How to Grow Maize in Kenya Step-by-Step

Maize is one of the most important staple food crops in Kenya. Grown by both small-scale and large-scale farmers, maize farming in Kenya plays a critical role in food security and income generation. If you’re looking to start maize farming or improve your current yields, this guide will walk you through every step of the process — from land preparation to harvesting.

Why Grow Maize in Kenya?

Before diving into the steps, it’s important to understand why maize is a great crop to grow in Kenya:

• High demand: Maize is a staple food consumed in almost every Kenyan household.
• Good returns: With proper planning, maize farming can be profitable.
• Climate adaptability: Maize grows well in many regions of Kenya, including Rift Valley, Western, and parts of Central and Eastern Kenya.

Step 1: Choose the Right Variety of Maize

There are several maize seed varieties suited for different agro-ecological zones in Kenya. When selecting the variety, consider your region’s rainfall, temperature, and soil type.

Recommended Maize Varieties in Kenya:

• H614, H6213, H6218 – High-yielding hybrids for high rainfall areas.
• DK8031, SC Duma 43, SC Sungura 301 – Drought-tolerant varieties for semi-arid areas.
• Pioneer 30G19, WH403 – Suitable for regions with short rainfall seasons.

Make sure to buy certified seeds from reputable agrovet suppliers or seed companies like Kenya Seed Company, Pioneer, or Western Seed.

Step 2: Site Selection and Soil Preparation

Maize grows best in well-drained, fertile loamy soils with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. Avoid areas prone to waterlogging.

Land Preparation:

1. Clearing: Remove bushes, weeds, and previous crop residues.
2. Ploughing: Deep plough the land 6-8 weeks before planting to loosen the soil.
3. Harrowing: Level the land to create a fine tilth suitable for seed planting.
4. Soil Testing: Conduct a soil test to determine nutrient deficiencies and lime requirements.

Step 3: Fertilizer Application

Correct fertilizer application is key to achieving high maize yields in Kenya. Use both basal (planting) and top-dressing fertilizers.

Basal Application (at planting):

• DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate): Apply 1 bag per acre (50kg) at a rate of 1 teaspoon per planting hole.
• If your soil is acidic, use TSP (Triple Super Phosphate) or Manure instead of DAP.

Top Dressing (2-3 weeks after germination):

• Use CAN (Calcium Ammonium Nitrate) or Urea for top dressing.
• Apply 1 bag per acre, using 1 teaspoon per plant.

Organic farmers can also use compost or well-decomposed animal manure to enrich the soil.

Step 4: Planting Maize

Best Time to Plant:

• In Kenya, maize is planted at the onset of the rainy season. In most regions, this falls in March-April (long rains) or October-November (short rains).

Spacing and Depth:

• Spacing: 75cm between rows, 25cm between plants.
• Planting depth: 3-5 cm deep depending on soil type and moisture.

Seed Rate:

• Plant 1-2 seeds per hole.
• One acre requires approximately 10-15 kg of maize seed, depending on the variety.

Step 5: Weed and Pest Control

Weeding:

Weed the farm 2-3 times during the growing season to reduce competition for nutrients, water, and light.

• 1st weeding: 2 weeks after emergence.
• 2nd weeding: Just before top dressing.
• 3rd weeding (if needed): Before the maize tassels.

Pest and Disease Management:

Common pests affecting maize in Kenya include:

• Fall Armyworm: Use pesticides like Duduthrin, Belt, or Tracer.
• Maize stalk borer: Controlled by early planting and applying ash in the funnel.

Diseases:

• Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN): Use MLN-resistant varieties and avoid replanting infected seeds.
• Rust and leaf blight: Use fungicides and practice crop rotation.

Step 6: Top Dressing and Crop Management

Apply the top-dressing fertilizer when maize is knee-high or around 3 weeks after germination. Avoid placing the fertilizer directly on the plant to prevent burning — instead, apply it around the base and cover with soil.

Continue monitoring for pests and diseases and ensure good field hygiene.

Step 7: Harvesting Maize

Maize is ready for harvesting 3-4 months after planting, depending on the variety and weather conditions.

Signs of Maturity:

• Leaves begin to dry.
• Husk turns yellow and ears bend downward.
• Kernels are hard and produce a metallic sound when struck.

Harvesting Tips:

• Harvest during dry weather to avoid mold.
• Dry maize to a moisture content of 13-14% before storage.
• Use a moisture meter or traditional methods (like biting kernels) to test dryness.

Step 8: Post-Harvest Handling and Storage

Proper post-harvest handling reduces losses due to rotting or pests.

Steps:

1. Shelling: Can be done manually or using a shelling machine.
2. Drying: Spread maize in the sun for 1-2 weeks or use solar dryers.
3. Storage: Store maize in airtight bags (e.g., hermetic bags) in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated store.
4. Preservation: Use recommended grain protectants like Actellic Super or DE (diatomaceous earth) to prevent weevils.

Profits and Yield Expectations

With good agronomic practices, a farmer in Kenya can expect:

• Yields: 20-35 bags (90 kg) per acre under rain-fed conditions.
• Market price: Varies from KSh 3,000 to KSh 5,000 per 90kg bag depending on the season.

Final Tips for Successful Maize Farming in Kenya

1. Practice crop rotation – avoid planting maize continuously to prevent soil exhaustion and disease buildup.
2. Join farmer groups or cooperatives – to access extension services and better markets.
3. Use certified seeds – to avoid low germination and poor yields.
4. Monitor weather patterns – to plant at the right time and avoid drought stress.

Conclusion

Maize farming in Kenya can be highly profitable when done correctly. From choosing the right seed to proper planting, fertilization, pest control, and harvesting — every step matters. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced farmer, adopting best practices and staying informed will help you maximize yields and profits.