In the quiet landscapes of Marigat, Baringo County, communities gathered not just to mark World Bee Day 2026, but to celebrate something far bigger than bees alone. They came together to honour the deep connection between people, nature, and livelihoods and to reflect on how protecting one small creature can help secure a more sustainable future for all.

This year's celebration, held under the theme “Bee Together for People and the Planet - A partnership that sustains us all”, brought together more than 150 participants from across the region. Farmers, community members, development partners, and local leaders gathered at the Twin Group Grounds to learn, share experiences, and explore practical ways of protecting pollinators while strengthening livelihoods.

The commemoration was supported through the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP) under the UNDP-GEF7 Project within the Lake Bogoria and Baringo Production Landscape. It was coordinated by Farming Systems Kenya, the strategic partner, in collaboration with Twin Self-Help Group, other grantees, the County Government of Baringo, local administration, development partners, civil society organizations, media representatives and community members.

For many participants, the day was more than a celebration, it was a chance to deepen their understanding of the critical role bees and other pollinators play in everyday life. Through discussions and practical demonstrations, community members explored how healthy ecosystems support food production, biodiversity, and resilience to climate change.

Participants also visited the Twin Group nursery project, where they learned about indigenous tree species that support beekeeping, medicinal value chains, agroforestry systems and restoration of degraded landscapes. From beekeeping and agroforestry to ecosystem restoration, the initiatives on display demonstrated how environmental stewardship can create lasting benefits for both people and nature.

Among the voices that stood out was that of Twin Self Help Group a community-based organization working to promote environmental conservation. Speaking during the event, group members emphasized that beekeeping is not only helping to protect biodiversity but is also creating economic opportunities for local families.

"Bees play an important role in our food systems, livelihoods and natural ecosystems through pollination. They are the creators of how nature thrives," one participant reflected.

The celebration also highlighted the growing role of women in apiculture. One woman shared how involvement in beekeeping has opened up new opportunities for income generation and entrepreneurship. Her experience illustrated how sustainable environmental practices can also contribute to greater economic empowerment and community resilience.

As discussions turned to the future, participants reflected on the region's potential for beekeeping and honey production. With favourable climatic conditions and a strong commitment from local communities, Baringo continues to demonstrate how nature-based solutions can support both conservation and livelihoods.

The message that emerged from the day was simple but powerful: when communities invest in protecting nature, they are also investing in their own future. And in Baringo, that future is being shaped one hive, one tree, and one community at a time.