Growing Cassava in Kericho
Soil suitability analysis based on Kericho's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Kericho is only marginally suited to Cassava. Kericho's soil (pH 5.94, slightly acidic) gives Cassava a suitability score of 41/100. Match fertilizer to Kericho's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kericho County is a challenging environment for Cassava (soil-match score 41/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 5.94 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 4.5–7 band Cassava prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.34 g/kg), phosphorus (23.7 mg/kg) and potassium (225 mg/kg) all meet Cassava's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Cassava prefers sandy soils, while Kericho is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 2000 m, the county sits above Cassava's preferred altitude ceiling of 1400 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Cassava is the #79 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kericho County. Cassava's full potential is about 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 90,000/acre at KES 15/kg), but at Kericho's 41/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 3,075 kg/acre (~KES 46,125/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Kericho's soil: Kale (Sukuma Wiki), Sweet Potato, and Wambugu Apples — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kericho soil | Cassava needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.94 | 4.5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.34 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 23.7 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 225 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,800 mm | 500–1,500 mm | High |
| Altitude | 2,000 m | 0–1,400 m | High |
Planting calendar for Kericho
Long Rains· April–JuneMain season here
Short Rains· October–December
Dry Season· February–April
Top dressing guide
Kericho's nitrogen reads 1.34 g/kg, but the rate stays at zero: Cassava is not top-dressed, for the crop-specific reason above.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Kericho's 2,000 m altitude and 1,800 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag