Growing Bambara Nuts in Uasin Gishu

Soil suitability analysis based on Uasin Gishu's nutrient profile

Uasin Gishu County is a challenging environment for Bambara Nuts (soil-match score 41/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.39 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–6.5 band Bambara Nuts prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.56 g/kg), phosphorus (25.3 mg/kg) and potassium (227 mg/kg) all meet Bambara Nuts's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Bambara Nuts prefers sandy soils, while Uasin Gishu is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 2100 m, the county sits above Bambara Nuts's preferred altitude ceiling of 1600 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. At current prices (about KES 150/kg) and a typical 300 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Bambara Nuts crop here can gross roughly KES 45,000 per acre.

41Suitability score

Soil match analysis

NutrientUasin Gishu soilBambara Nuts needsStatus
pH6.3956.5OK
Nitrogen1.56 g/kgmin 0.5 g/kgOK
Phosphorus25.3 mg/kgmin 6 mg/kgOK
Potassium227 mg/kgmin 100 mg/kgOK

Recommended seed varieties

Local CreamLowland/Medium 0-1600m
Local · 120-150 days · 4-6 bags/acre
Drought resistant; pods develop underground; high protein and soil building.
Local RedLowland/Medium 0-1600m
Local · 130-160 days · 3-5 bags/acre
Highly nutritious; rich in iron; excellent drought tolerance.

Economics

Market priceKES 150/kg
Expected yield300 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 45,000/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