Growing Coffee (Robusta) in Uasin Gishu
Soil suitability analysis based on Uasin Gishu's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Uasin Gishu is poorly suited to Coffee (Robusta). Uasin Gishu's soil (pH 6.39, slightly acidic) gives Coffee (Robusta) a suitability score of 15/100. Match fertilizer to Uasin Gishu's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Uasin Gishu County is a challenging environment for Coffee (Robusta) (soil-match score 15/100) 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 Coffee (Robusta) prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.56 g/kg), phosphorus (25.3 mg/kg) and potassium (227 mg/kg) all meet Coffee (Robusta)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Coffee (Robusta), which favours loam. Uasin Gishu receives approximately 1100 mm/year — well below Coffee (Robusta)'s minimum of 1500 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Coffee (Robusta) is the #104 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Uasin Gishu County. Coffee (Robusta)'s full potential is about 950 kg/acre (~KES 76,000/acre at KES 80/kg), but at Uasin Gishu's 15/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 178 kg/acre (~KES 14,240/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Uasin Gishu's soil: Beans, Snow Peas, and Napier Grass — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Uasin Gishu soil | Coffee (Robusta) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.39 | 5–6.5 | OK |
| 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 | 1,500–2,500 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 2,100 m | 0–1,200 m | High |
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 (Robusta)'s 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Uasin Gishu
Varieties suited to Uasin Gishu's 2,100 m altitude and 1,100 mm annual rainfall — 1 of 2 coffee (robusta) varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag