Growing Coffee (Robusta) in Siaya
Soil suitability analysis based on Siaya's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Siaya is only marginally suited to Coffee (Robusta). Siaya's soil (pH 5.33, strongly acidic) gives Coffee (Robusta) a suitability score of 54/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Coffee (Robusta) can be grown in Siaya County, but the soil scores 54/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 5.33 — moderately acidic and inside the 5–6.5 band Coffee (Robusta) prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is potassium — measured at N 1.2 g/kg, P 12.1 mg/kg, K 134 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 Coffee (Robusta), which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Coffee (Robusta) is the #75 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Siaya County. Coffee (Robusta)'s full potential is about 950 kg/acre (~KES 76,000/acre at KES 80/kg), but at Siaya's 54/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 641 kg/acre (~KES 51,280/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Siaya's soil: Macadamia, Pineapple, and Avocado — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Siaya soil | Coffee (Robusta) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.33 | 5–6.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.2 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 12.1 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 134 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,200 mm | 1,500–2,500 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 1,200 m | 0–1,200 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Siaya
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· September–November
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Siaya's nitrogen (1.2 g/kg) already meets Coffee (Robusta)'s 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Siaya
Varieties suited to Siaya's 1,200 m altitude and 1,200 mm annual rainfall — 2 of 2 coffee (robusta) varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag