Growing Tomato in Kisumu
Soil suitability analysis based on Kisumu's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Kisumu is moderately suited to Tomato. Kisumu's soil (pH 5.54, slightly acidic) gives Tomato a suitability score of 68/100. Match fertilizer to Kisumu's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kisumu County is a solid choice for Tomato, with a soil-match score of 68/100. At an average pH of 5.54 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Tomato's preferred 6–7 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — measured at N 0.91 g/kg, P 12.5 mg/kg, K 166 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. Tomato prefers loam soils, while Kisumu is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Tomato is the #53 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kisumu County. Tomato's full potential is about 15,000 kg/acre (~KES 750,000/acre at KES 50/kg), but at Kisumu's 68/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 12,750 kg/acre (~KES 637,500/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kisumu soil | Tomato needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.54 | 6–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.91 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 12.5 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 166 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,200 mm | 600–1,400 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,150 m | 0–1,800 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Kisumu
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· September–November
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Kisumu's nitrogen (0.91 g/kg) is 76% of the 1.2 g/kg Tomato needs, so the standard 0.5 bags/acre is raised to 0.75. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Kisumu's 1,150 m altitude and 1,200 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag