French Beans Farming In Kenya

This article focuses on French beans farming in Kenya. Kenya is one of the leading producers and exporters of French beans in the world.

French beans are grown in different parts of the country. Some of the leading growing areas include; Kajiado, parts of Western region, Kiambu, Nakuru, Murang’a, Machakos, Thika, Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Uasin Gishu… etc.

Varieties of French Beans Grown In Kenya

  • Samantha
  • Monei
  • Amy
  • Pekera
  • Cupvert
  • Bronco
  • Teresa
  • Julia
  • Gloria
  • Super monei
  • Loby
  • Expadia
  • Morgan
  • Tonivert
  • Claudia
  • Tokai
  • Paulista
  • Texas

Ecological Conditions for Growing French Beans

  • Well-drained nutrient-rich soils with optimal pH of 6.5- 7.5.
  • Altitudes of 1000 to 2100 m above sea level.
  • Well distributed rainfall that ranges between 900- 1200 mm per annum.
  • Optimum temperature that ranges between 20-25°c.

Planting of French Beans

Planting starts at the onset of rain. This is because French Beans require a lot of water during the growing period.

The recommended spacing for sowing French beans seeds is 30cm by 15cm for single rows and 60cm by 30cm for double rows.

Crop rotation is highly encouraged when growing French beans. It aids in rejuvenating soil and controlling weeds.

Seed rate for French beans is 30kg/acre.

Recommended Fertilisers for Planting

French beans require a lot of nutrients to thrive. You will need to apply fertilisers such as;

  • DAP fertiliser at the time of planting (200 kg per hectare).
  • About 100 kg per hectare of CAN fertiliser during top-dressing.
  • Foliar feed such as Bayfolan, which should be applied after every two weeks.

Harvesting of French Beans

French beans mature after about 45-50 days. Harvesting can be done twice a week and three times a week for fine beans and extra fine beans respectively.

An acre of land can yield approximately 4000-6000 kgs of French beans.

French Beans Market 

Kenya mainly grows French beans for the export market. Most of the French beans exporters in Kenya have a ready market in Europe.

Locally, there is also a market for French beans. The local retail price is about Kshs 100 per kg.

Major Buyers of French Beans in Kenya

Here is a list of the main buyers of French beans in Kenya. The companies mostly buy French beans in bulk and are the leading exporters in the country.

1. Vegpro Kenya

Contact: 020 552 506.

2. Kenya Horticultural Exports Limited

Contacts: 0703 471 417, 020 251 7979.

3. French Produce Exports Association

Contact: 0713 516 555.

4. Homegrown Kenya Ltd

Contact: 020 387 3800.

5. Everest Limited

Contacts: 020 314 2009/ 020 622 4142.

I am the third eye.My duty is to keep you updated of the current trends and events happening round the globe.