Small Business

Complete Guide to Strawberry Farming in Kenya: Tips, Insights, and Best Practices

strawberry farm

Strawberry farming in Kenya has grown significantly over the past few years, emerging as one of the most lucrative agricultural ventures. With its appealing aroma, juicy texture, and sweetness, strawberries are a favorite fruit in Kenyan households and restaurants alike. Kenya’s unique climate and geography provide an ideal environment for growing strawberries, making it a viable business for both small and large-scale farmers.

This guide provides a detailed overview of strawberry farming in Kenya, including the best varieties, ecological conditions, planting techniques, and essential farming tips. If you’re interested in venturing into strawberry farming or improving your current strawberry production, this article will offer valuable insights.


Why Strawberry Farming in Kenya?

Strawberry farming is gaining momentum due to several factors:

  • High Demand: The Kenyan market, particularly in urban areas like Nairobi and Kisumu, has a steady demand for fresh strawberries. They are widely used in desserts, beverages, and as fresh fruit.
  • Lucrative Returns: With proper care and management, strawberry farming can yield high returns, especially with export potential to regional markets like Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda.
  • Diversification Opportunities: Strawberry farming can be a good option for farmers looking to diversify their crops, especially in areas where traditional crops like maize or beans may have low profitability.

Ecological Conditions for Growing Strawberries in Kenya

To grow strawberries successfully, farmers need to understand the specific ecological conditions required. The following are the essential environmental factors for strawberry farming in Kenya:

  1. Climate: Strawberries thrive in a hot climate. They do well in areas with temperatures ranging between 10°C and 30°C. They require plenty of sunlight, with at least 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily.
  2. Altitude: Strawberries grow best at altitudes between 1,250 and 2,200 meters above sea level. This altitude range provides the optimal combination of temperature and sunlight needed for strawberry cultivation.
  3. Soil Conditions: Strawberry plants prefer well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should be free of weeds and should be amended with organic matter, such as compost or manure, to improve its fertility.
  4. Rainfall: Strawberries require consistent rainfall, approximately 1,200mm annually. However, they are sensitive to waterlogging, so it’s essential to maintain proper drainage systems.
  5. Land Preparation: Before planting, farmers should till the soil to remove weeds, which can compete with the plants for nutrients. After tilling, adding fertilizers such as DAP (Diammonium Phosphate) ensures the soil has the necessary nutrients.

Best Varieties of Strawberries for Kenyan Farmers

Choosing the right variety is crucial for successful strawberry farming. Below are some of the popular strawberry varieties that thrive in Kenya’s climate:

  1. Chandler: Known for its large, sweet berries, Chandler is a popular variety for both local and export markets.
  2. Tribute: This variety produces small to medium-sized berries and is favored for its resistance to diseases and pests.
  3. TriStar: TriStar is an ever-bearing variety, meaning it produces fruit throughout the year, which is a major advantage for farmers looking for a continuous harvest.
  4. Tioga Selva: This variety is highly resistant to diseases and yields good-quality strawberries, making it a favorite for commercial farmers.
  5. Pajaro: Pajaro strawberries are known for their sweetness and are ideal for fresh consumption.
  6. Douglas: This variety is well-known for its high yields and large, juicy berries.
  7. Domail: Known for its early ripening, Domail strawberries are popular for farmers looking to get early returns.
  8. Rabunda: Rabunda is a hardy variety that adapts well to different climatic conditions and is a good choice for farmers in regions with unpredictable weather.

Steps to Planting Strawberries

  1. Land Preparation:
    The first step to successful strawberry farming is proper land preparation. Tilling the soil is crucial to ensure it’s loose and free of weeds. Farmers should also use herbicides, such as Clampdown, to eliminate weeds that may compete with the plants for nutrients.
  2. Manure and Fertilization:
    After tilling the land, it’s important to enrich the soil with organic manure and fertilizers like DAP to provide the necessary nutrients for healthy plant growth.
  3. Spacing and Planting:
    Strawberries require adequate spacing to grow well. The recommended spacing for strawberry plants is about 30 cm by 40-45 cm. Ensure that the planting holes are 7.5 cm deep. The ideal time to plant is during the rainy season or when irrigation is available.
  4. Watering:
    Strawberries are sensitive to water stress, especially during the flowering and fruiting stages. Therefore, ensure that the plants are watered regularly, especially during dry spells. Drip irrigation is highly recommended as it provides consistent moisture to the plants without water wastage.

