Passionate about beekeeping, Patrice Murugi establishes a business with innovative solutions and huge impact on the community
By Cynthia Achieng
Across Kenya’s agricultural landscape, a quiet revolution is taking place, led by Patrice Murugi Wachira, the founder of Patvention limited. With a deep rooted passion for beekeeping cultivated from childhood, Murugi has dedicated her career to solving some of the most pressing challenges in modern apiculture. Through her company, she champions sustainable practices aimed at protecting bee populations and improving honey production.
A journey shaped with heritage and innovation
Murugi’s inspiration for beekeeping was deeply rooted in her upbringing. Growing up in a family of beekeepers, she developed a passion for the craft from an early age. However, it wasn’t just tradition that drove her; she saw the immense potential in modernizing the industry. Witnessing the struggles of local beekeepers, she felt compelled to create solutions.
Her entrepreneurial journey was further shaped by her exposure to social enterprise training at Kenyatta University. This experience helped her see beekeeping not just as a business, but as a way to create social impact. “I wanted to build something that would not only benefit me, but also uplift beekeepers by giving them better tools, training, and market access,” she explains. This vision led to the founding of Patvention Limited, a company dedicated to innovative beekeeping solutions.
Bee venom: a new frontier for beekeepers.
Recognizing the untapped potential in bee venom collection, Murugi is at the forefront of creating awareness about its economic value. Bee venom is a high value product used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, yet many beekeepers are unaware of its benefits. Through Patvention Limited, she provides training and equipment to help beekeepers diversify their income streams making beekeeping a more lucrative full time business.
Challenges in beekeeping
Beekeeping, despite its many benefits, is not without challenges. One of the primary difficulties beekeepers face is the decline in bee populations due to climate change, habitat loss, and the extensive use of pesticides. These environmental factors have led to reduced honey production and increased mortality rates among bees, making it harder for farmers to sustain their hives.
Another significant challenge is the presence of counterfeit honey in the market. Unscrupulous traders dilute or substitute natural honey with sugar syrups, undermining the industry and making it difficult for genuine beekeepers to compete. This has also resulted in reduced consumer trust, affecting the overall profitability of the sector. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort, including stricter regulation, better market access, and the promotion of sustainable beekeeping practices.
Mitigating the challenges
To address these issues, Patrice Murugi and her team at Patvention limited have adopted innovative strategies. To combat bee population decline, they emphasize modern hive technology that creates a conducive environment for bee colonies to thrive. Additionally, they promote the planting of bee-friendly vegetation and advocate for reduced pesticide use to ensure bees have a sustainable ecosystem.
In the fight against counterfeit honey, Patvention Limited focuses on awareness campaigns, educating consumers on how to identify pure honey and the benefits of supporting ethical beekeepers. They also work with regulatory bodies to push for stricter quality controls in the honey market. Furthermore, by connecting beekeepers to better market opportunities, they ensure that farmers receive fair prices, encouraging more people to invest in ethical honey production.
Empowering beekeepers through training and market access
A key part of Murugi’s mission is capacity-building. Patvention Limited offers training sessions that cover modern hive management, sustainable practices, and product diversification. Additionally, the company connects beekeepers to markets, helping them sell their honey and bee products at competitive prices.“We want to ensure that beekeepers see beekeeping as a business, not just a side activity. If given the right tools and knowledge, they can turn it into a sustainable source of income,” she asserts.
Embracing technology
Patvention Limited has effectively harnessed digital platforms to enhance both its marketing and operational processes. By leveraging social media channels such as X, LinkedIn, and Jiji, the company showcases its products, shares success stories, and engages with a broader audience. This digital marketing approach aligns with industry best practices, enabling businesses to reach and convert their target audiences through various online channels.
In addition to marketing efforts, Patvention Limited utilizes accounting software to streamline financial record-keeping and reporting. Implementing such software allows small businesses to efficiently track income and expenses, prepare for tax season, and maintain accurate financial records.
This integration of technology into their operations not only enhances efficiency, but also supports informed decision-making, contributing to the company’s overall growth and sustainability.
By and large, Murugi ‘s innovative approach to beekeeping through Patvention Limited exemplifies the transformative power of combining tradition with modern technology. By addressing environmental challenges, promoting sustainable practices, and empowering local beekeepers, particularly women, she has created a model that not only enhances agricultural productivity, but also fosters economic growth within communities. The integration of digital platforms for marketing and operational efficiency further underscores the potential of technology in revolutionizing traditional industries. Murugi’s work stands out as a testament to how entrepreneurial vision can lead to meaningful social and environmental impact, paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future in agribusiness.
