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1.0 INTRODUCTION
Solidaridad Eastern and Central Africa is an international civil society organization working to transform markets and make supply chains more sustainable and inclusive. Solidaridad Eastern and Central Africa, headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, implements programmes across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Solidaridad works with smallholder farmers, producer organizations, private sector actors, and governments to promote sustainable agricultural production systems, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and inclusive economic development.
Solidaridad is currently implementing the Acting Now for Food Security and Resilient Production Systems Project, which aims to improve resilience, yields, income and service access for small scale food producers with a focus on women and youth, by helping them adopt climate smart agriculture (CSA) and strengthening market connections, emphasizing gender and social inclusion.
Under this project, Solidaridad seeks to procure, supply, install, and support the establishment of apiaries through provision of modern beehives and associated beekeeping equipment in Makueni, Taita Taveta, and Kwale Counties.
2.0 PROJECT BACKGROUND
The Acting Now for Food Security and Resilient Production Systems Project aims to strengthen resilience and improve livelihoods among farming communities in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs). The project promotes climate-smart and nature-based enterprises that enhance household incomes while supporting environmental conservation.
Beekeeping has been identified as a viable complementary livelihood activity due to its low water requirements, environmental benefits, and income-generation potential. The intervention seeks to promote sustainable apiculture through establishment of community apiaries equipped with modern langstroth hives and harvesting equipment.
The project intends to support the establishment of apiaries across selected sites in Makueni, Taita Taveta, and Kwale Counties through provision of branded modern langstroth hives, hive stands, harvesting kits, and farmer training.
3.0 ASSIGNMENT OBJECTIVE
3.1 Overall Objective
The overall objective of this assignment is to supply, install, and support establishment of apiaries through provision of seventy-six (76) modern langstroth beehives, associated equipment, and training of beneficiaries in Makueni, Taita Taveta, and Kwale Counties.
3.2 Specific Objectives
The assignment specifically seeks to:
Supply and install modern branded langstroth beehives and hive stands at identified apiary sites.
Promote sustainable apiculture as an alternative livelihood enterprise.
Strengthen household resilience and income diversification.
Build capacity of beneficiaries on modern beekeeping practices, apiary management, sustainable harvesting, and safety procedures.
Support environmental conservation and pollination services within farming systems.
4.0 SCOPE OF WORK
The successful consultant/firm shall undertake the following tasks:
4.1 Supply and Installation
Supply, transport, and install beekeeping materials and equipment including:
Apiary Components
Seventy-six (76) branded modern langstroth beehives (with bottom board, brood box, retractable entrance, plastic/wooden queen excluder, super box, temperature regulation board and ventilated cover).
Seventy-six (76) metallic hive stands (4.5 feet long).
Nineteen (19) branded harvesting kits each comprising of:
Two (2) bee suit sets and gloves;
One (1) stainless steel hive tool;
One (1) bee brush;
Two (2) pairs of rubber gumboots;
One (1) smoker;
One (1) beekeeper’s bag.
Installation and positioning of hives at designated apiary sites.
Branding of hives and associated materials as per Solidaridad visibility requirements.
4.2 Installation Requirements
The consultant/firm shall:
Conduct site assessments prior to installation.
Ensure proper spacing and positioning of hives according to recommended apiculture standards.
Install hive stands securely and appropriately above ground level.
Ensure apiary locations promote hive safety, accessibility, and productivity.
Provide guidance on environmental considerations and colony establishment.
4.3 Training and Capacity Building
The consultant/firm shall conduct a 3-day practical training workshop for 3 Trainer of Trainers (ToTs) from each of the 19 beneficiary apiary groups. The training will cover the following areas:
Introduction to modern beekeeping;
Apiary establishment and management;
Hive inspection and maintenance;
Colony composition and management;
Honey harvesting and post-harvest handling;
Pest and disease management;
Occupational health and safety during beekeeping activities;
Marketing and value addition opportunities.
At least 20 beneficiaries per apiary site shall be trained during installation.
Training materials and attendance registers shall be submitted as part of the assignment documentation.
5.0 DISTRIBUTION OF APIARIES
The apiaries and associated equipment shall be distributed as follows:
County
Number of Apiary Sites
Makueni County
7
Taita Taveta County
6
Kwale County
6
Total
19
Each apiary site shall receive:
Four (4) langstroth hives;
Four (4) hive stands;
Shared access to nineteen (19) harvesting kits, each within a specific apiary location corresponding to the county allocation.
