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
11 maize varieties are rated for Kakamega's altitude (1,500 m) and rainfall (1,900 mm):
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag