Growing Okra in Nairobi
Soil suitability analysis based on Nairobi's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Nairobi is moderately suited to Okra. Nairobi's soil (pH 6.85, near-neutral) gives Okra a suitability score of 55/100. Match fertilizer to Nairobi's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Okra can be grown in Nairobi County, but the soil scores 55/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 6.85 — neutral and inside the 6–7.5 band Okra prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.1 g/kg), phosphorus (22.1 mg/kg) and potassium (236 mg/kg) all meet Okra's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Okra, which favours loam. At 1700 m, the county sits above Okra's preferred altitude ceiling of 1300 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Okra is the #92 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nairobi County. Okra's full potential is about 5,000 kg/acre (~KES 300,000/acre at KES 60/kg), but at Nairobi's 55/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 3,438 kg/acre (~KES 206,280/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Nairobi's soil: Dhania, Pumpkin, and Rosemary — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Nairobi soil | Okra needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.85 | 6–7.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.1 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 22.1 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 236 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 900 mm | 500–1,200 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,700 m | 0–1,300 m | High |
Planting calendar for Nairobi
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· October–December
Top dressing guide
Nairobi's nitrogen (1.1 g/kg) already meets Okra's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag