Growing Maize in Kajiado
Soil suitability analysis based on Kajiado's nutrient profile
Yes — Kajiado is well suited to Maize. Kajiado's soil (pH 6.55, near-neutral) gives Maize a suitability score of 87/100. Match fertilizer to Kajiado's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kajiado County is well suited to Maize, scoring 87/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. Local soils average pH 6.55 — neutral and inside the 5.5–7 band Maize prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.97 g/kg, P 20.6 mg/kg, K 257 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Maize, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Maize is the #37 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kajiado County. At current prices (about KES 45/kg) and a typical 1,800 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Maize crop here can gross roughly KES 81,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kajiado soil | Maize needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.55 | 5.5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.97 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 20.6 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 257 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 500 mm | 500–1,600 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,300 m | 0–2,500 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Kajiado
Long Rains· March–May
Short Rains· October–DecemberMain season here
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Kajiado's nitrogen (0.97 g/kg) is 81% of the 1.2 g/kg Maize needs, so the standard 1 bag/acre is raised to 1.25. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Seed varieties for Kajiado
16 maize varieties are rated for Kajiado's altitude (1,300 m) and rainfall (500 mm):
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag