
Pineapple Farming in Kenya: A Comprehensive Guide
Pineapple farming in Kenya has become an increasingly profitable venture, thanks to the country’s tropical climate and rising demand for this nutritious fruit. Scientifically known as Ananas comosus, pineapples thrive in warm and humid conditions, making Kenya an ideal environment for cultivation.
Pineapples are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium, making them a dietary powerhouse. They also contain bromelain, an enzyme that aids digestion, tenderizes meat, and is used in leather tanning. Furthermore, the fruit’s high fiber content supports healthy bowel movement and helps alleviate indigestion, making it a valuable addition to any diet.
Ideal Climatic and Soil Conditions
Pineapples grow best in warm temperatures ranging from 21–32°C. They require moderate annual rainfall of 600–1,500mm, although irrigation is essential in areas with less rainfall. The crop thrives in well-drained sandy-loam soils rich in organic matter. While the ideal pH range is 5.5–6.5, pineapples can tolerate acidic soils with a pH as low as 4.5, which helps reduce the risk of soilborne diseases.
Suitable Regions for Pineapple Farming in Kenya
Kenya’s coastal regions, including Kilifi, Mombasa, Kwale, and Taita Taveta, are particularly favorable for pineapple farming due to their climate and soil quality. Other regions, such as Meru, Tharaka Nithi, and Embu, have also embraced pineapple cultivation, often employing irrigation to ensure success. The Del Monte plantation in Thika is a prime example of large-scale pineapple farming and showcases the potential for profitability in this sector.
Steps to Growing Pineapples
Selecting the right pineapple variety is crucial for success. Smooth Cayenne is popular due to its sweet flavor and high yield. Land preparation involves clearing vegetation, plowing, and enriching the soil with organic matter. Conducting a soil test helps determine any necessary amendments to optimize growth.
Propagation is done using slips from mature plants, widely available from seedling propagators like Richfarm Kenya. Slips are planted on raised beds measuring 60cm wide, with two rows per bed. The recommended spacing is 30cm between plants and 100cm between beds, allowing about 23,000 plants per acre. Proper maintenance, including regular weeding, fertilization, and irrigation, is essential to achieving high yields.


Managing Pests and Diseases
Although hardy, pineapples are susceptible to pests and diseases that can reduce yield and quality. Common pests include scale insects, mealybugs, and aphids, which feed on plant sap, causing leaves to yellow and wilt. Pineapple weevils are another concern as they can lead to fruit rot and leaf damage. Organic solutions such as soapy water or specialized pesticides are effective in controlling these pests.
Diseases such as leaf spot, fruit rot, and mosaic virus also affect pineapples. Leaf spot, caused by a fungus, can be managed with fungicides, while fruit rot is best prevented by ensuring proper drainage and maintaining adequate spacing between plants. The mosaic virus, which causes leaf discoloration, has no cure, and infected plants must be removed and destroyed to prevent its spread. Regular monitoring and organic practices are key to effective pest and disease management.
Harvesting and Post-Harvest Practices
Pineapples typically mature within 18–24 months. Ripe pineapples are identified by their uniform golden-yellow skin, firm base, and deep green crown leaves. Harvesting involves cutting the fruit with a small portion of the crown attached. Once a pineapple plant fruits, the mother plant dies, but slips, suckers, and crowns can be used to propagate new plants, ensuring a continuous cycle of production.
Market Opportunities
The market demand for pineapples in Kenya is high, particularly in urban areas where they are consumed fresh or processed into products like juice, jam, and canned goods. Kenya also exports fresh pineapples to international markets such as the United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Germany. Additionally, the processing industry offers lucrative opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs looking to supply value-added pineapple products to both local and global markets.
Conclusion
Pineapple farming in Kenya holds immense potential for farmers and agribusiness investors. By selecting high-yield varieties, maintaining proper farming practices, and effectively managing pests and diseases, farmers can achieve significant returns. With the growing demand for fresh and processed pineapples, this venture is poised to be a rewarding and sustainable agricultural opportunity.