Growing Coffee (Robusta) in Nairobi

Soil suitability analysis based on Nairobi's nutrient profile

Nairobi County is a challenging environment for Coffee (Robusta) (soil-match score 13/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 6.85 the soil sits above Coffee (Robusta)'s preferred 5–6.5 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 1.1 g/kg, P 22.1 mg/kg, K 236 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Coffee (Robusta), which favours loam. Nairobi receives approximately 900 mm/year — well below Coffee (Robusta)'s minimum of 1500 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Coffee (Robusta) is the #104 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nairobi County. Coffee (Robusta)'s full potential is about 950 kg/acre (~KES 76,000/acre at KES 80/kg), but at Nairobi's 13/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 154 kg/acre (~KES 12,320/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

Better matched to Nairobi's soil: Dhania, Pumpkin, and Rosemary — each scores higher on the same soil.