Growing Soybeans in Uasin Gishu

Soil suitability analysis based on Uasin Gishu's nutrient profile

Quick answer

Yes, with the right inputs — Uasin Gishu is moderately suited to Soybeans. Uasin Gishu's soil (pH 6.39, slightly acidic) gives Soybeans a suitability score of 67/100. Match fertilizer to Uasin Gishu's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.

Uasin Gishu County is a solid choice for Soybeans, with a soil-match score of 67/100. Local soils average pH 6.39 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–7 band Soybeans prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.56 g/kg), phosphorus (25.3 mg/kg) and potassium (227 mg/kg) all meet Soybeans's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Soybeans, which favours loam. Soybeans's full potential is about 700 kg/acre (~KES 52,500/acre at KES 75/kg), but at Uasin Gishu's 67/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 586 kg/acre (~KES 43,950/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

67Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorUasin Gishu soilSoybeans needsStatus
pH6.3957OK
Nitrogen1.56 g/kgmin 0.5 g/kgOK
Phosphorus25.3 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium227 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgOK
Rainfall1,100 mm600–2,000 mmOK
Altitude2,100 m0–1,800 mHigh

Top dressing guide

Product
None
Timing
None required
Instruction
Soybeans fix their own Nitrogen. Do NOT apply CAN — it suppresses nodulation and reduces yield.
Bags per Acre
0

Recommended seed varieties

SB 19Medium/Highland
KALRO · 90-100 days · 8-12 bags/acre
High protein content; disease resistant; good for oil and flour.
GazelleMedium
Pannar Seeds · 95-110 days · 10-14 bags/acre
High yielding hybrid; excellent grain quality; broad adaptation.

Economics

Market priceKES 75/kg
Expected yield in Uasin Gishu586 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 43,950/acre
Adjusted for Uasin Gishu's 67/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Soybeans can reach 700 kg/acre (~KES 52,500/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureLoam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag