Maize Farming Guide — Kenya
Soil requirements, top counties, seed varieties, fertilizer plan & economics
Soil Requirements
pH Range
5.5–7
Nitrogen
high
Phosphorus
high
Potassium
medium
Preferred texture: Loam
Best Counties for Maize
Challenging Counties for Maize
These counties may need soil amendments for Maize
Certified Seed Varieties
H614Highland
Kenya Seed Company · 180-240 days · 35-40 bags/acre
Excellent grain quality; tolerant to common blights.
H6213Highland
Kenya Seed Company · 170-210 days · 38-42 bags/acre
High yielding; strong stalk preventing lodging.
H513Medium Altitude
Kenya Seed Company · 120-150 days · 25-30 bags/acre
Fast maturing; good performance in transitional climates.
Katumani Composite BDryland
KALRO · 90-120 days · 15-18 bags/acre
Highly drought-tolerant; ensures harvest in low rainfall.
DH04Dryland
KALRO · 90-110 days · 18-22 bags/acre
Extremely fast maturing; escapes late-season heat stress.
Planting Calendar
Long Rains
Month 1
Sowing & Basal Fertilizer (DAP/NPK)
Month 2
Top Dressing (CAN/Urea) & 1st Weeding
Month 3
Crop Protection & Scouting
Short Rains
Month 1
Fast Sowing & Basal Fertilizer
Month 2
Top Dressing & Weeding
Month 3
Fast Growth Scouting
Dry Season
Month 1
Land Preparation & Manure
Month 2
Soil Testing & Resting
Month 3
Seed Selection & Storage
Economics
Market priceKES 65/kg
Expected yield1,500 kg/acre
Est. revenueKES 97,500/acre
Top Dressing
Product: CAN
Timing: Week 4–6 after germination
Bags/acre: 1
When plant is knee-high broadcast between rows
Fertilizer Prices
DAPKES 2,500
CANKES 2,500
NPK 17:17:17KES 2,500
UreaKES 2,500
LimeKES 1,500
Subsidized price / 50kg bag