A Simple Guide to Cultivating Stevia in Kenya

Why Stevia is Worth a Second Look

With the rising cost of sugar and the global push for healthier lifestyles, another crop is quietly stepping into the limelight: stevia.

This green leafy plant produces an extract that’s about 200–300 times sweeter than sugar, yet has zero calories. From Nairobi supermarkets to export markets in Europe and Asia, demand for natural sweeteners is on the rise, and Kenya’s climate is well-suited to growing this wonder crop.

Kenya spends billions importing sugar every year, and local health-conscious consumers are increasingly reaching for sugar alternatives. Stevia is not just trendy, it’s practical and profitable.

• Market demand: Food companies use it in beverages, baked goods, and medicine, while households adopt it as a healthier option.
• High value: Stevia fetches KSh 300–400 per kilo of dried leaves from processors.
• Climate fit: Farmers in Kericho, Nandi, Kiambu, Meru, and Kisii report good yields due to stevia’s tolerance for Kenyan highland conditions.

Climate and Soil Requirements

• Climate: Grows best in areas with moderate rainfall (1,200–1,800 mm annually) and temperatures between 15–30°C.
• Best Counties: Highland regions like Kericho, Nandi, Kiambu, Meru, and Kisii.
• Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic (pH 6.0–7.5), and rich in organic matter. Stevia does not tolerate waterlogging, so raised beds or gentle slopes are preferred.
• Irrigation: Farmers in drier areas can grow it with irrigation for higher profitability.

Land Preparation

Prepare land much like you would for vegetables:

• Clear weeds and plough deeply.
• Add well-rotted manure (about 10–15 tons per acre) to boost fertility.
• Form raised beds or ridges to improve drainage.
  This groundwork gives young stevia plants the best start, especially since the crop’s delicate roots are prone to rot in soggy soil.

Planting Stevia

Stevia is propagated from seedlings or cuttings, not directly from seed because germination is often poor. Certified seedlings cost KSh 100 each from Organicfarm Kenya (+254 712 075 915 | oxfarmorganic@gmail.com).

• Spacing: 45 cm between rows and 20 cm between plants.
• Plant Density: About 45,000–50,000 plants per acre.
  With proper care, the crop establishes quickly, and the first harvest can come just 3–4 months after planting.

Managing the Crop

• Watering: Regular moisture is key, especially during dry spells. Irrigation helps maintain steady growth.
• Weeding: Keep the beds weed-free for the first two months. Stevia doesn’t compete well with weeds.
• Fertilization: Apply compost or organic manure every season. A small dose of nitrogen fertilizer can boost leaf growth, but overuse reduces sweetness.
• Pruning: Trim flower buds to encourage leaf production since leaves are the valuable part.

Pests and Diseases

Stevia is relatively resistant, but farmers should watch out for:

• Aphids and whiteflies, which feed on leaves.
• Root rot in poorly drained soils.
• Powdery mildew in very humid conditions.
  Organic sprays like neem extract (KSh 500/litre) are effective for controlling minor pest outbreaks without affecting leaf quality.

Harvesting Stevia

• First Harvest: Ready 3–4 months after planting. Cut stems about 5–10 cm above the ground, leaving the roots to regrow.
• Frequency: Harvest every 3 months, with each plant lasting about 2–3 years before replacement.
• Yields: Average around 2,000–2,500 kg of dried leaves per acre annually under good management.
  After harvesting, dry leaves in shade (not direct sun) to maintain sweetness and color. Properly dried leaves can be stored for months without losing quality.

Market Opportunities

• Local processors: Kenyan companies and tea blenders buy dried stevia leaves for packaging and resale.
• Export markets: Europe and Asia import large quantities of stevia for food and beverage industries.
• Value addition: Grind dried leaves into powder for direct sales to health-conscious consumers. A 100g packet of stevia powder retails for KSh 300–500 in Nairobi supermarkets.
  Organized groups of farmers are better placed to access large buyers since individual sales can be inconsistent.

Challenges to Expect

• Limited awareness: Many consumers still don’t know stevia, so local demand is growing slowly.
• Seedling availability: Quality seedlings are not as widely available as those for common crops.
• Market access: Individual farmers may struggle to find buyers unless they link with cooperatives or processors.

Practical Tips for Kenyan Farmers

• Start small (¼ acre) to learn crop management before scaling up.
• Use certified seedlings to ensure sweetness and higher yields.
• Form or join farmer groups to secure better market deals.
• Dry leaves in well-ventilated shade to maintain quality.
• Explore direct sales to health stores or online buyers for better prices.

Stevia is not a get-rich-quick crop, but it’s a steady, sustainable option for farmers who want to diversify into high-value horticulture.

With global demand for natural sweeteners soaring and Kenya’s favorable climate, the time is right for forward-thinking farmers to plant this “green gold.”