Introduction
Maize (corn) is one of the most important food crops in Kenya, serving as a dietary staple for millions and forming the backbone of food security. Grown by both smallholder and commercial farmers, maize is not only consumed locally but also sold for income generation.
Every part of the maize plant has value: the grains are consumed directly or milled into flour, while the cobs, stalks, and leaves serve as valuable livestock feed.
Popular Maize Varieties in Kenya
Kenya has a wide range of maize varieties suited to different ecological zones and uses. These include:
- Hybrid varieties – High yielding and disease-resistant
- Local varieties – Traditional types suited for subsistence farming
- Katumani – Early-maturing and drought-tolerant, ideal for arid areas
- Coast Composite – Specifically bred for coastal climates
Choosing the right variety based on your region’s climate and soil type is key to a successful harvest.
Ideal Growing Conditions for Maize
For optimal growth and high yields, maize requires the following environmental conditions:
- Temperature: Between 15°C and 30°C
- Rainfall: Well-distributed throughout the growing season
- Altitude: Ranges from 100 to 2,900 metres above sea level
- Soil: Fertile, well-drained loam or alluvial soils with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0
Conducting a soil test before planting helps in identifying any deficiencies and allows for proper soil amendment.
Land Preparation
Proper land preparation is critical for maize farming. Begin by ploughing early enough to allow organic matter such as weeds to decompose.
- Use herbicides like Catapult to eliminate tough weeds.
- Aim for a fine tilth and level field to ensure uniform planting.
- Incorporate organic manure and base fertilizers such as Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) into the soil to enhance nutrient availability.
Planting Guidelines
Maize is propagated through direct seeding. For best results:
- Plant at the onset of rains to take advantage of natural moisture.
- Use a spacing of 90 cm between rows and 30 cm between holes.
- Place two seeds per hole, and cover with loose soil.
- Apply one teaspoon of DAP fertilizer per hole to support root development through phosphorus supplementation.
Key Agronomic Practices
1. Thinning
Once the maize reaches around 15 cm in height, remove any weak or deformed seedlings to reduce competition and allow healthy plants to thrive.
2. Gapping
Replace any missing plants caused by ungerminated seeds within a few days after germination to maintain a uniform crop stand.
3. Top Dressing
Apply Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) 2 to 3 weeks after planting, placing it at the base of each plant. CAN helps fix nitrogen in the soil and supports leaf and stem development.
4. Weeding
Timely weeding prevents competition for nutrients, water, and sunlight. Weeds can also harbor pests and diseases, making them a threat to crop health.
Common Pests and Diseases in Maize Farming
Pests:
- Aphids
- Cutworms
- Stalk borers
- Fall armyworms
Use approved insecticides like Kingcode Elite for effective pest management.
Diseases:
- Northern Leaf Blight
- Maize Smut
- Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN)
Prevent disease outbreaks by planting certified, resistant varieties and practicing crop rotation and proper field sanitation.
Harvesting and Market Opportunities
Maize is typically harvested when the grains are dry and the stalks begin to wither. After drying, the grains can be shelled and stored or taken directly to market.
Kenya’s demand for maize consistently exceeds local supply, offering farmers numerous market avenues, including:
- Millers and processors
- Schools, restaurants, and hotels
- Direct-to-consumer sales in local markets
- Livestock feed markets, using the cobs, leaves, and stalks
You can also explore value addition by processing maize into flour or animal feed, creating even greater profitability.
Conclusion
Maize farming in Kenya remains a cornerstone of both household nutrition and national food security. With proper planning, choice of seed variety, adherence to good agronomic practices, and proactive pest and disease control, maize farming can be a sustainable and profitable agribusiness.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced farmer, investing in maize production offers a reliable path to food sufficiency and economic empowerment.
READ MORE: Wheat Farming in Kenya: A Profitable Agribusiness Opportunity