Growing Carrot in Kericho

Soil suitability analysis based on Kericho's nutrient profile

Quick answer

Yes, with the right inputs — Kericho is moderately suited to Carrot. Kericho's soil (pH 5.94, slightly acidic) gives Carrot a suitability score of 69/100. Match fertilizer to Kericho's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.

Kericho County is a solid choice for Carrot, with a soil-match score of 69/100. Local soils average pH 5.94 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–7 band Carrot prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.34 g/kg), phosphorus (23.7 mg/kg) and potassium (225 mg/kg) all meet Carrot's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Carrot prefers sandy loam soils, while Kericho is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Carrot's full potential is about 10,000 kg/acre (~KES 380,000/acre at KES 38/kg), but at Kericho's 69/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 8,625 kg/acre (~KES 327,750/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

69Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorKericho soilCarrot needsStatus
pH5.945.57OK
Nitrogen1.34 g/kgmin 0.5 g/kgOK
Phosphorus23.7 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium225 mg/kgmin 200 mg/kgOK
Rainfall1,800 mm600–1,200 mmHigh
Altitude2,000 m1,000–2,500 mOK

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Week 4-5 after sowing
Instruction
Apply at thinning stage when roots begin swelling. Avoid over-application — causes forked roots.
Bags per Acre
0.5

Recommended seed varieties

NantesMedium/Highland
Simlaw Seeds · 70-80 days · 4–5 tons/acre
Cylindrical roots; sweet flavor; excellent fresh market variety.
ChantenayMedium
Simlaw Seeds · 75-90 days · 3.5–4.5 tons/acre
Broad shoulders; good for heavy soils; reliable yield.

Economics

Market priceKES 38/kg
Expected yield in Kericho8,625 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 327,750/acre
Adjusted for Kericho's 69/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Carrot can reach 10,000 kg/acre (~KES 380,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureSandy Loam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag