Growing Macadamia in Kakamega
Soil suitability analysis based on Kakamega's nutrient profile
Yes — Kakamega is well suited to Macadamia. Kakamega's soil (pH 5.63, slightly acidic) gives Macadamia a suitability score of 80/100. Match fertilizer to Kakamega's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kakamega County is well suited to Macadamia, scoring 80/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. Local soils average pH 5.63 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 4.5–6.5 band Macadamia 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 medium/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Macadamia, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Macadamia is the #15 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kakamega County. At current prices (about KES 110/kg) and a typical 1,800 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Macadamia crop here can gross roughly KES 198,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kakamega soil | Macadamia needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.63 | 4.5–6.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.01 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 14 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 147 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,900 mm | 700–1,500 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 900–2,100 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Kakamega
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· August–October
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Kakamega's nitrogen (1.01 g/kg) already meets Macadamia's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Kakamega
Varieties suited to Kakamega's 1,500 m altitude and 1,900 mm annual rainfall — 3 of 3 macadamia varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag