Growing Stevia in Kakamega
Soil suitability analysis based on Kakamega's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Kakamega is moderately suited to Stevia. Kakamega's soil (pH 5.63, slightly acidic) gives Stevia a suitability score of 63/100. Match fertilizer to Kakamega's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kakamega County is a solid choice for Stevia, with a soil-match score of 63/100. At an average pH of 5.63 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Stevia's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is nitrogen and potassium — measured at N 1.01 g/kg, P 14 mg/kg, K 147 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Stevia, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Stevia is the #41 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kakamega County. Stevia's full potential is about 3,000 kg/acre (~KES 600,000/acre at KES 200/kg), but at Kakamega's 63/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 2,363 kg/acre (~KES 472,600/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kakamega soil | Stevia needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.63 | 6–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.01 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 14 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 147 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,900 mm | 700–1,500 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 500–2,000 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Kakamega
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· August–October
Top dressing guide
Kakamega's nitrogen (1.01 g/kg) is 84% of the 1.2 g/kg Stevia needs, so the standard 0.3 bags/acre is raised to 0.5. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag