Growing Maize in Kakamega
Soil suitability analysis based on Kakamega's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Kakamega is moderately suited to Maize. Kakamega's soil (pH 5.63, slightly acidic) gives Maize a suitability score of 71/100. Match fertilizer to Kakamega's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kakamega County is a solid choice for Maize, with a soil-match score of 71/100. Local soils average pH 5.63 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–7 band Maize 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/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Maize, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Maize is the #31 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kakamega County. Maize's full potential is about 1,800 kg/acre (~KES 81,000/acre at KES 45/kg), but at Kakamega's 71/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,598 kg/acre (~KES 71,910/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kakamega soil | Maize 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 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,900 mm | 500–1,600 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 0–2,500 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) is 84% of the 1.2 g/kg Maize needs, so the standard 1 bag/acre is raised to 1.25. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Seed varieties for Kakamega
Varieties suited to Kakamega's 1,500 m altitude and 1,900 mm annual rainfall — 11 of 24 maize varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag