Growing Pawpaw in Kericho

Soil suitability analysis based on Kericho's nutrient profile

Kericho County is a challenging environment for Pawpaw (soil-match score 25/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.94 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Pawpaw's preferred 6–7.5 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 Pawpaw's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Pawpaw prefers sandy loam soils, while Kericho is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 2000 m, the county sits above Pawpaw's preferred altitude ceiling of 1200 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. At current prices (about KES 28/kg) and a typical 10,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Pawpaw crop here can gross roughly KES 280,000 per acre.