To mark World Bee Day on 20th May 2026, Children in the Wilderness Eco-Clubs across Kenya took part in interactive lessons and practical learning activities focused on bees, beekeeping, and conservation.
From Masai Mara to Laikipia, our Eco-Club members celebrated the day through site visits to apiaries, discussions with local beekeepers, dramatisations, energisers, and hands-on lessons designed to help learners better understand the important role bees play in both ecosystems and human livelihoods.
Suguta Mugie Eco-Club inspect beekeeping tools
At Suguta Mugie, Eco-Mentors Simon, Erick, and Dominic guided learners through an engaging session at a beehive site where members learned about the different types of bees found in a hive and the responsibilities of each type within the colony. Learners also explored the importance of bees to the ecosystem, the challenges facing bee populations, the different types of beehives, and factors to consider when setting up a hive.
Simon, Mugie Eco-Mentor
The session also introduced learners to the equipment used in honey harvesting, precautionary measures for handling bees, and the honey-harvesting process. One of the highlights of the lesson was a practical demonstration by Lenus Leletia, an Eco-Club member who modelled the proper protective clothing worn during bee harvesting.
“There was a notable positive change in attitude toward bees after the lesson. The members recognised that bees are not enemies of people and that there can always be peaceful coexistence,” Mugie Eco-Mentor, Simon, said.
Suguta Mugie Eco-Club
Learners were especially fascinated to discover that modern honey harvesting methods allow honey to be collected using a small amount of smoke without destroying the hive or harming the bees, a significant contrast to traditional destructive harvesting methods.
Luoniek Secondary Eco-Club visit a nearby apiary
At Louniek Secondary School, Eco-Club members visited a nearby community apiary, where they observed bees firsthand and learned about different products bees produce, the challenges affecting bee populations, and ways their communities can help conserve them. The lesson also explored the different types of beehives used in beekeeping and the basic equipment required to become a beekeeper.
Luoniek Secondary Eco-Club
Meanwhile, at Irbaan Primary School, discussions focused on the relationship between bees, conservation, and human-wildlife conflict mitigation. Learners explored the idea of installing beehives along perimeter fences to help deter elephants from entering school compounds and nearby farms- a conservation method increasingly used in wildlife areas.
Irbaan Eco-club understanding the role of bees in pollination
“Tell me about it, and I might forget; involve me in doing it, and forever it will remain stuck with me,” shared Eco-Mentor George Rop.
Art by Irbaan Eco-Club member, Samwell Kimolol- World Bee Day
The club also reflected on the cultural significance of bees in some Kenyan communities, including Kalenjin clans, which associate the African honey bee with identity and heritage. Learners also planted additional flowering plants in the school garden to help provide nectar sources for pollinators.
Irbaan Eco-Club plant flowers in their school garden
At Kisaruni Boys, Eco-Club members visited a nearby apiary, where they observed honey-harvesting demonstrations and learnt about beekeeping tools and protective equipment. The experience left many learners excited and inspired to learn more about apiculture and environmental conservation.
Kisaruni Boys Eco-Clun visit a nearby apiary
Margaret Kenyatta and Enkereri Eco-Club marked the day through lessons, dramatisation activities, and practical conservation actions within their school compounds. Learners created bee baths to provide water for bees and discussed simple ways communities can help protect pollinators. Margaret Kenyatta Eco-Club members expressed interest in constructing additional beehives within the school as part of future Eco-Club projects.
Margaret Kenyatta Eco-Club create ‘bee baths’
Across all participating schools, the day served as a reminder that bees are not only important pollinators but also an essential part of healthy ecosystems, food production, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable livelihoods.
Through observation, discussion, and hands-on learning, Eco-Club members gained a deeper appreciation for bees and the important role communities can play in protecting them.
We remain committed to making a positive impact on communities, educating future generations, and conserving Kenya’s diverse wildlife. Your stay with us directly contributes to these efforts.
If you would like to learn more about any of our Impact efforts, you can reach out to us via email at [email protected]. If you’d like to support the Children in the Wilderness Programme, you can do so via Empowers Africa:
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By Alisa Karstad, Kenya Impact Manager & Sharon Muthoni, CITW Community Coordinator.
