Kenya's agricultural industry accounts for more than 30% of the country's GDP. The fruit industry is a highly profitable sector, raking millions and millions every year. The Mt Kenya region's fertile soils and favorable climate make it an ideal location for fruit farming. But, you may wonder what are the top fruits to grow in the area. 

Well, here are the top 5. Check them out!

1. Avocados

In central Kenya, avocados are a popular fruit with high demand and grow in a wide range of ecological conditions. You can grow them in nearly all parts of Central like;

Kieni, Othaya, Mukurweini, Tetu, Endarasha, Muranga, Kiambu,Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, and Mathira.

There are two varieties that you can grow if you target the export market: Fuerte, which matures from March to September, and Hass which you can export from June to September. Other varieties you can grow are Pinkerton and Kienyeji.

You can engage in contract farming with avocado exporting companies like East African Growers, KHE, Vegpro, Kakuzi, and Keitt Fresh.

2. Apples

An apple a day keeps the doctor away, and so they said. This is another highly profitable crop you can grow in Central Kenya. However, the ecological requirements are relatively higher than for fruits like avocado and citrus. They require a specific number of chill hours. Colder areas like Othaya, Mathira regions like Tumutumu and Rititi, and Kiambu areas like Limuru offer optimal conditions for apple and avocado farming.

The custard apple and Wambugu apple are two local varieties that are drought-tolerant and can withstand most pests and diseases. Wambugu apple fruits are relatively bigger than the indigenous apples.

But what are the ecological requirements of apples? 

  • They thrive in deep, well-drained, fertile soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0
  • In terms of altitude, apples grow well in an altitude range of 1800 m. 
  • Rainfall. They require moderate, well-distributed rainfall, although they can also grow under irrigation.

The Mt Kenya region experiences long rains from March to May and short rains from October to December. Apart from the favorable climate, the region is characterized by fertile soils and adequate water for irrigation making it an ideal apple-growing hub.

In a good year, an apple orchard can yield about 6 to 10 tons. If you sell at Sh 100 per kilo, this will equate to Sh 600,000 to Sh 1,000,000 in gross sales per acre.

3. Bananas

Bananas are a common diet in most homes, either being eaten raw or cooked. If you walk into any market, you will not miss to see them being sold. The demand is high in nearly every part of the country, and highest in the local markets.

Bananas and plantain grow well in areas with moderate rainfall, fertile soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0, and a temperature range of  200 C to 300C.

These conditions are present in most parts of the Mt Kenya region. Bananas thrive in areas like Murang'a, Nyeri, Tharaka Nithi, Meru, Kiambu, Embu, and Kirinyaga. In short, the region offers the perfect conditions for banana farming.

The plants require a lot of water, especially during the early growth stages, so you need to ensure that your banana plants receive adequate water.

With proper care, bananas and plantain mature in 8 to 10 months.

4. Dragon fruit

Are you into exotic fruits? Well, there is good news. Dragon fruits are a relatively new crop on the Kenyan soils but they are a potential for the Mt Kenya region.

These cactus-ish plants perform well in areas like Meru, Murang’a Nyeri, Nyandarua, and Laikipia. Since they have less water requirements compared to other plants, dragon fruits can thrive in rainy, arid, and semi-arid areas with ease. You can grow one of these varieties in the region;

  •          Red dragon fruit
  •          White dragon fruit
  •          Pink dragon fruit
  •          Yellow dragon fruit

The crazy part is the price of the fruit and the production per acre. This is one of the most expensive fruits, with a kilo for Sh 800 plus. Have you done the math? An acre will give you a clean 12 million or more per year.

5. Citrus fruits

Citrus is composed of;

  •          Oranges
  •          Lemons
  •          Pixies
  •          Limes
  •          Tangerines

With the demand soaring as the number of consumers and juice processors increases, citrus farming is another agribusiness with a high-profit potential in the Mt Kenya region.

Other fruits that you can grow in the Mt Kenya region are;

  • Mango, especially varieties like Ngowe, Keitt, Apple mango, Tommy Atkins, Kent, and Vandyke.
  • Passion fruits
  • Pomegranates
  • Tree tomato
  • Pawpaw

Where to buy dragon fruit seedlings in Kenya

At Frutunda, we offer certified, high-quality seedlings at an affordable price. Besides, we offer agronomy support and guide you in each step to grow in the right way.

Our seedlings are grown with care, ensuring the best quality standards to give you a great start. We have the seedlings and the knowledge. We raise, we nurture, and we develop. You have the farm. We give you the seedlings, we guide you, and we help you thrive.

Start your journey into richness today. Contact us to place your order!

Call / Text: 0769623300
Whatsapp: https://wa.me/254769623300