How to Grow Maize in Kenya for Maximum Profit

Maize, or corn, is Kenya’s staple food, with over 90% of households relying on it daily. Whether it’s ugali, githeri, or maize flour, this crop is central to the country’s food system. Apart from feeding millions, maize farming supports thousands of smallholder farmers across the country by providing income and job opportunities.

In 2025, maize farming is more important than ever. With rising food prices, increasing demand for animal feed, and support from government and NGOs, maize remains a profitable and stable investment for both new and seasoned farmers. If you’re a beginner farmer in Kenya, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from selecting land to selling your harvest profitably.

Step 1: Selecting the Right Land

Ideal Climatic Conditions for Maize

• Rainfall: Maize needs 500–800 mm of rainfall during its growing season. Long rains (March–May) or short rains (October–December) are ideal depending on your region.
• Temperature: Best growth occurs at 18–30°C. Frost and excessive heat above 35°C can reduce yields.

Best Soil Types and Regions in Kenya

• Maize thrives in well-drained loam soils rich in organic matter.
• Ideal pH is 5.5–7.0.
• Top maize-growing regions include Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Bungoma, Nakuru, Meru, Nyandarua, and parts of Western and Rift Valley Kenya.

Land Size Considerations

• Smallholder farmers (1–3 acres) can start profitably with good agronomic practices.
• Medium-scale farmers (4–10 acres) benefit from economies of scale, especially with mechanization and bulk marketing.

Step 2: Land Preparation

Steps to Prepare Your Land

1. Clearing: Remove bushes, weeds, or leftover crop residues.
2. Ploughing: Turn the soil to about 15–20 cm depth. Use oxen or tractors.
3. Harrowing: Break up large clods to get a fine tilth for better root growth.

Why Early Preparation Matters

• Early ploughing helps capture rainfall.
• It reduces pests and weeds.
• Allows soil to “rest” and improve structure before planting.

Soil Testing and pH Correction

• Test your soil using local extension officers or private labs.
• Apply agricultural lime if your pH is below 5.5.
• Organic compost or well-decomposed manure improves soil fertility and structure.

Step 3: Choosing the Best Maize Variety

Recommended Maize Varieties in Kenya (2025)

Hybrid vs Open-Pollinated Varieties (OPVs)

• Hybrids: High-yielding, but seeds can’t be reused.
• OPVs: Lower yields but suitable for seed saving.

Choosing the Right Variety

• Match your altitude, rainfall, and soil type.
• Choose varieties resistant to common diseases like MLND.
• Select early-maturing varieties in short-rain regions.

Step 4: Planting

Best Planting Season

• Long Rains: March–May (most reliable).
• Short Rains: October–December (for early-maturing varieties).

Planting Spacing and Depth

• Spacing: 75 cm between rows, 25 cm between holes.
• Depth: 3–5 cm deep.
• Seeds per hole: One or two, depending on seed size and germination rate.

Seed Rate per Acre

• Use about 10–12 kg of certified hybrid seed per acre.
• Always buy seeds from certified agro-dealers to avoid fake seeds.

Fertilizer Application at Planting

• Apply DAP (50 kg/acre) or NPK 23:23:0.
• Mix fertilizer lightly with soil before placing the seed to prevent burning.

Step 5: Weed and Pest Control

Common Maize Weeds

• Blackjack, nutgrass, and witchweed (striga).
• Control weeds early—within the first 3–6 weeks of growth.
• Manual weeding: Twice before topdressing.
• Herbicides: Use pre-emergence (e.g., atrazine) or post-emergence options (consult agrovet).

Major Pests in Kenya

1. Fall Armyworm:
   • Signs: Leaf damage, holes in whorl.
   • Control: Early scouting and spraying with Duduthrin, Belt, or Coragen.
2. Maize Stalk Borer:
   • Signs: Tunneling in stalks, weak stems.
   • Control: Crop rotation and early planting.

Scouting Tips

• Check for signs twice a week, especially during early vegetative stages.

