Beekeeping for Growth: Siaya Cooperative Shines at Pre-Devolution Conference

The Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium in Siaya town was a buzz on Wednesday, 3rd July 2025, as it hosted the much-anticipated Pre-Devolution Conference Innovation Exhibition.

A prelude to the National Devolution Conference slated for August in Homa Bay County, the event brought together county officials, development partners, cooperative groups, and community members to reflect on the gains made through devolution, particularly in empowering grassroots communities.

One of the key highlights of the day was the presentation by the Siaya Beekeepers Cooperative Society Limited, a group that has grown to become a beacon of agricultural innovation and economic empowerment in the County.

Speaking during the event, officials from the cooperative shared how devolution has opened up opportunities for rural communities to thrive through organized ventures like beekeeping.

Formed with the aim of harnessing the potential of apiculture in the County, the society has received vital support from the county government in terms of training, equipment, and linkages to markets. This support has enabled members to move from subsistence beekeeping to a structured and profitable enterprise. They now boast increased honey production and a growing membership drawn from different wards across the county.

According to the cooperative’s representatives, beekeeping has not only provided an income-generating activity but has also contributed to environmental conservation and food security. They emphasized that youth and women have particularly benefited from the initiative, gaining practical skills and financial independence.

Yesterday’s event served as a platform to showcase such success stories and how they tie into the county’s broader development agenda. The cooperative’s work aligns with Governor James Orengo’s 9-Point Agenda, especially in the areas of agricultural transformation, youth empowerment, and cooperative development.

Samuel Wambisa, the Director of Cooperatives also praised the initiative, encouraging more groups to take advantage of the cooperative movement to unlock opportunities. “Cooperatives are the backbone of rural development,” he noted. “Through devolution, we have been able to bring services closer to the people, and the results speak for themselves.”

For the Siaya Beekeepers Cooperative Society, the conference was not just a platform to tell their story it was a moment to inspire others and invite partnerships that can help them scale to greater heights.

As Siaya prepares to participate on the 9th Devolution Conference, the success of such grassroots groups is a testament to how far the County has come and the potential that still lies ahead through continued support and innovation.