Growing Chilies in Homa Bay

Soil suitability analysis based on Homa Bay's nutrient profile

Quick answer

Yes, with the right inputs — Homa Bay is moderately suited to Chilies. Homa Bay's soil (pH 5.27, strongly acidic) gives Chilies a suitability score of 67/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.

Homa Bay County is a solid choice for Chilies, with a soil-match score of 67/100. At an average pH of 5.27 the soil is moderately acidic, below Chilies's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is potassium — measured at N 1.05 g/kg, P 13.8 mg/kg, K 147 mg/kg against this crop's medium/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Chilies prefers sandy loam soils, while Homa Bay is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Chilies's full potential is about 2,500 kg/acre (~KES 412,500/acre at KES 165/kg), but at Homa Bay's 67/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 2,094 kg/acre (~KES 345,510/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

67Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorHoma Bay soilChilies needsStatus
pH5.2767.5Adjust
Nitrogen1.05 g/kgmin 0.8 g/kgOK
Phosphorus13.8 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium147 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgLow
Rainfall1,100 mm500–1,200 mmOK
Altitude1,200 m0–1,200 mOK

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Week 3-4 after transplanting
Instruction
Apply when plants are established. Chilies respond well to split nitrogen applications.
Bags per Acre
0.5

Recommended seed varieties

Pilipili KichaaDryland/Medium
Local/KALRO · 90-120 days · 1000–1500 kg/acre
Very pungent; high market demand; drought tolerant.
Cayenne LongMedium
Simlaw Seeds · 80-100 days · 1250–1750 kg/acre
High yield; good for drying and fresh market.

Economics

Market priceKES 165/kg
Expected yield in Homa Bay2,094 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 345,510/acre
Adjusted for Homa Bay's 67/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Chilies can reach 2,500 kg/acre (~KES 412,500/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureSandy Loam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag