Growing Pigeon Peas in Kakamega
Soil suitability analysis based on Kakamega's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Kakamega is only marginally suited to Pigeon Peas. Kakamega's soil (pH 5.63, slightly acidic) gives Pigeon Peas a suitability score of 41/100. Match fertilizer to Kakamega's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kakamega County is a challenging environment for Pigeon Peas (soil-match score 41/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 5.63 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–8 band Pigeon Peas prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.01 g/kg), phosphorus (14 mg/kg) and potassium (147 mg/kg) all meet Pigeon Peas's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Pigeon Peas prefers sandy soils, while Kakamega is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Pigeon Peas is the #77 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kakamega County. Pigeon Peas's full potential is about 600 kg/acre (~KES 45,000/acre at KES 75/kg), but at Kakamega's 41/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 308 kg/acre (~KES 23,100/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 | Pigeon Peas needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.63 | 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 | 400–900 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 0–1,800 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Kakamega's nitrogen reads 1.01 g/kg, but the rate stays at zero: Pigeon Peas is not top-dressed, for the crop-specific reason above.
Seed varieties for Kakamega
Varieties suited to Kakamega's 1,500 m altitude and 1,900 mm annual rainfall — 1 of 2 pigeon peas varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag