The much-awaited certification of Ogiek Honey will take place Monday afternoon at Mariashoni, Elburgon, Nakuru County.
The French Ambassador to Kenya will grace the launch that brings together three key organisations actively involved in the geographical indication process.
The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), in partnership with the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD) and Agence Française de Développement through the Geographical Indications support fund, and cooperatives and producers in France, have commenced an initiative to create a geographical indication (GI) for Ogiek honey.
The designation of “geographical indication” identifies products that possess the qualities, characteristics or reputation associated with a particular region.
This certification protects the efforts of producers and the reputations of products, preserves species and establishes a relationship of trust between producers and consumers.
Ogiek honey is unique. It is traditionally produced in the Mau rain forest complex, a globally recognised key biodiversity area and largest remaining indigenous montane forest in East Africa, which is also considered one of the five water towers of Kenya.
The honey derives its name from the Ogiek community involved in its production, and which has a symbiotic relationship with the Mau forest ecosystem.
Beekeeping which has been traditionally a vital part of the economy, culture, and identity of about 35,000 members of the Ogiek community is largely carried out in log hives in Mau and Mariashoni Forests.
The Ogiek honey has a reputation for being pure and clean.
