Growing Capsicum in Laikipia

Soil suitability analysis based on Laikipia's nutrient profile

Laikipia County is a solid choice for Capsicum, with a soil-match score of 69/100. At an average pH of 4.99 the soil is strongly acidic, below Capsicum's preferred 5.5–7 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is phosphorus — measured at N 1.42 g/kg, P 16.6 mg/kg, K 215 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Capsicum, which favours loam. At current prices (about KES 90/kg) and a typical 4,500 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Capsicum crop here can gross roughly KES 405,000 per acre.

69Suitability score

Soil match analysis

NutrientLaikipia soilCapsicum needsStatus
pH4.995.57Adjust
Nitrogen1.42 g/kgmin 1.2 g/kgOK
Phosphorus16.6 mg/kgmin 20 mg/kgLow
Potassium215 mg/kgmin 200 mg/kgOK

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Week 3 and Week 6
Instruction
Split nitrogen application. Add calcium nitrate to prevent blossom end rot.
Bags per Acre
0.5

Recommended seed varieties

California WonderMedium/Highland
Simlaw Seeds · 75-85 days · 60-80 bags/acre
Large blocky fruits; excellent fresh market demand.
Yolo WonderMedium
East Africa Seeds · 70-80 days · 50-70 bags/acre
Open-pollinated; reliable yield; tolerant to tobacco mosaic virus.

Economics

Market priceKES 90/kg
Expected yield4,500 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 405,000/acre

Preferred textureLoam

Fertilizer prices

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

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag