Growing Chilies in Kakamega

Soil suitability analysis based on Kakamega's nutrient profile

Kakamega County is a challenging environment for Chilies (soil-match score 40/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.63 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, 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 1.01 g/kg, P 14 mg/kg, K 147 mg/kg against this crop's medium/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Chilies, which favours sandy loam. At 1500 m, the county sits above Chilies's preferred altitude ceiling of 1200 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. At current prices (about KES 165/kg) and a typical 1,800 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Chilies crop here can gross roughly KES 297,000 per acre.