Growing Sesame (Simsim) in Kericho

Soil suitability analysis based on Kericho's nutrient profile

Kericho County is a challenging environment for Sesame (Simsim) (soil-match score 30/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 5.94 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–7 band Sesame (Simsim) prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.34 g/kg), phosphorus (23.7 mg/kg) and potassium (225 mg/kg) all meet Sesame (Simsim)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Sesame (Simsim) prefers sandy soils, while Kericho is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 2000 m, the county sits above Sesame (Simsim)'s preferred altitude ceiling of 1600 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. At current prices (about KES 350/kg) and a typical 180 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Sesame (Simsim) crop here can gross roughly KES 63,000 per acre.