Growing Capsicum in Kakamega
Soil suitability analysis based on Kakamega's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Kakamega is moderately suited to Capsicum. Kakamega's soil (pH 5.63, slightly acidic) gives Capsicum a suitability score of 55/100. Match fertilizer to Kakamega's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Capsicum can be grown in Kakamega County, but the soil scores 55/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 5.63 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–7 band Capsicum prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — measured at N 1.01 g/kg, P 14 mg/kg, K 147 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Capsicum, which favours loam. Capsicum's full potential is about 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 540,000/acre at KES 90/kg), but at Kakamega's 55/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 4,125 kg/acre (~KES 371,250/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kakamega soil | Capsicum needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.63 | 5.5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.01 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 14 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 147 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,900 mm | 600–1,200 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 0–2,000 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag