Growing Sesame (Simsim) in Narok

Soil suitability analysis based on Narok's nutrient profile

Narok County is well suited to Sesame (Simsim), scoring 83/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. Local soils average pH 6.13 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–7 band Sesame (Simsim) prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.63 g/kg), phosphorus (25.7 mg/kg) and potassium (234 mg/kg) all meet Sesame (Simsim)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Sesame (Simsim) prefers sandy soils, while Narok is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At current prices (about KES 350/kg) and a typical 180 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Sesame (Simsim) crop here can gross roughly KES 63,000 per acre.

83Suitability score

Soil match analysis

NutrientNarok soilSesame (Simsim) needsStatus
pH6.135.57OK
Nitrogen1.63 g/kgmin 0.5 g/kgOK
Phosphorus25.7 mg/kgmin 6 mg/kgOK
Potassium234 mg/kgmin 100 mg/kgOK

Recommended seed varieties

KSS-6 (KS-S6)Lowland 200-1000m
Kenya Seed Company · 75 days · 7-9 bags/acre
Highly aromatic white seeds; high podding ability; rust & shootfly tolerant.

Economics

Market priceKES 350/kg
Expected yield180 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 63,000/acre

Preferred textureSandy

Fertilizer prices

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

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag