Which county is best for Tea farming in Kenya?

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

What soil pH does Tea need?

Tea grows best between pH 4.5 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 Tea in Kenya?

A well-managed Tea crop yields about 2,200 kg/acre. At a market price of approximately KES 25/kg, gross revenue per acre is around KES 55,000.

Best counties to grow Tea in Kenya

All 47 counties ranked by soil and climate suitability for Tea — scored against pH 4.5–6 target, high nitrogen, medium phosphorus, medium potassium, plus rainfall (1100–2500 mm) and altitude (1500–3000 m) requirements.

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

Quick answer

The best counties for Tea in Kenya are Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Nyeri, based on soil and climate suitability. Tea grows best at pH 4.5–6; these rank highest across all 47 counties on ShambaIQ's soil scoring.