Tomato Farming in Kenya (2025 Guide): Modern Techniques, Profit per Acre & Step-by-Step Guide

By the end of this section you will have learnt

1.)Introduction to Tomato Farming

2.)Tomato Farming in Kenya – Step by Step

3.)Modern Tomato Farming Techniques

4.)List of Tomato Varieties in Kenya

5.)Optimal Ecological Requirements for Tomatoes

6.)Tomato Pests

7.)Tomato Diseases

8.)Harvesting Tomatoes

9.)Where To Sell Tomato

10.)Disadvantages of Tomato Farming

11.)Tomato Farming FAQs

Introduction to Tomato farming

The profitability of tomato farming is influenced by factors such as the variety chosen, production methods, market dynamics, and effective pest and disease control.

Elim Agroinfo

The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is one of the world’s most widely cultivated vegetables, known for its culinary versatility and nutritional value. Its origin traces back to western South America, particularly Peru and Ecuador, where wild relatives still grow.

The crop was domesticated in Mexico by the Aztecs around 500 BC and introduced to Europe by Spanish explorers in the 16th century. Initially met with suspicion as a poisonous plant due to its membership in the nightshade family, tomatoes gradually became a staple in Mediterranean cuisine before spreading globally.

Popular varieties in Kenya include Anna F1, Rio Grande, Kilele F1, and Money Maker.

Ansal F1 Tomato Seedlings at 1,520Ksh per 336-hole tray for sale by Tebere Seeds

Want To Learn More About Cabbage Farming Click Here >>>>

In Kenya, tomato farming has become a highly profitable agribusiness, practiced in nearly all counties due to favorable climatic conditions. Farmers grow both open-field and greenhouse tomatoes, with leading production zones being Kirinyaga, Meru, Kiambu, Kajiado, and Nakuru.

DAP or TSP is best at transplanting, CAN or urea for top dressing, and potassium-rich fertilizers (like MOP) during flowering and fruiting. Foliar feeds with calcium and boron improve fruit quality

Tomatoes are grown for local consumption and for supplying urban markets such as Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu, where demand is consistently high. Popular varieties in Kenya include Anna F1, Rio Grande, Kilele F1, and Money Maker.

With proper management, tomato farming can yield up to 25-30 tons per acre, generating significant revenue.

Tomato farming in Kenya requires well-drained, fertile soils rich in organic matter, with pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.0. Adequate irrigation, pest and disease management, and use of hybrid seeds are key to achieving high yields. With proper techniques, tomato farming can yield 15–20 tons per acre, making it one of the most lucrative horticultural ventures.

Want To Learn More About Dania aka Coriander or Cilantro Click Here >>>>

Tomato Farming in Kenya – Step by Step

1.)Land Preparation

Choose fertile, well-drained loamy soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. Plough the land deeply, remove weeds, and apply organic manure (8–10 tons per acre) to enrich soil fertility. Raised beds or ridges help improve drainage and root development.

Tomato Susana f1 under hydroponic system at 65days by Agronomist Onesmus Mongare

2.)Seed Selection and Nursery Establishment

Select high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties such as Anna F1, Rio Grande, Kilele F1, or Money Maker. Prepare a nursery bed in a shaded area, treat the soil against fungal diseases, and sow seeds evenly. Cover lightly with soil and mulch until germination.

Image of a Tomato Seedling by Grow Pact Kenya

3.)Transplanting

After 3–4 weeks, when seedlings have 4–6 true leaves, transplant them into the main field or greenhouse. Ensure proper spacing: 60 cm between plants and 75 cm between rows to allow good aeration and reduce disease spread.

4. Watering & Irrigation

Tomatoes require consistent watering, especially during flowering and fruiting. Drip irrigation is recommended to save water and prevent fungal diseases caused by wet foliage.

5. Fertilization

Apply basal fertilizers such as DAP during transplanting. Top-dress with CAN or urea after 3–4 weeks, and supplement with foliar feeds rich in calcium and potassium for healthy fruiting.

6. Staking and Pruning

Support plants using wooden stakes or strings to keep fruits off the ground. Regular pruning improves air circulation, reduces disease, and directs energy to fruit formation.

7. Pest & Disease Control

Common pests include aphids, whiteflies, and tomato hornworms, while diseases include blight, fusarium wilt, and bacterial spots. Integrated pest management (IPM) is recommended—rotate crops, use certified seeds, and apply organic or chemical sprays when necessary.

8. Harvesting & Marketing

Drying is done in a number of countries except mother Africa where some people mistakenly believe that horticultural products are only meant to be consumed fresh...not value added! Clearly,. some people need many more lessons -Gisore

Tomatoes mature in 70–90 days depending on the variety. Harvest at the mature-green or breaker stage for distant markets, and at full red ripeness for local markets. Proper grading, packaging, and timely marketing ensure maximum profits.

Modern Tomato Farming Techniques

In some farming cases a tomato plant can give 20kg before terminating the crop

Open-Field Tomato Farming

Lush green tomato plants grow in a vast, open field by Onion Empire LLP.

Open-field tomato farming is the traditional method where tomatoes are grown directly on prepared farmland under natural weather conditions. It is cost-effective, requiring less initial investment compared to greenhouse farming, and suitable for large-scale production. Farmers rely on seasonal rains or irrigation, with mulching and staking used to support growth.

Lush green tomato plants grow in a vast, open field by Onion Empire LLP

open-field farming is vulnerable to pests, diseases, unpredictable weather, and post-harvest losses. Yields per acre typically range from 8–12 tons, though improved practices can push production higher.

Greenhouse Tomato Farming

Greenhouse tomato farming involves cultivating tomatoes in a controlled environment using structures covered with polythene or glass. This method provides protection from excessive rainfall, pests, and diseases, while allowing farmers to regulate temperature, humidity, and water supply. Greenhouse tomatoes usually require drip irrigation, high-quality hybrid seeds, and proper nutrient management.

greenhouse farming guarantees higher yields of 15–25 tons per acre, better fruit quality, and year-round production. This makes it highly profitable for farmers targeting premium markets such as supermarkets, hotels, and export.

List of Tomato Varieties in Kenya

Tomatoes grown in Kenya fall into two main categories based on growth habit (determinate vs indeterminate) and seed type (hybrid vs open-pollinated).

Determinate vs Indeterminate

Determinate Varieties (Bush Types)

Also called bush types they grow to a certain height (about 3–4 feet), then stop growing once fruits set. They flower and fruit at the same time, leading to a single concentrated harvest. They often require little or no staking, though staking may help during rainy seasons to prevent fruits from touching the soil. They are ideal for open-field farming and are commonly used in processing (sauces, pastes, juice) because fruits mature uniformly.

Rio Grande	18,000 kg/acre	tolerant to fusarium & verticillium wilt
Cal J	11,000–13,000 kg/acre	blocky red fruits
Kilele F1	30,000–35,000 kg/acre	tolerant to TYLCV & nematodes
Assila F1	23,000 kg/acre	oval sweet fruits, good transportability
Eden F1	40,000–50,000 kg/acre	long shelf life
Rambo F1	30,000 kg/acre	firm fruits, good transport quality

Indeterminate Varieties (Climbing/Greenhouse Types)

Also known as vining types they continue growing and producing flowers/fruits throughout the season. They require staking or trellising to support their tall, spreading vines. They give multiple harvests over several months, making them more profitable long-term. They are preferred in greenhouses or net houses because of controlled conditions.

Anna F1	64,000 kg/acre	long shelf life, best for greenhouse
Tylka F1	70,000–78,000 kg/acre	TYLCV resistant
Corazon F1	130–190g fruits	resistant to cracking, long shelf life

Hybrid vs Open Pollinated (OPV)

Hybrid Varieties (F1 Seeds)

Produced by controlled cross-pollination of two strong parent plants. They give higher yields, better disease resistance, and uniform fruit size. Are more expensive but worth the investment for commercial farmers. Have a shelf life and transportability that is superior, making them excellent for supermarkets, hotels, and export.

Anna F1

Kilele F1

Assila F1

Tylka F1

Corazon F1

Open Pollinated Varieties (OPV)

Seeds can be saved and replanted, making them cheaper in the long run. They may not have as high yields as hybrids, and disease resistance is lower. Still popular among smallholder farmers who want to reduce seed costs

Cal J (OPV determinate variety)

Best Practices for Healthy Tomato Growth

Start with well-drained loam pH 6.0–7.0. Incorporate 8–10 tons/acre mature compost; apply phosphatic fertilizer at transplanting. Space 75–100 cm rows by 40–60 cm plants for airflow. Install drip irrigation and mulch to conserve moisture; avoid overhead watering. Stake or trellis plants and prune side shoots to reduce disease and improve fruit size.

Top-dress with nitrogen in two splits, then supply potassium and calcium during flowering/fruiting to prevent blossom-end rot. Scout weekly for pests (whiteflies, thrips, Tuta) and disease; use IPM, rotate crops, and sanitize tools. Weed timely, maintain even consistent soil moisture, and harvest in the cool morning for quality.

Tuta-Enemy (Monitoring & Mass Trapping) by Bioenemy Africa Limited

Tomato Common Pests

African bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera)

• Identification: Adult moth dull yellow–brown; females lay tiny brownish eggs on/near flowers or small fruits. Larvae have alternating light/dark stripes; pupa shiny brown.

• Damage: Caterpillars feed on flowers (abortion) and green fruits (sunken necrotic spots); entry holes invite bacteria/fungi → fruit rot.

• Control: Deep till/ plough to expose pupae; plant trap crops (cucumber, maize, African marigold—synchronize flowering); selective options: Helicoverpa SNPV (Helitec SC®), Indoxacarb (Avaunt 150EC®), Etofenprox 30% (TREBON 30 EC®).

Tomato Leaf Miner (Tuta absoluta)

• Identification: Grey-brown moth (DBM-like), long antennae; up to 260 eggs; larvae 0.5–9 mm (yellowish → yellow-green with pinkish back, black band behind head); pupa light brown ~6 mm; larva is damaging stage; spreads via seedlings, containers, fruits, soil, greenhouses.

• Damage: Blotch mines in leaves (burnt appearance), fruit boring (tiny holes), stem tunneling → breakage; can cause 100% loss if uncontrolled.

• Control (IPM): Early action, hygiene & rotation; frequent scouting; pheromone traps (Tutrak/Tutalure) for monitoring & control (mating disruption/mass trapping), place 1 m above ground, 4–6 traps/acre; options: Chlorantraniliprole (Coragen®), Indoxacarb (Avaunt 150EC®/Merit 150SC®), Spirotetramat + Flubendiamide (Tihan OD®), Thiocyclam / Thiocyclam-hydrogen oxalate (Evisect S®), Imidacloprid (Grizly 175/30 SC®), Flubendiamide (Belt 480SC®)

Red spider mites (Tetranychus spp.)

• Identification: Small oval, reddish, 8-legged; whitish spherical eggs underside of leaves; fine webbing.

• Damage: White/yellow speckling → bronzing; heavy attack causes defoliation and smaller, lighter fruits.

• Control & resistance management: Miticides Spiromesifen (Oberon SC 240®), Hexythiazox (Arsur 100 EC®), Abamectin (Avirmec 1.8EC®/Almectin 1.8%EC®/Agrimec 18EC®), Amitraz (Mitac 20EC®); predator Amblyseius californicus (Amblytech®). Rotate modes of action, avoid routine spraying, use recommended dose.

Tobacco whitefly (Bemisia tabaci)

• Identification: Small moth-like white adults clustering on leaf undersides; eggs in arcs/circles on young leaves; greenish-white scale-like nymphs.

• Damage: Sap sucking → leaf yellowing; honeydew → black sooty mould; vector of TYLCV.

• Control: Keep fields weed-free; yellow sticky traps; insect-proof/netted nurseries; morning ring-sprays with Amitraz (Mitac 20EC®), Buprofezin (Applaud 40%SC®), Azadirachtin (Nimbecidine®), Imidacloprid (Confidor 70 WG®), Lambda-cyhalothrin (Karate 2.5WG®), Lambda-cyhalothrin + Thiamethoxam (LEXUS 247 SC®).

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.)

• Description & spread: Soil-inhabiting; spread via infested seedlings, run-off, implements; worst on light sandy soils under furrow irrigation.

• Damage: Plants stunted, yellow, and wilt (especially in hot weather); roots swollen with galls/knots; severe yield loss.

• Control: Burn topsoil after seedbed prep; solarize 2–3 months (clear polythene); manuring; deep plough + dry fallow; marigold trap/repellent; nematicides Azadirachtin (Nimbecidine®/Achook EC®), Paecilomyces lilacinus (Bio-nematon 1.15% WP®/Mytech WP®), Metham sodium (Metham sodium®), Abamectin (Adventure 5G®), Ethoprophos (MOCAP GR 10®).

Thrips (incl. vectors of Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus)

• Identification: 0.5–2.0 mm slender winged adults (fringed wings); white/yellow nymphs; feed on lower leaf surface, buds, flowers, fruits; transmit TSWV (“Kijeshi”).

• Damage: Leaf speckling/necrotic patches, premature wilting, delayed leaf development, distorted shoots; bud/flower attack → abortion.

• Control: Plough/harrow before transplanting (kill pupae); Lambda-cyhalothrin (Karate 2.5 WG®), Abamectin + Acetamiprid (Amazing Top 100WDG®).

Tomato Common Diseases

Early blight (Alternaria solani)

• Nature: Fungal; seed-borne; adapted to semi-arid; favored by warm rainy weather.

• Symptoms: Premature loss of lower leaves; brown circular spots with concentric rings; leaves yellow and dry; on fruits, large sunken areas with dark concentric rings (velvety).

• Control: Certified seeds; proper spacing; avoid overhead irrigation (water in morning); keep plants stress-free; fungicides: Chlorothalonil (Odeon® 82.5WDG), Mancozeb (Oshothane®), Propineb (Antracol WP70®), Mancozeb + Cymoxanil (Agromax®), Propineb + Iprovalicarb (Melody Duo®).

Damping-off

• Nature: Soil-borne disease of seedlings.

• Symptoms: Decay of germinating seed; girdling at ground level in young seedlings.

• Control: Certified seed; avoid infected fields; avoid excess fertilizer/water in nursery; Metalaxyl + Mancozeb (Amidil 68WG®).

Late blight (Phytophthora infestans)

• Nature: Fungal; thrives in cool, wet conditions; affects foliage & fruits.

• Symptoms: Irregular greenish-black water-soaked leaf blotches → brown; leaves wither but remain attached (frost-like); water-soaked brown stem streaks; grey, water-soaked fruit spots (upper half) with foul smell.

• Control: Rotation; remove susceptible volunteer crops; prune & stake to improve airflow; fungicides: Metalaxyl + Mancozeb (Ridomil Gold MZ68®), Propineb + Cymoxanil (Milraz WP76®), Mancozeb (Dithane M45®), Dimethomorph + Mancozeb (Acrobat MZ®)

Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV)

• Nature: Viral; transmitted by infected seed, plant debris, and mechanically (transplanting, tools).

• Symptoms: Leaf mottling with raised dark-green areas; distorted young leaves; internal browning of fruits (esp. infected at mature-green stage).

• Control: Certified disease-free seed; remove debris/roots; do not smoke or handle cigarettes (virus transmissible from processed tobacco).

Blossom-end rot (physiological disorder)

• Cause: Calcium–nitrogen imbalance plus low soil moisture.

• Symptoms: Dark-brown, sunken rot at blossom end.

• Control: Maintain even moisture, especially during fruit set; lime calcium-deficient soils; reduce N and mulch; top-dress with CN/Mavuno Planting, spray calcium chloride, apply foliar EASY-GRO CALCIUM®.

Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici)

• Nature: Seed- and soil-borne fungus; worst on light sandy soils; active at 25–32 °C; persists in soil and weed roots (Amaranthus, Digitaria, Malva); acidic pH 5.0–5.6 & excess N favor disease.

• Symptoms: Lower leaves yellow and die; often one-sided; leaves snap off easily; diagonal cuts near crown show reddish-brown vascular discoloration.

• Control: Plant resistant varieties (Fortune Maker, Rio Grande, Tengeru 97, Roma VFN, Eden F1, Rambo F1, Anna F1); certified seed; avoid infested seedbeds; lime or FYM to raise pH; avoid excess N; control root-knot nematodes.

Bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum) tomatopdf

• Nature: Soil-borne bacterium; spreads via run-off and infected soil.

• Symptoms: Rapid wilting and death without yellowing/spotting; pith dark, water-soaked; squeezing stem → grey slimy ooze; diagnostic milky ooze from cut slice in water.

• Control: Rotate with cereals; remove & destroy wilted plants with surrounding soil; solarize beds; spot-treat with 10% sodium hypochlorite (Jik) or lime/ash; sterilize tools; options: Metam sodium (METHAM SODIUM 51 Liquid Soluble®), Bronopol (ENRICH BM Wettable Powder®).

Harvesting Tomatoes

Most varieties are ready 3–4 months after transplanting, depending on variety and weather. Choose harvest stage based on market distance and buyer preference.

Best harvest practice: Pick early morning while fruit is cool. Keep produce in a cool, shaded, well-ventilated area and wipe off any dirt as needed.

Harvest stages (pick by purpose):

• Mature-Green: Fruit is green but internal gel is fully developed—best for long transport.

• Breaker/Turning: Up to ~30% of the surface showing first color break—safe for medium-distance markets.

• Pink/Light Red: 30–90% pink/red—short transport, quick sale.

• Red/Ripe: >90% red—local/nearby markets and direct retail.

With good husbandry, tomatoes yield about 12,000–40,000 kg per acre (variety and management dependent).

Where To Sell Tomato

Sell tomatoes through multiple channels to maximize price and reduce risk. Start with nearby open-air markets (Wakulima, Kongowea) and farmgate sales to traders for fast cash. Build weekly delivery contracts with green grocers, hotels, restaurants, schools, and hospitals. Approach supermarkets via approved suppliers; meet grading, crate, and invoicing standards. Join farmer groups or cooperatives to aggregate volumes and negotiate transport.

Disadvantages of Tomato Farming

• High pest & disease pressure: Tuta absoluta, whiteflies, thrips, blights, bacterial wilt—requires constant scouting and costly IPM.

• Water sensitive: Needs steady moisture; both drought and waterlogging quickly cut yields. Irrigation setup adds cost.

• High input costs: Hybrid seeds, fertilizers, lime, stakes/strings, mulches, drip kits, and frequent sprays.

• Labor-intensive: Nursery work, transplanting, staking/tying, pruning, routine scouting, selective harvesting.

• Price volatility: Market gluts crash prices; middlemen power reduces margins; timing the market is tricky.

• Perishability: Short shelf life; bruising in transport; limited cold chain → post-harvest losses.

• Soil fatigue & pathogens: Continuous cropping builds up fusarium/nematodes; rotation space may be limited.

• Climate risks: Heavy rains spur blight/cracking; heat/wind cause flower drop and sunscald.

• Quality standards risk: Strict grading/size/color specs; rejections hurt revenue.

• Cash-flow strain: Upfront capital and ongoing costs; delayed payments from bulk buyers.

• Theft/pilferage: In-field and along the value chain.

• Knowledge gap: Nutrition, pH, and IPM mistakes lead to uneven quality and lower yields.

Tomato Farming FAQs

What is the origin of tomatoes?

Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) originated in South America, specifically Peru and Ecuador, before being domesticated in Mexico. They spread to Europe in the 16th century and later became a global crop.

Which are the best tomato varieties to grow in Kenya?

Popular varieties include Rio Grande, Cal J, Kilele F1, Assila F1, Eden F1, Rambo F1, Anna F1, Tylka F1, and Corazon F1. These vary in yield, disease resistance, and suitability for open-field or greenhouse farming

What is the difference between determinate and indeterminate tomatoes?

Determinate tomatoes (e.g., Rio Grande, Kilele F1) grow as bushes, mature uniformly, and give a single harvest. Indeterminate tomatoes (e.g., Anna F1, Tylka F1) grow as vines, require staking, and produce fruits continuously.

What is the difference between hybrid and open-pollinated (OPV) tomato seeds?

Hybrid (F1) seeds give higher yields, better disease resistance, and uniform fruits but are more expensive. OPV seeds (e.g., Cal J) are cheaper, can be replanted, but have lower yield potential.

How long does it take for tomatoes to grow?

Most tomato varieties mature 75–90 days after transplanting, depending on the type, climate, and management.

What is the expected yield of tomatoes per acre in Kenya?

Yields vary widely: open-field farming produces 12,000–20,000 kg per acre, while greenhouse farming with hybrids can achieve 40,000–70,000 kg per acre under good practices

What are the major pests affecting tomato farming in Kenya?

Key pests include African Bollworm, Red Spider Mites, Whiteflies, Thrips, Root-knot Nematodes, and Tuta absoluta (tomato leaf miner)

What are the common tomato diseases in Kenya?

Tomatoes are prone to Late Blight, Early Blight, Fusarium Wilt, Bacterial Wilt, Tomato Mosaic Virus, and Blossom-End Rot

How can farmers reduce tomato post-harvest losses in Kenya?

Farmers should harvest early in the morning, sort and grade tomatoes, use ventilated crates for transport, and consider value addition such as processing into sauce, puree, jam, or juice

How many tomatoes will one plant produce?

On average, a healthy tomato plant in Kenya produces 4–6 kg of fruits per season. High-yielding greenhouse varieties like Anna F1 can yield up to 18–20 kg per plant under proper management

What fertilizer is best for tomatoes?

Tomatoes need a balance of nutrients. DAP or TSP is best at transplanting, CAN or urea for top dressing, and potassium-rich fertilizers (like MOP) during flowering and fruiting. Foliar feeds with calcium and boron improve fruit quality

How much can I earn from one acre of tomatoes in Kenya?

Earnings depend on yield and market prices. With good management, one acre can produce 15,000–20,000 kg in open field or up to 60,000 kg in a greenhouse. At an average price of KSh 40–80 per kg, farmers can earn between KSh 600,000 – 4,000,000 per acre.

Are coffee grounds good for tomato plants?

Coffee grounds enrich the soil with nitrogen, improve soil structure, and encourage beneficial microbes. However, they should be used in moderation and mixed with compost to avoid soil acidity.