In December 2024, ABC Bank handed over 25 beehives to the Oloika Community in Kajiado County. The beehives, which are the latest additions to the Rehabilitated Oloika Borehole and First Acre Project of the National Steering Committee on Disaster Response, mark a significant step forward in promoting sustainable livelihoods and economic independence for local communities.
The initiative aims to promote long-term resilience by not only providing honey but also empowering the community with the skills necessary to run the operation independently. According to Mr. Gideon Kigen, a member of the National Steering Committee on Disaster Response, “This initiative is not just about short-term gains but about building long-term resilience and empowering the community to thrive independently. We project the hives to produce a total of 250 litres of honey annually, which the community can sell to enhance their financial independence.”
As part of the project expansion, community members have received beekeeping training and safe honey harvesting techniques, and the development of a locally produced honey brand is underway.
Recognizing the growing complexity of managing the farm, the borehole, and the upcoming honey sales, plans are underway to introduce bookkeeping services to help the community track earnings and expenses, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the initiative.
The Rehabilitated Oloika and First Acre Project Initiative was launched in May 2024, and has elevated the livelihood of the Oloika community by eliminating the need for the community to make over 10 km trek in search of water, and providing access to fresh farm produce through the First Acre farm initiative.
ABC Bank remains committed to enhancing the livelihoods of the Oloika community and driving sustainable development in the region.
