Maize vs Beans Profitability Comparison
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How Many Bags of Maize Per Acre in Kenya 2025 | Maize Yield Calculator
In Kenya, one acre of land produces between 8 to 40 bags of maize (90kg bags) depending on the region, seed variety, rainfall, fertilizer application, and farming practices. The national average is 15-20 bags per acre for smallholder farmers using hybrid seeds with moderate inputs. High-performing regions like Trans Nzoia and Uasin Gishu achieve 30-40 bags per acre with optimal conditions, while arid areas like Eastern Kenya average 8-15 bags per acre.
Use our free calculator below to get accurate yield estimates based on your specific farming conditions. Data sourced from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) 2025 Agricultural Survey and Ministry of Agriculture research.
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Complete Guide: How Many Bags of Maize Per Acre in Kenya
Quick Answer
One acre of land in Kenya produces 8 to 40 bags of maize (90kg standard bags), with the national average being 15-20 bags per acre for smallholder farmers. The exact yield depends on:
- Region & Rainfall: High-potential areas (Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru) produce 25-40 bags/acre, while semi-arid regions (Machakos, Kitui) produce 8-15 bags/acre
- Seed Variety: Hybrid seeds (H614, DK8031, Pioneer) yield 30-50% more than local varieties
- Fertilizer Use: Proper fertilization (50kg DAP + 50kg CAN) can double yields from 10 to 20+ bags/acre
- Pest Control: Fall armyworm can reduce yields by 30-50% without control measures
- Farming Practices: Proper spacing, timely planting, and weeding significantly impact final yield
Maize Yield by Region in Kenya (2025 Data)
1. Rift Valley Region (Highest Yields)
The Rift Valley, particularly Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, and Nakuru counties, is Kenya's maize basket. These areas receive adequate rainfall (800-1800mm annually) and have fertile volcanic soils.
Rift Valley Maize Yields:
- Average Yield: 30 bags per acre (2,700 kg)
- Range: 18-40 bags per acre
- With Optimal Inputs: Up to 45 bags per acre
- Popular Varieties: H614, DK8031, Pioneer 30G19, KH500-20A
- Planting Seasons: March-April (long rains), September-October (short rains)
According to the 2025 KNBS Agricultural Survey, commercial maize farmers in Trans Nzoia using certified hybrid seeds, drip irrigation, and recommended fertilizer rates (100kg DAP + 100kg CAN per acre) consistently achieve 35-40 bags per acre.
2. Central Kenya (High to Medium Yields)
Central Kenya (Kiambu, Murang'a, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua) has good rainfall and rich soils but smaller farm sizes. Maize is often intercropped with beans.
Central Kenya Maize Yields:
- Average Yield: 25 bags per acre (2,250 kg)
- Range: 15-35 bags per acre
- Altitude: 1,500-2,500m above sea level
- Popular Varieties: H614, H629, DK8031
- Challenge: Land fragmentation reduces mechanization benefits
3. Western Kenya (Medium Yields)
Western Kenya (Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Vihiga) receives high rainfall but faces challenges with striga weed and fall armyworm infestation.
Western Kenya Maize Yields:
- Average Yield: 20 bags per acre (1,800 kg)
- Range: 12-28 bags per acre
- Main Challenge: Striga weed can reduce yields by 40%
- Solution: Use striga-resistant varieties like WH505, imazapyr-resistant seeds
- Popular Varieties: DH04, H629, DK8031
4. Eastern Kenya (Low to Medium Yields)
Eastern Kenya (Machakos, Makueni, Kitui, Embu, Meru) is semi-arid with unreliable rainfall. Drought-tolerant varieties are essential.
Eastern Kenya Maize Yields:
- Average Yield: 15 bags per acre (1,350 kg)
- Range: 8-22 bags per acre
- Rainfall: 500-1,200mm (unreliable)
- Best Varieties: Katumani, DH04, Duma 43 (drought-tolerant)
- With Irrigation: Yields can reach 25-30 bags/acre
The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) recommends Katumani Composite and Duma 43 for Eastern Kenya. These varieties mature in 3.5-4 months and tolerate moisture stress better than commercial hybrids.
5. Coast Region (Low Yields)
Coastal Kenya (Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Tana River) has sandy soils and hot, humid climate unsuitable for high maize production.
