Growing Thyme in West Pokot
Soil suitability analysis based on West Pokot's nutrient profile
West Pokot County is well suited to Thyme, scoring 76/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. Local soils average pH 6.04 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 6–8 band Thyme prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.67 g/kg), phosphorus (24.8 mg/kg) and potassium (211 mg/kg) all meet Thyme's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Thyme, which favours sandy loam. At current prices (about KES 150/kg) and a typical 2,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Thyme crop here can gross roughly KES 300,000 per acre.
Suitability score
Soil & climate match
| Factor | West Pokot soil | Thyme needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.04 | 6–8 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.67 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 24.8 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 211 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,000 mm | 400–900 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 800–2,400 m | OK |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Month 1
Nursery & Transplanting
Month 2
Weeding & Light Feeding
Month 3
Harvest
Short Rains
Month 1
Direct Sowing
Month 2
Weeding
Month 3
Harvest
Top dressing guide
Product
CAN
Timing
Twice per season
Instruction
Light feeder — minimal nitrogen keeps the plant compact and aromatic.
Bags per Acre
0.2
Economics
Market priceKES 150/kg
Expected yield in West Pokot1,900 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 285,000/acre
Adjusted for West Pokot's 76/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Thyme can reach 2,000 kg/acre (~KES 300,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.
Preferred textureSandy Loam
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