Stevia farming guide — Kenya
Soil requirements, top counties, seed varieties, fertilizer plan & economics
To grow stevia in Kenya, aim for soil pH 6–7.5 (loam soils); the best-suited counties are Nairobi, Nakuru, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Narok. Apply DAP or NPK at planting and top-dress with CAN at After each cutting. A well-managed crop yields about 3,000 kg/acre (~KES 600,000 gross per acre).
Interested in starting or scaling stevia farming in Kenya? This comprehensive guide maps out the optimal soil requirements (such as target pH ranges), the most suitable counties for growing stevia, certified seed varieties, seasonal fertilizer guidelines, and a detailed per-acre production budget to set you up for a successful harvest.
Soil requirements
Growing conditions for Stevia
Stevia does best with 700–1,500 mm of rainfall a year at 500–2,000 m above sea level. In drier areas, irrigation or water harvesting closes the gap; outside the altitude band, growth and yields drop.
Optimizing soil and fertilizers for Stevia in Kenya
To achieve maximum yields when farming stevia in Kenya, managing soil suitability is crucial. This crop performs best within a soil pH range of 6 to 7.5. Soils that fall outside this range can lock out essential macro and micro-nutrients, leading to stunted growth or crop failure. For acidic soils, applying dolomitic or calcitic agricultural lime is recommended at least 30 days before planting to normalize acidity.
Fertilizer application should be calibrated based on the crop’s nutrient demands. Stevia has a high nitrogen requirement, medium phosphorus requirement, and medium potassium demand. Using certified seed varieties suited for your specific altitude and rainfall pattern, combined with a precise basal and top-dressing program (such as applying CAN at After each cutting), ensures high crop quality and protects your overall farm investment.
How to grow stevia in Kenya
- 1Prepare the soilEnsure soil pH is between 6 and 7.5. Preferred texture: Loam. Apply agricultural lime if your pH is below 6, ideally 30 days before planting.
- 2Plant at the right timePlant stevia during Long Rains (Nursery & Transplanting & Basal–Continuous Leaf Harvest) or Short Rains (Nursery & Transplanting & Basal–Continuous Leaf Harvest), timed to the start of the rains.
- 3Apply basal fertilizerStevia needs high nitrogen, medium phosphorus, and medium potassium. Apply a balanced basal fertilizer such as DAP or NPK at planting.
- 4Top-dressAt After each cutting, apply 0.3 bag(s) per acre of CAN. Top-dress after each harvest for continuous leaf regrowth.
- 5Monitor and harvestScout regularly for pests and disease. Expected yield is about 3,000 kg/acre at roughly KES 200/kg.
Best counties for Stevia
Challenging counties for Stevia
These counties may need soil amendments for Stevia
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Economics
Top dressing
Top-dress after each harvest for continuous leaf regrowth.
Fertilizer prices
Subsidized price / 50kg bag
Frequently asked questions about stevia farming in Kenya
What soil pH is best for growing stevia in Kenya?
Stevia grows best in soil with a pH of 6 to 7.5. If your soil is more acidic than pH 6, apply agricultural lime about 30 days before planting to raise the pH and free up nutrients. The preferred soil texture is loam.
Which counties are best for stevia farming in Kenya?
By soil suitability, the top counties for stevia are Nairobi, Nakuru, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Narok. A full ranking of all 47 counties, each with a suitability score, is shown above.
What fertilizer does stevia need?
Stevia has high nitrogen, medium phosphorus, and medium potassium requirements. Apply a balanced basal fertilizer such as DAP or NPK at planting, then top-dress with 0.3 bag(s) per acre of CAN at After each cutting.
When should I plant stevia in Kenya?
Plant stevia during Long Rains (Nursery & Transplanting & Basal to Continuous Leaf Harvest) or Short Rains (Nursery & Transplanting & Basal to Continuous Leaf Harvest), timed to the start of the rains in your area.
How much can I earn from stevia per acre in Kenya?
Stevia yields about 3,000 kg per acre. At a market price of roughly KES 200/kg, that is around KES 600,000 per acre in gross revenue, before input and labour costs.
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