Growing Chilies in Kisumu

Soil suitability analysis based on Kisumu's nutrient profile

Quick answer

Yes, with the right inputs — Kisumu is moderately suited to Chilies. Kisumu's soil (pH 5.54, slightly acidic) gives Chilies a suitability score of 72/100. Match fertilizer to Kisumu's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.

Kisumu County is a solid choice for Chilies, with a soil-match score of 72/100. At an average pH of 5.54 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Chilies's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (0.91 g/kg), phosphorus (12.5 mg/kg) and potassium (166 mg/kg) all meet Chilies's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Chilies prefers sandy loam soils, while Kisumu is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At current prices (about KES 165/kg) and a typical 2,500 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Chilies crop here can gross roughly KES 412,500 per acre.

72Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorKisumu soilChilies needsStatus
pH5.5467.5Adjust
Nitrogen0.91 g/kgmin 0.8 g/kgOK
Phosphorus12.5 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium166 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgOK
Rainfall1,200 mm500–1,200 mmOK
Altitude1,150 m0–1,200 mOK

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Week 3-4 after transplanting
Instruction
Apply when plants are established. Chilies respond well to split nitrogen applications.
Bags per Acre
0.5

Recommended seed varieties

Pilipili KichaaDryland/Medium
Local/KALRO · 90-120 days · 1000–1500 kg/acre
Very pungent; high market demand; drought tolerant.
Cayenne LongMedium
Simlaw Seeds · 80-100 days · 1250–1750 kg/acre
High yield; good for drying and fresh market.

Economics

Market priceKES 165/kg
Expected yield in Kisumu2,250 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 371,250/acre
Adjusted for Kisumu's 72/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Chilies can reach 2,500 kg/acre (~KES 412,500/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureSandy Loam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag