Jeremy post #2

For the past week we have been gathering data in the apiary which is part of the ICIPE complex here in Nairobi.  Whereas it is very much an integrated team process, the hives are worked primarily by James Kilmani and his assistant Joseph Kilonzo, both of them wonderful beekeepers who are gentle in their approach, astute in their observations and impressive in their knowledge.  I have little to offer them and much to learn as I begin to  understand the larger picture, the flow of the seasons, the availability of resources and the traits of scutalata bees.  

James is probably not a typical Kenyan beekeeper in that he has the close support of the scientists, researchers and lab technicians here at ICIPE as well as a carpentry shop which manufactures almost all of his equipment. 

I have begun to have a few delightful conversations with James which I hope are mutually beneficial and which will continue in the vehicles as we make our way to the coast later today where once again we will gather data at hives specifically located for that purpose and following the protocols established and practiced over the last week. 

Important as it is I hope too that we will get to witness some more traditional methods of managing bees here in Kenya, often by farmers using log or top bar hives whose prime interest is harvesting honey to supplement their basic income.  Such rural folk probably make up the majority of beekeepers in this fascinating country and are the ones that need to be reached if there is going to be any serious impact on bee management here.

Maryann begins this process in earnest when we return from Mombassa when, together with Muli, she facilitates a focused and concentrated workshop for some select beekeepers from East Africa (rather than only from Kenya) who in turn can transmit this knowledge to those in the field.

James removes a frame from a small TBH as Kilonzo provides constant smoke.  Altho he always wheres a veil James never wears gloves and does not seem to get stung on his hands.  Indeed the larger issue of the fabled aggressiveness of African bees is part of our investigation.