Coast Region Maize Yields:
- Average Yield: 12 bags per acre (1,080 kg)
- Range: 6-18 bags per acre
- Popular Varieties: Coastal Composite, Pwani Hybrid, DH04
- Challenge: High temperatures, sandy soils, irregular rainfall
Factors Affecting Maize Yield Per Acre
1. Seed Variety Selection
The choice between hybrid seeds, OPVs (Open Pollinated Varieties), and local seeds dramatically impacts yield:
| Seed Type | Expected Yield | Cost (10kg) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid Seeds | 25-40 bags/acre | KSh 2,500-3,500 | High rainfall, good soils, commercial farming |
| OPV Seeds | 15-25 bags/acre | KSh 400-800 | Moderate inputs, seed saving possible |
| Local Seeds | 8-15 bags/acre | KSh 100-300 (saved) | Low-input farming, harsh conditions |
Top Hybrid Maize Varieties in Kenya (2025)
H614 (Hybrid 614)
- Maturity: 5-6 months
- Potential Yield: 35-40 bags/acre
- Best Region: High altitude (Central, Rift Valley)
- Resistance: Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN) tolerant
DK8031 (DeKalb 8031)
- Maturity: 4.5-5 months
- Potential Yield: 32-38 bags/acre
- Best Region: Medium to high altitude
- Advantage: Good disease resistance, large cobs
Pioneer 30G19
- Maturity: 5 months
- Potential Yield: 30-36 bags/acre
- Best Region: Medium altitude, Western Kenya
- Advantage: Good standability, uniform maturity
Duma 43 (Drought-Tolerant)
- Maturity: 3.5-4 months
- Potential Yield: 18-25 bags/acre
- Best Region: Eastern Kenya, arid areas
- Advantage: Water-efficient, early maturing
2. Fertilizer Application (Critical Factor)
Fertilizer use is the single most important factor affecting maize yields in Kenya. Research by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) shows that proper fertilization can double or triple yields.
Recommended Fertilizer Program for Maize
Standard Fertilizer Schedule (Per Acre)
Stage 1: At Planting (Basal Fertilizer)
- •DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate): 50kg per acre
- - Provides phosphorus for strong root development
- - Cost: KSh 6,800 per 50kg bag
- - Apply in planting holes or bands along rows
- •Alternative: NPK 17:17:17 or 23:23:0: 50-75kg per acre
Stage 2: Top Dressing (4-6 Weeks After Planting)
- •CAN (Calcium Ammonium Nitrate): 50kg per acre
- - Provides nitrogen for leaf and stalk growth
- - Cost: KSh 4,500 per 50kg bag
- - Apply when maize is knee-high (6-8 weeks)
- - Mix with soil and water immediately after application
Stage 3: Second Top Dressing (Optional - High Yield Goal)
- •Urea: 25-50kg per acre
- - Apply at tasseling stage (8-10 weeks)
- - Boosts grain filling and cob size
- - Only for high-potential areas with good rainfall
Total Fertilizer Cost Per Acre:
KSh 11,300 (50kg DAP + 50kg CAN)
Expected yield increase: +100% to +150%
Impact of Fertilizer on Maize Yields
| Fertilizer Level | Application | Expected Yield | Yield Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Fertilizer | 0 kg | 8-12 bags/acre | Baseline |
| Low Fertilizer | 25kg DAP only | 12-18 bags/acre | +50% |
| Medium Fertilizer | 50kg DAP + 50kg CAN | 20-30 bags/acre | +150% |
| High Fertilizer | 100kg DAP + 100kg CAN | 30-40 bags/acre | +250% |
3. Planting Density and Spacing
Proper plant spacing ensures each maize plant receives adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients. Overcrowding reduces individual plant yield, while too-wide spacing wastes land.
Recommended Maize Spacing
Hybrid Maize:
- Row spacing: 75 cm (30 inches)
- Plant spacing: 25 cm (10 inches)
- Plants per acre: 21,780 plants
- Seeds per hole: 2 seeds (thin to 1)
- Seed requirement: 10 kg/acre
OPV/Local Maize:
- Row spacing: 75 cm (30 inches)
- Plant spacing: 30 cm (12 inches)
- Plants per acre: 18,150 plants
- Seeds per hole: 2-3 seeds (thin to 1-2)
- Seed requirement: 15 kg/acre
4. Pest and Disease Management
Pests and diseases can reduce maize yields by 30-70% if left uncontrolled. The most destructive pest in Kenya is the Fall Armyworm (FAW), which arrived in 2017 and causes widespread damage.
