Growing Pawpaw in Nairobi

Soil suitability analysis based on Nairobi's nutrient profile

Pawpaw can be grown in Nairobi County, but the soil scores 53/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 6.85 — neutral and inside the 6–7.5 band Pawpaw 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/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Pawpaw, which favours sandy loam. At 1700 m, the county sits above Pawpaw's preferred altitude ceiling of 1200 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. At current prices (about KES 28/kg) and a typical 10,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Pawpaw crop here can gross roughly KES 280,000 per acre.