Growing Maize in Nairobi
Soil suitability analysis based on Nairobi's nutrient profile
Yes — Nairobi is well suited to Maize. Nairobi's soil (pH 6.85, near-neutral) gives Maize a suitability score of 85/100. Match fertilizer to Nairobi's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Nairobi County is well suited to Maize, scoring 85/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. Local soils average pH 6.85 — neutral and inside the 5.5–7 band Maize prefers, so no lime is usually required. 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/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Maize, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Maize is the #54 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nairobi County. At current prices (about KES 45/kg) and a typical 1,800 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Maize crop here can gross roughly KES 81,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Nairobi soil | Maize needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.85 | 5.5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.1 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 22.1 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 236 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 900 mm | 500–1,600 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,700 m | 0–2,500 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Nairobi
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· October–December
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Nairobi's nitrogen (1.1 g/kg) is 92% of the 1.2 g/kg Maize needs, so the standard 1 bag/acre is raised to 1.25. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Seed varieties for Nairobi
23 maize varieties are rated for Nairobi's altitude (1,700 m) and rainfall (900 mm):
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag