Growing Mango in Kisumu

Soil suitability analysis based on Kisumu's nutrient profile

Quick answer

Yes, with the right inputs — Kisumu is moderately suited to Mango. Kisumu's soil (pH 5.54, slightly acidic) gives Mango a suitability score of 69/100. Match fertilizer to Kisumu's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.

Kisumu County is a solid choice for Mango, with a soil-match score of 69/100. Local soils average pH 5.54 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–8.5 band Mango prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (0.91 g/kg), phosphorus (12.5 mg/kg) and potassium (166 mg/kg) all meet Mango's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Mango prefers sandy soils, while Kisumu is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Mango's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 80,000/acre at KES 10/kg), but at Kisumu's 69/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 6,900 kg/acre (~KES 69,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

69Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorKisumu soilMango needsStatus
pH5.545.58.5OK
Nitrogen0.91 g/kgmin 0.5 g/kgOK
Phosphorus12.5 mg/kgmin 6 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
Before flowering (once annually)
Instruction
Apply 2–3 months before expected flowering. Excess N delays fruiting.
Bags per Acre
0.3

Recommended seed varieties

Apple MangoCoastal/Dryland
KALRO/HCDA · 1000-1200 days · 3.6–5.4 tons/acre
Most popular domestic variety; sweet and juicy.
Tommy AtkinsCoastal/Dryland
KALRO/HCDA · 1000-1200 days · 4.5–7.2 tons/acre
Export quality; good shelf life; disease tolerant.

Economics

Market priceKES 10/kg
Expected yield in Kisumu6,900 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 69,000/acre
Adjusted for Kisumu's 69/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Mango can reach 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 80,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureSandy

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