Growing Potato in Kiambu
Soil suitability analysis based on Kiambu's nutrient profile
Yes — Kiambu is well suited to Potato. Kiambu's soil (pH 5.28, strongly acidic) gives Potato a suitability score of 82/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Kiambu County is well suited to Potato, scoring 82/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. Local soils average pH 5.28 — moderately acidic and inside the 4.8–6.5 band Potato prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — measured at N 1.01 g/kg, P 13.7 mg/kg, K 169 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. Potato prefers sandy loam soils, while Kiambu is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Potato is the #13 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kiambu County. At current prices (about KES 38/kg) and a typical 8,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Potato crop here can gross roughly KES 304,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kiambu soil | Potato needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.28 | 4.8–6.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.01 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 13.7 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 169 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,100 mm | 700–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,700 m | 1,500–3,000 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Kiambu
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· October–December
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Kiambu's nitrogen (1.01 g/kg) is 84% of the 1.2 g/kg Potato needs, so the standard 1 bag/acre is raised to 1.25. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Seed varieties for Kiambu
14 potato varieties are rated for Kiambu's altitude (1,700 m) and rainfall (1,100 mm):
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag