A Simple Guide to Cultivating Raspberries in Kenya

A Simple Guide to Cultivating Raspberries in Kenya

Why Raspberries Are Worth Growing

Walk into a high-end supermarket in Nairobi, and you’ll likely spot a small punnet of raspberries priced at KSh 500–700. What’s striking is not just the price, but how quickly these little red jewels fly off the shelves.

Health-conscious shoppers, hotels, and juice bars can’t get enough of them. Yet, very few Kenyan farmers are growing raspberries. That’s an opportunity waiting to be seized.

Like strawberries before them, raspberries are on the verge of becoming a trendy, high-value fruit in Kenya. With the right approach, farmers can tap into both local and export markets; and the returns can be far higher than traditional crops.

  • High selling prices: Seedlings cost about KSh 500 each, but a single plant produces for years. Fresh berries fetch KSh 1,000–1,500 per kilo in urban markets.
  • Growing demand: Hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets seek reliable local suppliers to reduce imports.
  • Health appeal: Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, raspberries are marketed as “superfoods.”

Climate and Soil Needs

Raspberries prefer cooler highland climates.

  • Altitude: 1,500–2,500m above sea level.
  • Best Counties: Nyeri, Kericho, Limuru, Eldoret, Mt. Kenya regions.
  • Temperature: 15–25°C. Too much heat reduces yields.
  • Soil: Well-drained, loamy, rich in organic matter, pH 5.5–6.5.
  • Moisture: Require regular watering, but sensitive to waterlogging.

Land Preparation

  • Plough the land and break clods into fine tilth.
  • Incorporate 10–15 tons of well-rotted manure per acre.
  • Since raspberries are perennial shrubs, invest in a trellis system or posts and wires for support—much like passion fruit or grapes.

Planting Material

A Simple Guide to Cultivating Raspberries in Kenya

  • Seedlings: Certified raspberry seedlings cost KSh 500 each from Seedfarn or Organicfarm Kenya (+254 712 075 915 | oxfarmorganic@gmail.com). Avoid uncertified cuttings; they may carry diseases and reduce yields.
  • Spacing: 1m between plants, 2–2.5m between rows, allowing around 1,600 plants per acre.
  • Planting holes: 45 × 45 × 45 cm, mixed with manure and 200g DAP fertilizer.
    Plant at the start of the rainy season (March–May or October–November) for best establishment.

Crop Management

  1. Watering:
    • Drip irrigation works best, ensuring consistent moisture, especially during flowering and fruiting.
    • Drought stress reduces berry size and sweetness.
  2. Mulching:
    • Mulch with grass or coffee husks to conserve water and suppress weeds.
  3. Fertilization:
    • Top-dress with CAN (100kg per acre) two weeks after transplanting.
    • During flowering and fruiting, apply potassium-rich foliar feeds for better fruit quality.
    • Add compost annually to keep soils fertile.
  4. Pruning and Trellising:
    • Prune old canes immediately after harvest to make room for new growth.
    • Tie healthy canes onto trellis wires for better airflow, disease control, and easier harvesting.
  5. Pest and Disease Control:
    • Pests: Aphids, thrips, and fruit flies.
    • Diseases: Powdery mildew, root rot, and anthracnose.
    • Control through crop rotation, resistant varieties, and integrated pest management (IPM) practices.

Harvesting

  • Raspberries start bearing fruit in 8–12 months after planting.
  • Harvest when berries turn bright red and detach easily. Pick every 2–3 days.
  • Handle gently—berries bruise easily. Package in punnets (125g or 250g) and keep under refrigeration (0–2°C, 90–95% humidity).
  • Yields: A mature plant yields 2–3kg of berries per season. With 1,600 plants per acre, that’s 3–5 tons per acre annually.

Yields and Returns

  • At KSh 1,200 per kilo, 3–5 tons per acre translates to a gross income of KSh 3.6–6 million per acre.
  • After deducting seedling, fertilizer, irrigation, and labor costs (roughly KSh 500,000–700,000 per acre), profits remain very attractive.

Market Opportunities

  • Local fresh markets: Nairobi’s supermarkets and green grocers are the biggest buyers.
  • Hotels and restaurants: Demand berries for desserts, juices, cocktails, and garnishes.
  • Processing: Jam, jelly, yogurt flavoring, natural juice blends.
  • Export markets: Europe and Middle East, requiring Global GAP certification and strong cold-chain handling.
    Farmers close to Nairobi, Nakuru, and Kisumu can start with direct deliveries to restaurants and stores before expanding to exports.

Challenges

  • High seedling costs: At KSh 500 each, initial investment is heavy.
  • Short shelf life: Fruits perish quickly without cold storage.
  • Limited awareness: Many Kenyan consumers still aren’t familiar with raspberries.
  • Pest and disease pressure: Regular monitoring and spraying are needed.

Tips for Kenyan Farmers

  • Start with a quarter acre to learn management before expanding.
  • Invest in cold storage or partner with other farmers for shared facilities.
  • Stagger planting to ensure continuous supply instead of one-time glut.
  • Approach hotels and supermarkets before harvesting to secure ready buyers.
  • Explore value addition; raspberry jam or juice fetches premium prices.

Raspberry farming in Kenya may sound ambitious, but remember how strawberries were once “rare fruits” only seen in Nakuru and Limuru? Today they’re grown all over the country.

Raspberries are following the same path, except their profit margins are even higher. For farmers who want to move beyond traditional crops and tap into premium markets, raspberries are a smart bet.

With good seedlings, proper care, and strong marketing, this crop can transform a small piece of land into a berry goldmine.