Which county is best for Chickpeas farming in Kenya?

Based on soil and climate suitability analysis, the top counties for Chickpeas are Kajiado, Narok, Laikipia. Scores combine soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium against Chickpeas's nutrient requirements, plus a rainfall and altitude multiplier that penalises counties outside the crop's climate range.

What soil pH does Chickpeas need?

Chickpeas grows best between pH 5.5 and 8. Counties whose soils fall outside this range will need lime (if acidic) or sulphur (if alkaline) before planting.

What is the expected yield per acre for Chickpeas in Kenya?

A well-managed Chickpeas crop yields about 600 kg/acre. At a market price of approximately KES 200/kg, gross revenue per acre is around KES 120,000.

Best counties to grow Chickpeas in Kenya

All 47 counties ranked by soil and climate suitability for Chickpeas — scored against pH 5.5–8 target, low nitrogen, low phosphorus, low potassium, plus rainfall (150–500 mm) and altitude (1500–2600 m) requirements.

Click any county to see the full fertilizer plan, planting calendar, and seed varieties.

Quick answer

The best counties for Chickpeas in Kenya are Kajiado, Narok, Laikipia, based on soil and climate suitability. Chickpeas grows best at pH 5.5–8; these rank highest across all 47 counties on ShambaIQ's soil scoring.