Growing Carrot in Kakamega

Soil suitability analysis based on Kakamega's nutrient profile

Quick answer

Yes, with the right inputs — Kakamega is moderately suited to Carrot. Kakamega's soil (pH 5.63, slightly acidic) gives Carrot a suitability score of 60/100. Match fertilizer to Kakamega's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.

Kakamega County is a solid choice for Carrot, with a soil-match score of 60/100. Local soils average pH 5.63 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–7 band Carrot prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is potassium — measured at N 1.01 g/kg, P 14 mg/kg, K 147 mg/kg against this crop's low/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Carrot prefers sandy loam soils, while Kakamega is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Carrot's full potential is about 10,000 kg/acre (~KES 380,000/acre at KES 38/kg), but at Kakamega's 60/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 7,500 kg/acre (~KES 285,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

60Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorKakamega soilCarrot needsStatus
pH5.635.57OK
Nitrogen1.01 g/kgmin 0.5 g/kgOK
Phosphorus14 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium147 mg/kgmin 200 mg/kgLow
Rainfall1,900 mm600–1,200 mmHigh
Altitude1,500 m1,000–2,500 mOK

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Week 4-5 after sowing
Instruction
Apply at thinning stage when roots begin swelling. Avoid over-application — causes forked roots.
Bags per Acre
0.5

Recommended seed varieties

NantesMedium/Highland
Simlaw Seeds · 70-80 days · 4–5 tons/acre
Cylindrical roots; sweet flavor; excellent fresh market variety.
ChantenayMedium
Simlaw Seeds · 75-90 days · 3.5–4.5 tons/acre
Broad shoulders; good for heavy soils; reliable yield.

Economics

Market priceKES 38/kg
Expected yield in Kakamega7,500 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 285,000/acre
Adjusted for Kakamega's 60/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Carrot can reach 10,000 kg/acre (~KES 380,000/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