Growing Capsicum in Kericho
Soil suitability analysis based on Kericho's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Kericho is moderately suited to Capsicum. Kericho's soil (pH 5.94, slightly acidic) gives Capsicum a suitability score of 68/100. Match fertilizer to Kericho's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kericho County is a solid choice for Capsicum, with a soil-match score of 68/100. Local soils average pH 5.94 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–7 band Capsicum prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.34 g/kg), phosphorus (23.7 mg/kg) and potassium (225 mg/kg) all meet Capsicum's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Capsicum prefers loam soils, while Kericho is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Capsicum is the #41 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kericho County. Capsicum's full potential is about 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 540,000/acre at KES 90/kg), but at Kericho's 68/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 5,100 kg/acre (~KES 459,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kericho soil | Capsicum needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.94 | 5.5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.34 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 23.7 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 225 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,800 mm | 600–1,200 mm | High |
| Altitude | 2,000 m | 0–2,000 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Kericho's nitrogen (1.34 g/kg) already meets Capsicum's 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Kericho
1 capsicum variety is rated for Kericho's altitude (2,000 m) and rainfall (1,800 mm):
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag