Growing Pyrethrum in Kakamega
Soil suitability analysis based on Kakamega's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Kakamega is only marginally suited to Pyrethrum. Kakamega's soil (pH 5.63, slightly acidic) gives Pyrethrum a suitability score of 53/100. Match fertilizer to Kakamega's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Pyrethrum can be grown in Kakamega County, but the soil scores 53/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 5.63 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–6.5 band Pyrethrum prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is phosphorus and potassium — measured at N 1.01 g/kg, P 14 mg/kg, K 147 mg/kg against this crop's medium/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Pyrethrum, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Pyrethrum is the #61 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kakamega County. Pyrethrum's full potential is about 500 kg/acre (~KES 140,000/acre at KES 280/kg), but at Kakamega's 53/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 331 kg/acre (~KES 92,680/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 | Pyrethrum needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.63 | 5–6.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.01 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 14 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 147 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,900 mm | 900–1,500 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 1,800–3,000 m | Low |
Top dressing guide
Kakamega's nitrogen (1.01 g/kg) already meets Pyrethrum's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Kakamega's 1,500 m altitude and 1,900 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag