Growing Onion in Kericho

Soil suitability analysis based on Kericho's nutrient profile

Onion can be grown in Kericho County, but the soil scores 52/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.94 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Onion's preferred 6–7 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.34 g/kg), phosphorus (23.7 mg/kg) and potassium (225 mg/kg) all meet Onion's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Onion prefers sandy loam soils, while Kericho is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At current prices (about KES 45/kg) and a typical 3,500 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Onion crop here can gross roughly KES 157,500 per acre.