Growing Stevia in Nyamira

Soil suitability analysis based on Nyamira's nutrient profile

Nyamira County is a solid choice for Stevia, with a soil-match score of 66/100. At an average pH of 5.58 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Stevia's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — measured at N 0.84 g/kg, P 11.6 mg/kg, K 148 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Stevia, which favours loam. Stevia's full potential is about 3,000 kg/acre (~KES 600,000/acre at KES 200/kg), but at Nyamira's 66/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 2,475 kg/acre (~KES 495,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

66Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorNyamira soilStevia needsStatus
pH5.5867.5Adjust
Nitrogen0.84 g/kgmin 1.2 g/kgLow
Phosphorus11.6 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgLow
Potassium148 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgLow
Rainfall1,600 mm700–1,500 mmHigh
Altitude1,700 m500–2,000 mOK

Planting calendar

Long Rains

Month 1
Nursery & Transplanting & Basal
Month 2
Weeding & Top Dressing
Month 3
Continuous Leaf Harvest

Short Rains

Month 1
Nursery & Transplanting & Basal
Month 2
Weeding & Top Dressing
Month 3
Continuous Leaf Harvest

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
After each cutting
Instruction
Top-dress after each harvest for continuous leaf regrowth.
Bags per Acre
0.3

Economics

Market priceKES 200/kg
Expected yield in Nyamira2,475 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 495,000/acre
Adjusted for Nyamira's 66/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Stevia can reach 3,000 kg/acre (~KES 600,000/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