Step 6: Topdressing and Fertilizer Use

Importance of Topdressing

• Provides nitrogen for leafy growth and grain filling.
• Critical at knee-height stage (4–6 weeks after planting).

Recommended Fertilizers

• CAN (Calcium Ammonium Nitrate): Apply 50 kg per acre.
• Urea: Less preferred due to high nitrogen volatility.

Organic Fertilizer Options

• Use compost or liquid manure where available.
• Mulching helps retain soil moisture.

Rainfall Consideration

• Always topdress before rainfall to reduce nitrogen loss.

Step 7: Disease Management

Common Maize Diseases in Kenya

1. Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease (MLND)
   • Signs: Yellowing leaves, stunted growth.
   • Prevention: Use MLND-tolerant varieties and avoid late planting.
2. Northern Leaf Blight
   • Symptoms: Long gray spots on leaves.
   • Control: Fungicides like Score or Amistar.
3. Rust and Smut
   • Control: Early detection, crop rotation.

Disease Prevention Tips

• Plant certified seeds.
• Practice crop rotation with legumes or potatoes.
• Avoid overcrowding and ensure good field sanitation.

Step 8: Harvesting

When to Harvest

• Maize is ready when:
  • Leaves turn yellow/brown.
  • Grains are hard and dry (20–25% moisture).
• Late harvesting causes mold and losses.

Manual vs Mechanical Harvesting

• Manual: Suitable for small farms, though labor-intensive.
• Mechanical: Efficient but costly. Good for large farms.

Harvesting Tips

• Avoid harvesting wet maize (causes aflatoxins).
• Use clean tools and sacks.

Step 9: Post-Harvest Handling

Drying

• Dry maize in the sun for 2–3 weeks.
• Use raised platforms (tarpaulins or mats) to avoid contamination.

Shelling

• Use manual shellers or hire mechanical shellers.
• Avoid cracking grains as this encourages mold.

Storage

• Store at 13–14% moisture.
• Use hermetic bags (e.g., PICS bags) to prevent pests.
• Build or use well-ventilated granaries or stores.

Step 10: Marketing Your Maize

Current Market Prices in Kenya (2025 Estimate)

• Dry maize (90 kg bag): Ksh 4,200–Ksh 5,000.
• Prices vary by season and region.

Where to Sell

• Local markets and cereals boards (e.g., NCPB).
• Agro-processors: For flour milling or animal feed.
• Middlemen/brokers: Offer convenience but often lower prices.
• Join cooperatives to bargain better prices.

Adding Value

• Milling into maize flour.
• Selling to animal feed processors.
• Packaging for retail (branded flour or roasted maize).

Profitability of Maize Farming in Kenya

Cost Breakdown Per Acre (2025)

Expected Yield and Income

• Yield: 20–25 bags per acre (90 kg bags).
• Gross income: 25 bags × Ksh 4,500 = Ksh 112,500
• Net profit: ~Ksh 88,000 per acre

Tips to Maximize Profit

• Use certified seeds and proper spacing.
• Plant early and weed on time.
• Store maize to sell at high market prices (January–March).

Challenges in Maize Farming and How to Overcome Them

Common Challenges

• Climate change: Unreliable rains.
• Fake seeds and inputs.
• Price fluctuations during harvest.

Solutions

• Use weather forecasting apps and rainwater harvesting.
• Buy inputs from licensed agro-dealers.
• Store maize for off-season sales.

Government & NGO Support

• NCPB offers subsidized inputs and storage.
• Crop insurance schemes are available via ACRE Africa and other partners.
• Join farmer groups or SACCOs to access training, bulk inputs, and markets.

Conclusion

Maize farming in Kenya remains a promising venture for new farmers in 2025. With the right steps—from choosing land to selling your harvest—you can build a sustainable and profitable business. Start small, learn continuously, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from agronomists or successful farmers in your area.

Now is the time to get your hands dirty and grow your farming dreams. Happy planting!