Specific nineteen (19) beneficiary apiary sites and GPS coordinates shall be provided by Solidaridad upon contract award.
6.0 DELIVERABLES
The consultant/firm shall deliver the following:
Inception report and implementation work plan.
Site assessment report for all apiary locations.
Supply and installation of all beehives and associated equipment.
Branding and labeling of supplied equipment.
ToT and beneficiary training reports including attendance lists and training materials.
Apiary establishment and commissioning report.
Final assignment completion report in both Word and PDF formats.
Warranty documentation for supplied equipment where applicable.
7.0 IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE
The assignment shall be completed within sixty (60) calendar days from the date of contract signing.
Proposed Activity Schedule
Activity
Timeline
Responsibility
Contract signing and kickoff meeting
Day 1
Solidaridad & Consultant
Submission of inception report and work plan
Day 5
Consultant
Site assessments and verification
Day 6 – Day 10
Consultant
Approval of implementation schedule
Day 10 – Day 13
Solidaridad
Procurement and branding of materials
Day 13 – Day 23
Consultant
Installation in Makueni County
Day 23 – Day 30
Consultant
Installation in Taita Taveta County
Day 31 – Day 36
Consultant
Installation in Kwale County
Day 37 – Day 42
Consultant
Beneficiary (ToTs) training sessions
Day 30 – Day 50
Consultant
Inspection and commissioning
Day 43 – Day 50
Solidaridad & Consultant
Submission of draft final report
Day 53
Consultant
Submission of final report
Day 59-60
Consultant
*The dates can be adjusted as needs arise. However, the timelines will not exceed the indicated 60 days.
8.0 RESPONSIBILITIES OF SOLIDARIDAD
Solidaridad shall:
Provide overall coordination and supervision of the assignment.
Facilitate linkage with beneficiary groups and local stakeholders.
Provide approved beneficiary lists and nineteen (19) apiary locations.
Review and approve submitted reports and deliverables.
Facilitate TEC approval processes where applicable.
9.0 RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CONSULTANT/FIRM
The consultant/firm shall:
Provide all materials, labour, transport, and tools required for implementation.
Ensure all supplied equipment meets acceptable quality standards.
Observe occupational health and safety standards during implementation.
Ensure timely completion of activities within agreed timelines.
Replace defective materials identified during inspection.
Provide technical support during the establishment phase of the apiaries.
10.0 QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Interested firms/consultants should demonstrate the following:
Proven experience in modern beekeeping and apiary establishment.
Experience working with community livelihood or agricultural projects.
Technical expertise in apiculture and farmer training.
At least three (3) references for similar assignments completed within the last five years.
Relevant business registration and statutory compliance documents.
Availability of qualified technical personnel.
11.0 REPORTING AND COORDINATION
The consultant shall work under the supervision of Solidaridad Eastern and Central Africa project team.
All reports and official communication shall be submitted to:
Attn: Managing Director
Solidaridad Eastern and Central Africa Expertise Centre
Europa Towers, 5th Floor, Lantana Road, Wetlands, Nairobi, Kenya
P.O. Box 42234 – 00100 GPO
Nairobi, Kenya
Further organizational information can be accessed via:
Solidaridad Eastern and Central Africa Official Website
How to apply
12.0 APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested consultants with good experience on undertaking similar assignments in the food security and biodiversity sector should submit their application, including a technical and financial proposal, to [email protected] by close of business on 01/07/2026 with the subject line; AN Project: Apiary Equipment.
13.0 TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
The proposal shall include:
Company profile including relevant experience.
Technical approach and methodology.
Detailed implementation work plan.
Financial proposal inclusive of all applicable taxes.
Equipment specifications and photos/catalogues.
Proposed training approach and materials.
CVs of key technical personnel.
References for similar assignments undertaken.
The financial proposal must be in Euros (EUR). Any application in other currencies will not be considered.
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14.0 CONFIDENTIALITY
The consultant/firm shall treat all project-related information obtained during the assignment as confidential and shall not disclose it without Solidaridad’s prior written authorization.
Note: Due to the volume of applications, we will only contact the successful applicant.