It is with deep regret that we have received the sad news of the recent death of David Njuguna in a road accident.
David was a wonderful friend and colleague without whose support, commitment, knowledge and enthusiasm we would never have achieved so much for Bees Abroad in Kenya.
David worked in beekeeping development in various African Countries before he approached Bees Abroad, having learnt of the charity’s work through someone in Cameroon. When in Kenya we met with him and realised his enthusiasm for beekeeping, how this would make a difference to the rural people we were working with, and how similar his approach was to ours. We had a mutual understanding and this bonded us together. That was the joy of working closely with David for the past 10 years; bringing benefits through honey bees and their management to the people he cared so much about In Kenya.
We always appreciated David’s care of us on our visits to Kenya. He was a very special person and we looked on him as part of our extended family in whom we had complete trust. He was an example to all for his energy and dedication and willingness to help anyone who called on him.
David was highly respected by the beekeeping community; so much so that we have received many messages of how greatly David will be missed. We wish to share a few of these:
“David will be greatly missed. He was a rare and very special person, his life has brought his immense skills, hope and opportunities to so many, as well as friendship and kindness to all who knew him”
“We’ll always cherish the contribution he personally made to the beekeeping industry in the country. His legacy will live on. For those still in the service, strive for excellent performance. That is the honour we can bestow to our departed colleague.”
“David was a well-focused and active member of Apiculture Platform of Kenya and had a wealth of knowledge and experience, particularly on practical beekeeping. His desire to help communities to harness the potential in beekeeping for their livelihoods was exemplary.”
His earthly life may have ended, but his contribution to so many who remain is in the memory of all of us.
As a tribute to him I’m sure he would wish us to continue his dream of being Bees Abroad Kenya .
John and Mary Home, David and Roz Evans, September 2017