Growing Chickpeas in Kakamega
Soil suitability analysis based on Kakamega's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Kakamega is poorly suited to Chickpeas. Kakamega's soil (pH 5.63, slightly acidic) gives Chickpeas a suitability score of 38/100. Match fertilizer to Kakamega's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kakamega County is a challenging environment for Chickpeas (soil-match score 38/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 5.63 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–8 band Chickpeas prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.01 g/kg), phosphorus (14 mg/kg) and potassium (147 mg/kg) all meet Chickpeas's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Chickpeas prefers sandy loam soils, while Kakamega is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Chickpeas is the #87 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kakamega County. Chickpeas's full potential is about 600 kg/acre (~KES 120,000/acre at KES 200/kg), but at Kakamega's 38/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 285 kg/acre (~KES 57,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Kakamega's soil: Soybeans, Rice (Lowland/Paddy), and Sweet Potato — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kakamega soil | Chickpeas needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.63 | 5.5–8 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.01 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 14 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 147 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,900 mm | 150–500 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 1,500–2,600 m | OK |
Seed varieties for Kakamega
8 chickpeas varieties are rated for Kakamega's altitude (1,500 m) and rainfall (1,900 mm):
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag