SME summary: company to invest 700 million shillings in honey manufacturing

Dar es Salaam. A Singida-based company will invest more than 700 million shillings this year in honey production.

Kijiji Cha Nyuki will inject money into modern beehives following an increase in demand for Tanzanian honey in national and international markets.

By expanding its factory, the company will also create more jobs for young people in various fields, company CEO Philemon Kiemi recently told the Citizen.

The company is currently importing modern, automated machinery that would speed up production.

While traditional beehives can only produce about five liters of honey per year, modern beehives can produce up to 30 liters.

Likewise, while traditional products offer only honey, modern ones give a farmer other bee products such as wax, pollen, and royal jelly.

“Our ambitious goal is to ensure that the beekeeping industry thrives – and that young people find employment by entering the beekeeping industry,” said Mr Kiemi.

Working through their Singida Tech Hive Company, Kijiji Cha Nyuki can make some 400 modern beehives per day, and the plan is to make 1,200 bee hives per day.

Currently, the company’s products are sold in more than six regions – and also exported to Kenya, plans are also to export to Rwanda.

A beekeeper based in the Kigoma region, Mr. Gasper Habona, said he used old tanks in the past which gave low yields – unlike the modern beehives he started using recently.

“Currently, using modern beehives, I get up to 18 liters of honey in one season – and I harvest honey three times a year. To be honest, my mind and energy is now only directed to beekeeping – because it pays well. I now own and operate 63 modern beehives, ”he boasted.