Which county is best for Rice (Upland) farming in Kenya?

Based on soil and climate suitability analysis, the top counties for Rice (Upland) are Migori, Kisumu, Mombasa. Scores combine soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium against Rice (Upland)'s nutrient requirements, plus a rainfall and altitude multiplier that penalises counties outside the crop's climate range.

What soil pH does Rice (Upland) need?

Rice (Upland) grows best between pH 5 and 7. 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 Rice (Upland) in Kenya?

A well-managed Rice (Upland) crop yields about 1,800 kg/acre. At a market price of approximately KES 105/kg, gross revenue per acre is around KES 189,000.

Best counties to grow Rice (Upland) in Kenya

All 47 counties ranked by soil and climate suitability for Rice (Upland) — scored against pH 5–7 target, high nitrogen, medium phosphorus, medium potassium, plus rainfall (800–2000 mm) and altitude (0–1300 m) requirements.

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

Quick answer

The best counties for Rice (Upland) in Kenya are Migori, Kisumu, Mombasa, based on soil and climate suitability. Rice (Upland) grows best at pH 5–7; these rank highest across all 47 counties on ShambaIQ's soil scoring.