.
The university has committed to offering infrastructure and research support, as well as fostering student and community engagement through incubation programs and training initiatives.
Additionally, it will develop curricula and facilitate knowledge-sharing across the apiculture sector.
Apiculture Venture CEO and Managing Director, Pauline Otila Kamwara, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership.
“We’re excited to collaborate with Rongo University in promoting apiculture. Our contribution will include technical expertise, modern equipment, and tailored training resources,” she said.
Kamwara noted that the collaboration would also focus on training workshops, exhibitions, field days, and short courses for farmers, students, and stakeholders.
Her team will also lead incubation and mentorship programs for emerging apiculture startups, and support value addition, branding, and marketing of bee products.
Already active in honey production, Rongo University has trained several local farmers and sells its honey locally.
The initiative’s lead, Prof. Zachary Ngalo, confirmed that the MoU will pave the way for the establishment of modern apiaries and the launch of an Apiculture Business Incubation Hub, which will empower early-stage beekeeping enterprises.
“We are drafting certificate and diploma programs in apiculture that we plan to roll out soon,” said Prof. Ngalo.
“This initiative aligns with our broader goals of advancing agricultural innovation, fostering environmental sustainability, and enhancing youth participation in agribusiness.”
Bees remain a cornerstone of agrifood systems by facilitating pollination.
Their decline poses significant risks to food production, nutrition, and economic empowerment—especially for small-scale farmers.