From UN workforce to beekeeping: The story of 30-year-old Lisa Khakayi Njenga

A youth engagement consultant, communications specialist, and psychologist; Lisa runs an agribusiness known as ‘Oh honey!’, which she describes as a social impact enterprise that focuses on sustainable apiculture practices. 

“We keep bees, harvest, produce and sell raw organic honey along with other organic beehive-based products that are made from beeswax, royal jelly, and propolis,” she says.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Lisa adds that the enterprise offers apiary management services and bee-keeping training especially targeting youth and women, encouraging them to embrace alternative, sustainable sources of livelihood. 

“I also run an NGO called the Green Point Initiative that focuses on boosting ‘agri-preneurial’ mindsets in youth and young women, engaging in environmental conservation activities, and training young people on how to be effective advocates for climate action.”

Her journey, coupled with twists and turns, saw the 2018 graduate from the United States International University - Africa (USIU-Africa) pursue her dream in Ethiopia.

“I proudly graduated in 2018. Although my academic journey took a little longer than my peers, the challenges I faced along the way only strengthened my determination.”

During her second year, Lisa  became a parent, prompting her to take a break from her studies. However, in 2014, she returned to school with renewed motivation, starting the journey afresh. It was during her second stint at university that she founded the African Union Youth Club-USIU chapter, which ignited her passion for youth empowerment and advocacy.

“As I poured my heart and soul into leading the African Union Youth Club, our membership grew steadily, attracting nearly 100 members by the second semester. This experience, combined with my degree in Psychology and a minor in Journalism, equipped me with valuable skills in communication, project management, and an unwavering drive to uplift young people,” she says.

Fast forward to her experience in Ethiopia. The bubbly Lisa would then secure a position as a program assistant with United Nations (UN) Women, working on an inspiring initiative called 'African Girls Can Code (AGCCI).

“Building upon the skills I acquired during my studies and the passion I developed for youth empowerment, I thrived in my role. Working alongside dedicated professionals in the field, I gained valuable insights into the world of diplomacy and international relations, expanding my horizons even further.”

It was during this time that she applied for the African Union Youth Volunteer (AUYV) program, for the 4th time.

The program is an initiative by the African Union Commission. Selected as one of the 100 youth ambassadors from across Africa, she underwent comprehensive leadership training before being deployed to partner organizations within the African Union Commission (AUC) based on their unique skill sets. 

“In the meantime, I pursued a postgraduate diploma in youth development alongside my work at UN Women. Just as my contract with UN Women was nearing its end, a golden opportunity presented itself.”

Lisa was invited for an interview with UNICEF's Generation Unlimited in New York City, where she applied for the position of Youth Engagement Officer as an AU Youth Volunteer. Successfully passing the interview, she became the first AUYV to be deployed outside of Africa.

However, when the global pandemic struck, she made the decision to return home to  Kenya, where she worked remotely for a few years. Then an idea struck and entrepreneurship came calling.

“My mum had kept a few bee hives for her own consumption and after some further research and brainstorming with my business partner, we got to learn that bee-keeping is one of the least labor-intensive yet highly lucrative agribusinesses.”

With that, Oh honey! Was born. She provides an array of organic, natural products from raw honey to lip balms, candles made from bee wax, body butter and royal jelly.

“We also conduct training for young people and women on apiculture (beekeeping). My team and I have a vision to be a global brand.”

Lisa says she has picked several lessons along the way. “Throughout my journey, several key lessons have shaped my perspective when it comes to entrepreneurship. Teamwork makes the dream work: You cannot go very far alone.  Just start and keep pushing. Tune out the noise, seek mentorship, embrace financial literacy and practice delayed gratification!” 

So, what next? For the budding entrepreneur, she hopes to keep improving on her skillset and in the end take her business to the next level.  

“I am also focusing on my initiatives centered around youth development, climate action, girls, and young women empowerment.  By equipping young individuals with the skills and knowledge to express themselves effectively, we can ensure their voices are heard at decision-making tables,” she tells Citizen Digital.

The 30-year-old says, navigating the challenges of motherhood during her studies, spearheading a youth club and working with international organizations kept her going through the years.

“My journey from the UN workforce to entrepreneurship has been marked by a steadfast commitment to youth empowerment, nurturing businesses, and driving positive change.  With a steadfast belief that more opportunities lie ahead, I am also committed to making a lasting impact in the lives of young people.”