Growing Stevia in Kakamega

Soil suitability analysis based on Kakamega's nutrient profile

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. 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.