Major Maize Pests in Kenya
1. Fall Armyworm (FAW) - Spodoptera frugiperda
Damage: Larvae feed on leaves, creating characteristic "window pane" damage. Can destroy entire fields in 2-3 weeks.
Yield Loss: 30-50% without control
Control Measures:
- Scout fields 2-3 times per week from emergence to tasseling
- Apply recommended pesticides (e.g., Tracer, Belt, Ampligo) when 5% of plants show damage
- Use biopesticides like Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) for organic farming
- Practice crop rotation with non-host crops (beans, potatoes)
- Early planting to escape peak FAW pressure
2. Maize Stem Borers
Damage: Larvae bore into stems, causing lodging and dead hearts.
Yield Loss: 20-40%
Control: Push-pull technology (plant Desmodium between maize rows, Napier grass as trap crop around field borders)
3. Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN) - Viral Disease
Damage: Yellowing, necrosis, plant death. No cure once infected.
Yield Loss: Up to 100% in susceptible varieties
Control: Plant MLN-tolerant varieties (H614, DK8031, KH500-20A), control thrips and aphids (vectors), use certified disease-free seeds
4. Striga Weed (Witchweed)
Damage: Parasitic weed attaches to maize roots, stealing water and nutrients.
Yield Loss: 30-70% in heavily infested fields (common in Western Kenya)
Control: Use herbicide-coated seeds (imazapyr-resistant maize like WH505), crop rotation with legumes, hand-pull striga before it flowers
5. Water Management and Rainfall
Maize requires 500-800mm of well-distributed rainfall throughout the growing season. Critical water-demanding stages are:
- Germination (0-2 weeks): Consistent moisture needed for uniform emergence
- Tasseling and Silking (8-10 weeks): Most critical period - water stress here reduces kernel number by 50%
- Grain Filling (10-14 weeks): Water stress reduces kernel size and weight
Irrigation for Maize in Kenya
In areas with unreliable rainfall (Eastern Kenya, parts of Rift Valley), supplemental irrigation can increase yields by 40-100%.
| Irrigation Method | Water Efficiency | Cost Per Acre | Yield Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drip Irrigation | 90-95% | KSh 80,000-120,000 (initial) | +80-100% |
| Sprinkler Irrigation | 70-85% | KSh 50,000-80,000 (initial) | +60-80% |
| Furrow Irrigation | 50-60% | KSh 20,000-40,000 | +40-60% |
Complete Cost-Benefit Analysis: Maize Production Per Acre
Production Costs Per Acre (2025 Estimates)
| Cost Item | Quantity | Unit Price | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Land Preparation | Plowing & harrowing | - | KSh 5,000 |
| Certified Hybrid Seeds | 10 kg | KSh 300/kg | KSh 3,000 |
| DAP Fertilizer | 50 kg | KSh 6,800/bag | KSh 6,800 |
| CAN Fertilizer | 50 kg | KSh 4,500/bag | KSh 4,500 |
| Pesticides | FAW control, herbicides | - | KSh 3,500 |
| Planting Labor | 2 person-days | KSh 400/day | KSh 800 |
| Weeding (2 rounds) | 4 person-days | KSh 400/day | KSh 1,600 |
| Harvesting & Shelling | - | - | KSh 4,000 |
| Bags & Transport | - | - | KSh 2,000 |
| TOTAL PRODUCTION COST | KSh 31,200 | ||
Revenue and Profitability Scenarios
| Scenario | Yield (bags) | Revenue @KSh 4,500 | Net Profit | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poor Yield | 10 bags | KSh 45,000 | KSh 13,800 | 44% |
| Average Yield | 20 bags | KSh 90,000 | KSh 58,800 | 188% |
| Good Yield | 30 bags | KSh 135,000 | KSh 103,800 | 333% |
| Excellent Yield | 40 bags | KSh 180,000 | KSh 148,800 | 477% |
Note: Calculations assume maize price of KSh 4,500 per 90kg bag (2025 average). Prices fluctuate seasonally - harvest time prices can drop to KSh 3,000-3,500, while off-season prices rise to KSh 5,000-6,000.
