Which county is best for Coffee (Arabica) farming in Kenya?

Based on soil and climate suitability analysis, the top counties for Coffee (Arabica) are Kirinyaga, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia. Scores combine soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium against Coffee (Arabica)'s nutrient requirements, plus a rainfall and altitude multiplier that penalises counties outside the crop's climate range.

What soil pH does Coffee (Arabica) need?

Coffee (Arabica) grows best between pH 5 and 6. 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 Coffee (Arabica) in Kenya?

A well-managed Coffee (Arabica) crop yields about 800 kg/acre. At a market price of approximately KES 120/kg, gross revenue per acre is around KES 96,000.

Best counties to grow Coffee (Arabica) in Kenya

All 47 counties ranked by soil and climate suitability for Coffee (Arabica) — scored against pH 5–6 target, high nitrogen, medium phosphorus, high potassium, plus rainfall (1000–2000 mm) and altitude (1300–2200 m) requirements.

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

Quick answer

The best counties for Coffee (Arabica) in Kenya are Kirinyaga, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, based on soil and climate suitability. Coffee (Arabica) grows best at pH 5–6; these rank highest across all 47 counties on ShambaIQ's soil scoring.