Growing Tomato in Wajir

Soil suitability analysis based on Wajir's nutrient profile

Wajir County is a challenging environment for Tomato (soil-match score 5/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.4 the soil sits above Tomato's preferred 6–7 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.52 g/kg, P 39.3 mg/kg, K 396 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Tomato prefers loam soils, while Wajir is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Wajir receives approximately 200 mm/year — well below Tomato's minimum of 600 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 40/kg) and a typical 5,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Tomato crop here can gross roughly KES 200,000 per acre.

5Suitability score

Soil match analysis

NutrientWajir soilTomato needsStatus
pH8.467Adjust
Nitrogen0.52 g/kgmin 1.2 g/kgLow
Phosphorus39.3 mg/kgmin 20 mg/kgOK
Potassium396 mg/kgmin 200 mg/kgOK

Planting calendar

Long Rains

Month 1
Nursery Preparation & Transplanting
Month 2
Top Dressing & Staking & Pest Control
Month 3
Harvesting & Disease Management

Short Rains

Month 1
Nursery & Transplanting & Basal Fertilizer
Month 2
Staking & Top Dressing & Pest Control
Month 3
Harvesting

Dry Season

Month 1
Land Preparation & Irrigation Setup
Month 2
Nursery (irrigated)
Month 3
Transplanting & Basal Fertilizer

Recommended seed varieties

Rambo F1Medium/Highland
Royal Seeds · 75-80 days · 150-180 bags/acre
Determinate hybrid; excellent disease tolerance.
Money MakerMedium/Highland
Simlaw Seeds · 80-90 days · 100-120 bags/acre
Reliable open-pollinated variety.

Economics

Market priceKES 40/kg
Expected yield5,000 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 200,000/acre

Preferred textureLoam

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