Growing Capsicum in Machakos
Soil suitability analysis based on Machakos's nutrient profile
Machakos County is well suited to Capsicum, scoring 76/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. At an average pH of 7.03 the soil sits above Capsicum's preferred 5.5–7 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.82 g/kg, P 31.4 mg/kg, K 338 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.
Suitability score
Soil match analysis
| Nutrient | Machakos soil | Capsicum needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 7.03 | 5.5–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.82 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 31.4 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 338 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | OK |
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