Growing Okra in Kisumu
Soil suitability analysis based on Kisumu's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Kisumu is moderately suited to Okra. Kisumu's soil (pH 5.54, slightly acidic) gives Okra 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 Okra, with a soil-match score of 72/100. At an average pH of 5.54 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Okra'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 Okra's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Okra prefers loam soils, while Kisumu is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Okra is the #42 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kisumu County. At current prices (about KES 60/kg) and a typical 5,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Okra crop here can gross roughly KES 300,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kisumu soil | Okra needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.54 | 6–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.91 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 12.5 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 166 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,200 mm | 500–1,200 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,150 m | 0–1,300 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Kisumu
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· September–November
Top dressing guide
Kisumu's nitrogen (0.91 g/kg) already meets Okra's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag