Which county is best for Cowpeas farming in Kenya?

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

What soil pH does Cowpeas need?

Cowpeas grows best between pH 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 Cowpeas in Kenya?

A well-managed Cowpeas crop yields about 450 kg/acre. At a market price of approximately KES 65/kg, gross revenue per acre is around KES 29,250.

Best counties to grow Cowpeas in Kenya

All 47 counties ranked by soil and climate suitability for Cowpeas — scored against pH 5–8 target, low nitrogen, low phosphorus, low potassium, plus rainfall (250–700 mm) and altitude (0–1800 m) requirements.

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

Quick answer

The best counties for Cowpeas in Kenya are Kajiado, Baringo, Lamu, based on soil and climate suitability. Cowpeas grows best at pH 5–8; these rank highest across all 47 counties on ShambaIQ's soil scoring.