Kenya’s First Daughter Charlene Ruto is deepening her involvement in agriculture after taking part in a practical beekeeping mentorship programme in the United States alongside members of the Houston Beekeepers Association.
Sharing her experience online, Charlene described the session as “Mentorship Pro Max,” thanking American beekeeper Jennifer Scott, popularly known as The Bee Wrangler, for inviting her into the association’s hives.
Charlene Ruto Passionate About Beekeeping
Charlene has increasingly positioned herself as an advocate for modern farming, climate action, and youth-led agribusiness in Kenya. Beekeeping remains one of her key agricultural interests, which she practices at her mixed farm in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.
According to previous reports, Charlene began beekeeping with a single hive and has since expanded her honey production venture significantly. She has often encouraged young people to embrace agriculture as a sustainable income-generating activity.
Her farm reportedly includes crops such as maize, wheat, beans, mangoes, cabbages, capsicum, and sunflowers, alongside an active apiary project focused on honey production and pollination.
Learning From Houston Beekeepers
The mentorship exposed Charlene to advanced bee relocation, hive management, and sustainable honey production practices used by American beekeepers.
Jennifer Scott, who operates bee relocation and honey production services in Houston, Texas, specialises in safely removing and relocating honeybee colonies from homes and buildings into managed apiaries instead of exterminating them.
Scott and her team manage multiple apiaries across Houston and surrounding areas while also offering beekeeping classes, honey sales, and agricultural bee leasing services.
Charlene Ruto’s Other Ventures
Beyond farming, Charlene is involved in several business and non-profit initiatives across Kenya.
Real Estate and Hospitality
Charlene is linked to Matiny Ltd, a company associated with hospitality and real estate investments. The company reportedly holds a stake in Weston Hotel.
She is also listed as a director of O’sere Flats, a residential property venture.
Smachs Foundation
Charlene leads the Smachs Foundation, which focuses on climate change, food security, tree planting, and modernising traditional beekeeping practices.
The foundation has participated in Kenya’s national tree-growing campaigns and community sustainability projects.
Youth Empowerment Through TYPNI
She is also the founder of The Young People’s Network International (TYPNI), a youth-focused organisation aimed at leadership development, mentorship, and empowering young people through community engagement programmes.
Beekeeping Emerging as a Profitable Agribusiness in Kenya
Beekeeping continues to gain popularity in Kenya as more young people explore agribusiness opportunities beyond traditional farming. Experts say honey production offers income opportunities through honey sales, wax products, pollination services, and value-added products.
Charlene Ruto’s continued involvement in the sector is expected to further encourage youth participation in sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation initiatives.
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