Growing Millet in Trans Nzoia

Soil suitability analysis based on Trans Nzoia's nutrient profile

Millet can be grown in Trans Nzoia County, but the soil scores 54/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 5.93 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–8 band Millet prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.68 g/kg), phosphorus (27.3 mg/kg) and potassium (213 mg/kg) all meet Millet's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Millet prefers sandy soils, while Trans Nzoia is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At current prices (about KES 58/kg) and a typical 600 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Millet crop here can gross roughly KES 34,800 per acre.

54Suitability score

Soil match analysis

NutrientTrans Nzoia soilMillet needsStatus
pH5.9358OK
Nitrogen1.68 g/kgmin 0.5 g/kgOK
Phosphorus27.3 mg/kgmin 6 mg/kgOK
Potassium213 mg/kgmin 100 mg/kgOK

Recommended seed varieties

Katumani MilletDryland
KALRO · 75-90 days · 6-8 bags/acre
Early maturing; highly drought tolerant; good grain quality.
EMBU CompositeMedium
KALRO · 85-100 days · 8-10 bags/acre
Higher yielding; suited to medium altitude rainfall areas.

Economics

Market priceKES 58/kg
Expected yield600 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 34,800/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