Growing Pyrethrum in Narok

Soil suitability analysis based on Narok's nutrient profile

Narok County is a solid choice for Pyrethrum, with a soil-match score of 64/100. Local soils average pH 6.13 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–6.5 band Pyrethrum prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.63 g/kg), phosphorus (25.7 mg/kg) and potassium (234 mg/kg) all meet Pyrethrum's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Pyrethrum, which favours loam. Pyrethrum's full potential is about 500 kg/acre (~KES 140,000/acre at KES 280/kg), but at Narok's 64/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 400 kg/acre (~KES 112,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

64Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorNarok soilPyrethrum needsStatus
pH6.1356.5OK
Nitrogen1.63 g/kgmin 0.8 g/kgOK
Phosphorus25.7 mg/kgmin 20 mg/kgOK
Potassium234 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgOK
Rainfall800 mm900–1,500 mmLow
Altitude1,700 m1,800–3,000 mLow

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Week 4–6 after planting
Instruction
One application at vegetative stage to support flower production.
Bags per Acre
0.5

Recommended seed varieties

P4Highland
Pyrethrum Board of Kenya · 180-240 days · 150–250 kg/acre
High pyrethrin content; suited to highland conditions.
Clone 22Highland
Pyrethrum Board of Kenya · 180-240 days · 200–300 kg/acre
High yielding clone; good flower production.

Economics

Market priceKES 280/kg
Expected yield in Narok400 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 112,000/acre
Adjusted for Narok's 64/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Pyrethrum can reach 500 kg/acre (~KES 140,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureLoam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag