Kenya Forest Service Promotes Indigenous Tree Planting for Bee Conservation

Many people worldwide fear bees despite their production of nutritious honey.
Nevertheless, these insects are crucial for ecosystem health and productivity. They facilitate pollination, which supports forest regeneration, agricultural yields, and the survival of native plant species.
On World Bee Day, observed on May 20, Kenya Forest Service Chief Conservator Alex Lemarkoko called upon Kenyans to cultivate more indigenous and flowering trees that attract bees and other pollinators.
Lemarkoko emphasized the critical ecological relationship between the KFS and forest conservation efforts, where natural regeneration is enhanced.
“On this significant day, I urge all Kenyans to take proactive measures in protecting pollinators and preserving the environment by planting flowering indigenous trees to attract more pollinators,” he stated.
He highlighted that bees also contribute significantly to community livelihoods through apiculture as a source of income.
However, the Chief Conservator lamented that despite bees’ positive contributions to environmental conservation, they face threats from deforestation, forest degradation, climate change, environmental pollution, wildfires, and harmful pesticides and chemicals.
Additionally, KFS officers encouraged Community Forest Associations to collaborate with trainers who educate them on bee farming, enabling them to raise public awareness about bees’ vital role in environmental conservation.
“A large portion of the population lacks knowledge on bee handling. They believe bees should be sprayed with chemicals when found on farms, even during honey harvesting,” remarked Bedan Makara, a CFA member from Uplands forest.
At Ronald Ngala primary school in Mombasa on Wednesday, Livestock Development Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke motivated students to adopt tree planting and nurturing as part of creating a sustainable future that preserves bee habitats.
He instructed students and teachers to educate their communities about bees’ previously unrecognized role in environmental conservation.
Mueke was accompanied by Mombasa county forest conservator Benard Wahome.