💡 Profitability Tips
- •Store grain for off-season sales: Prices increase by 40-60% from February to June. Invest in hermetic bags (KSh 400 each) to prevent aflatoxin and weevil damage.
- •Buy inputs in bulk: Group purchasing with other farmers can reduce fertilizer costs by 15-20%.
- •Target contract farming: Companies like Monsanto, Kenya Seed, and millers offer guaranteed prices (KSh 4,000-4,500/bag) and sometimes provide inputs on credit.
- •Soil test before planting: Costs KSh 3,000-5,000 but prevents over-fertilization or nutrient deficiencies. KALRO and county agricultural offices offer subsidized testing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How many bags of maize can an acre produce in Kenya?
One acre in Kenya produces 8-40 bags of maize (90kg bags), with the national average at 15-20 bags per acre. High-potential areas like Trans Nzoia and Uasin Gishu achieve 30-40 bags/acre with hybrid seeds and proper inputs, while semi-arid regions produce 8-15 bags/acre.
Q2: Which is the best maize variety for high yields in Kenya?
H614, DK8031, and Pioneer 30G19 are the top-yielding hybrid varieties in Kenya, producing 30-40 bags/acre under optimal conditions. For drought-prone areas, Duma 43 and Katumani Composite are recommended as they mature in 3.5-4 months and tolerate low rainfall.
Q3: How much fertilizer do I need per acre for maize?
The recommended fertilizer rate is 50kg DAP at planting and 50kg CAN at top-dressing (4-6 weeks after planting). For higher yields (30+ bags/acre), use 100kg DAP + 100kg CAN. This costs KSh 11,300-22,600 per acre but can double or triple yields.
Q4: What is the cost of farming one acre of maize in Kenya?
Total production cost is approximately KSh 30,000-35,000 per acre, including land preparation (KSh 5,000), seeds (KSh 3,000), fertilizers (KSh 11,300), pesticides (KSh 3,500), labor (KSh 6,400), and harvesting (KSh 4,000). With 20 bags yield at KSh 4,500/bag, gross revenue is KSh 90,000, giving a net profit of KSh 55,000-60,000.
Q5: How do I control Fall Armyworm in maize?
Scout your field 2-3 times weekly from emergence to tasseling. When 5% of plants show damage, apply recommended pesticides like Tracer, Belt, or Ampligo. For organic farming, use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) biopesticides. Early planting (start of rains) and crop rotation also reduce FAW pressure.
Q6: Can I make money from one acre of maize?
Yes, one acre of maize is profitable. With moderate inputs (KSh 31,200) and average yield of 20 bags, you earn KSh 90,000 revenue and KSh 58,800 net profit (188% ROI). Storing grain for off-season sales (February-June) can increase prices by 40-60%, boosting profitability to KSh 80,000-100,000 per acre.
Q7: What is the planting season for maize in Kenya?
Kenya has two maize planting seasons: Long rains (March-April) for harvest in August-September, and Short rains (October-November) for harvest in January-February. Plant within the first two weeks of rain onset for optimal yields. Coastal and Western regions may have slightly different timings.
Q8: How many kilograms is one bag of maize in Kenya?
The standard maize bag in Kenya weighs 90 kilograms (90kg) at 13% moisture content. Some traders use 50kg or 110kg bags, but 90kg is the official market standard. Always clarify bag size when buying or selling maize to avoid confusion.
Government Resources and Support for Maize Farmers
Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS)
Official agricultural production statistics, quarterly economic surveys, and crop forecasts.
Visit KNBS →Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO)
Research on crop varieties, fertilizer recommendations, pest management, and farmer training.
Visit KALRO →Ministry of Agriculture - Fertilizer Subsidy Program
Subsidized fertilizer distribution through NCPB depots. DAP and NPK sold at KSh 3,500-4,000 per 50kg bag (45% discount).
Check with your county agricultural office for distribution schedules.
Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC)
Low-interest loans for inputs, equipment, and land development. Interest rates: 9-12% per annum.
Apply for AFC Loan →Related Agricultural Calculators
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Last Updated: January 2025 | Data Sources: Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) Q1 2025 Agricultural Survey, Ministry of Agriculture Economic Review 2024, KALRO Maize Research Reports 2024-2025