Managing Pests and Diseases in Strawberry Farming

Strawberries are susceptible to several pests and diseases that can reduce yield and quality. Here are common pests and diseases to watch out for:

  • Aphids: These small insects can transmit diseases like the Strawberry Aphid. They suck sap from the plants, stunting growth.
  • Fungal Diseases: Fungal infections like powdery mildew and botrytis can cause significant damage to strawberry plants. Regular spraying with fungicides can help control these diseases.
  • Spider Mites: These pests can cause yellowing and stunted growth in strawberry plants. Using organic pesticides can help manage spider mites.

Harvesting Strawberries in Kenya

Strawberries are ready for harvesting about 70 days after planting, or 4-6 weeks after flowering. The fruits should be harvested when they are fully ripe. It’s crucial to harvest the strawberries carefully to avoid bruising or damaging the fruit. The best time to harvest is early in the morning when the fruits are cool, as they are more resilient at this time.

Since strawberries don’t continue ripening after being picked, it’s essential to harvest them when they are perfectly ripe to achieve the best flavor and texture.


Strawberry Farming Tips for Success

  1. Choose the Right Location:
    Select a location with adequate sunlight, well-drained soil, and sufficient water. Proper land preparation is key to high yields.
  2. Invest in Quality Seeds or Plants:
    Purchase certified seeds or plants from reputable suppliers to ensure healthy crops and better yields.
  3. Maintain Consistent Irrigation:
    Strawberries require consistent moisture, especially during flowering. Consider using drip irrigation to ensure even distribution of water.
  4. Pest and Disease Management:
    Regularly inspect your farm for pests and diseases and use appropriate control methods to minimize losses.
  5. Timely Harvesting:
    Harvest your strawberries at the right time to ensure maximum flavor and avoid post-harvest losses.

Marketing and Selling Strawberries in Kenya

Once your strawberries are ready for harvest, the next step is to get them to market. Here are a few marketing tips:

  1. Direct Sales:
    Sell your strawberries directly to local markets or grocery stores for fresh consumption. Farmers’ markets in urban areas like Nairobi offer good opportunities for sales.
  2. Processing for Value Addition:
    Consider processing some of your strawberries into jams, juices, or dried products to increase shelf life and add value.
  3. Export Market:
    Explore the possibility of exporting your strawberries to regional markets in Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda. Kenya’s proximity to these countries gives local strawberry farmers an edge in the regional market.
  4. Create Partnerships with Supermarkets:
    Establish long-term relationships with local supermarkets to supply fresh strawberries. Supermarkets such as Carrefour, Naivas, and Tuskys are constantly looking for fresh produce suppliers.

Challenges of Strawberry Farming in Kenya

Despite the promising potential, strawberry farming in Kenya comes with a few challenges:

  1. Pests and Diseases:
    Pests like aphids and spider mites can be a major issue, and farmers need to invest in regular pest management strategies.
  2. Weather Variability:
    Since strawberries require specific temperature and rainfall conditions, irregular weather patterns can affect yields.
  3. Labor Intensity:
    Strawberry farming is labor-intensive, especially during planting and harvesting. Farmers may need to hire additional workers for these tasks.
  4. Post-Harvest Losses:
    Strawberries are highly perishable, which makes them susceptible to post-harvest losses if not handled carefully.

Strawberry farming presents an exciting opportunity for farmers in Kenya. With the right climate, soil conditions, and proper management, it’s possible to achieve high yields and profitable returns. Whether you’re a smallholder farmer or a large-scale commercial grower, strawberry farming in Kenya holds great potential for success.

If you’re interested in starting your own strawberry farm, now is the time to take advantage of the growing market and explore this lucrative agricultural opportunity.