Which county is best for Sugarcane farming in Kenya?

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

What soil pH does Sugarcane need?

Sugarcane grows best between pH 5.5 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 Sugarcane in Kenya?

A well-managed Sugarcane crop yields about 27,000 kg/acre. At a market price of approximately KES 5/kg, gross revenue per acre is around KES 135,000.

Best counties to grow Sugarcane in Kenya

All 47 counties ranked by soil and climate suitability for Sugarcane — scored against pH 5.5–7 target, high nitrogen, medium phosphorus, high potassium, plus rainfall (1100–2000 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 Sugarcane in Kenya are Bungoma, Kakamega, Kisumu, based on soil and climate suitability. Sugarcane grows best at pH 5.5–7; these rank highest across all 47 counties on ShambaIQ's soil scoring.