Which county is best for Cotton farming in Kenya?

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

What soil pH does Cotton need?

Cotton grows best between pH 5.8 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 Cotton in Kenya?

A well-managed Cotton crop yields about 900 kg/acre. At a market price of approximately KES 68/kg, gross revenue per acre is around KES 61,200.

Best counties to grow Cotton in Kenya

All 47 counties ranked by soil and climate suitability for Cotton — scored against pH 5.8–8 target, medium nitrogen, medium phosphorus, medium potassium, plus rainfall (450–1200 mm) and altitude (0–1500 m) requirements.

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

Quick answer

The best counties for Cotton in Kenya are Kajiado, Machakos, Kitui, based on soil and climate suitability. Cotton grows best at pH 5.8–8; these rank highest across all 47 counties on ShambaIQ's soil scoring.