Tomato Farming in Kenya: Complete Guide

Introduction

Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) are one of Kenya's most commercially important vegetables. Kenya produces over 300,000 tonnes annually, with major production in Kirinyaga, Meru, Kajiado, and Nakuru counties.

Recommended Varieties

• Tengeru 97 - High yielding, disease resistant, suited for open field
• Anna F1 - Hybrid, early maturing (65-70 days), high yield
• Cal J - Suitable for processing and fresh market
• Moneymaker - Popular open-pollinated variety, widely adapted

Land Preparation

• Deep plough to 30cm depth
• Apply well-decomposed manure (20 tonnes/ha) or DAP fertilizer
• pH: 5.5–7.0 (test soil before planting)
• Raised beds recommended for proper drainage

Planting

• Nursery: Sow seeds in nursery beds, transplant after 4-6 weeks
• Spacing: 60cm between rows × 45cm between plants
• Planting seasons:
  • Long rains: March–May
  • Short rains: October–December
  • Irrigation: Year round

Fertilizer Application

• Basal: DAP (100kg/ha) at planting
• Top dress: CAN (150kg/ha) 3 weeks after transplanting
• Foliar feeds: Apply micronutrients at flowering

Irrigation

• Drip irrigation recommended - reduces foliar diseases
• Water requirement: 4-6mm/day
• Avoid overhead irrigation (promotes blight)
• Critical periods: Flowering and fruit development

Pest & Disease Management

Major Pests:

• Tuta Absoluta (Tomato Leafminer) - Most destructive pest in Kenya Treatment: Spinosad, Coragen, pheromone traps
• Red Spider Mite - Common in dry conditions Treatment: Abamectin, Spiromesifen, increase humidity
• Aphids - Transmit viruses Treatment: Imidacloprid, Thiamethoxam

Major Diseases:

• Early Blight (Alternaria) - Brown spots on older leaves Treatment: Mancozeb, Chlorothalonil. Rotate crops
• Late Blight (Phytophthora) - Water-soaked lesions, white mold Treatment: Metalaxyl + Mancozeb, Cymoxanil
• Bacterial Wilt - Sudden wilting, no recovery Prevention: Resistant varieties, crop rotation, avoid waterlogging

Harvesting

• Maturity: 70-90 days after transplanting (variety dependent)
• Harvest when fruit turns from green to orange-red
• Harvest 2-3 times per week at peak production
• Expected yield: 20-40 tonnes/ha (open field), 60-80 tonnes/ha (greenhouse)

Post-Harvest Handling

• Grade by size and quality
• Store at 10-13°C if possible
• Avoid stacking more than 3 layers
• Transport in ventilated crates

Profitability (Estimate)

• Cost of production (1 acre): KSh 80,000–120,000
• Expected revenue (1 acre): KSh 200,000–400,000
• Net profit (1 acre): KSh 80,000–280,000