Growing Sisal in Kakamega
Soil suitability analysis based on Kakamega's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Kakamega is poorly suited to Sisal. Kakamega's soil (pH 5.63, slightly acidic) gives Sisal a suitability score of 36/100. Match fertilizer to Kakamega's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kakamega County is a challenging environment for Sisal (soil-match score 36/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 5.63 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–8.5 band Sisal prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.01 g/kg), phosphorus (14 mg/kg) and potassium (147 mg/kg) all meet Sisal's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Sisal prefers sandy soils, while Kakamega is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Sisal is the #91 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kakamega County. Sisal's full potential is about 1,000 kg/acre (~KES 90,000/acre at KES 90/kg), but at Kakamega's 36/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 450 kg/acre (~KES 40,500/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 | Sisal needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.63 | 5.5–8.5 | 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 | 250–700 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: Sisal is not top-dressed, for the crop-specific reason above.
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 1 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag