Growing Coffee (Arabica) in Uasin Gishu
Soil suitability analysis based on Uasin Gishu's nutrient profile
Yes — Uasin Gishu is well suited to Coffee (Arabica). Uasin Gishu's soil (pH 6.39, slightly acidic) gives Coffee (Arabica) a suitability score of 81/100. Match fertilizer to Uasin Gishu's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Uasin Gishu County is well suited to Coffee (Arabica), scoring 81/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. At an average pH of 6.39 the soil sits above Coffee (Arabica)'s preferred 5–6 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. Nitrogen (1.56 g/kg), phosphorus (25.3 mg/kg) and potassium (227 mg/kg) all meet Coffee (Arabica)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Coffee (Arabica), which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Coffee (Arabica) is the #57 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Uasin Gishu County. At current prices (about KES 120/kg) and a typical 800 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Coffee (Arabica) crop here can gross roughly KES 96,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Uasin Gishu soil | Coffee (Arabica) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.39 | 5–6 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.56 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 25.3 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 227 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,100 mm | 1,000–2,000 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 2,100 m | 1,300–2,200 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Uasin Gishu
Long Rains· April–JuneMain season here
Short Rains· October–December
Dry Season· February–April
Top dressing guide
Uasin Gishu's nitrogen (1.56 g/kg) already meets Coffee (Arabica)'s 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Uasin Gishu
5 coffee (arabica) varieties are rated for Uasin Gishu's altitude (2,100 m) and rainfall (1,100 mm):
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag