Growing Potato in Nairobi
Soil suitability analysis based on Nairobi's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Nairobi is moderately suited to Potato. Nairobi's soil (pH 6.85, near-neutral) gives Potato a suitability score of 71/100. Match fertilizer to Nairobi's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Nairobi County is a solid choice for Potato, with a soil-match score of 71/100. At an average pH of 6.85 the soil sits above Potato's preferred 4.8–6.5 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/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Potato prefers sandy loam soils, while Nairobi is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Potato is the #77 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nairobi County. Potato's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 304,000/acre at KES 38/kg), but at Nairobi's 71/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 7,100 kg/acre (~KES 269,800/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Nairobi soil | Potato needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.85 | 4.8–6.5 | Adjust |
| 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 200 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 900 mm | 700–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,700 m | 1,500–3,000 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 Potato needs, so the standard 1 bag/acre is raised to 1.25. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Seed varieties for Nairobi
14 potato varieties are rated for Nairobi's altitude (1,700 m) and rainfall (900 mm):
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag