Lemongrass Farming in Kenya: A Complete Growers Guide

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), a fragrant perennial herb, is a high-potential crop for Kenyan farmers due to its growing demand in culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic markets. Valued for its citrusy leaves and stalks, lemongrass is used in herbal teas, essential oils, and as a natural pest repellent in integrated farming systems.

In Kenya, its popularity is rising in urban centers like Nairobi and Mombasa for teas and aromatherapy, with strong export demand in Europe and Asia. The Kenyan herb market, including lemongrass, was valued at $12.8 million in 2023, with a 23% annual growth rate driven by natural health trends.

A single acre yields 3,000–5,000 kg of fresh leaves annually, fetching Ksh 100–250 per kg locally, and essential oil yields of 15–25 liters per acre at Ksh 4,500–6,500 per liter for export. Lemongrass’s low input needs, pest-repellent properties, and harvest within 4–6 months make it ideal for smallholder farmers and investors.

This guide provides a practical, investment-focused roadmap, highlighting lemongrass’s role in intercropping, pest management, and Kenya’s herbal tea market.

Suitable Regions & Climate in Kenya

Lemongrass thrives in warm, humid climates with well-drained soils. In Kenya, the following regions are ideal:

• Coastal Regions: Kilifi, Mombasa, and Kwale, with temperatures of 25–35°C and high humidity (70–80%), are optimal. Farmers like Peter Mwachia in Kilifi supply lemongrass for tea production.
• Western Kenya: Kakamega, Busia, and Bungoma, with rainfall of 1,000–1,800 mm annually and loamy soils, support robust growth.
• Eastern Kenya: Embu and Meru, with altitudes of 1,000–1,500 meters and moderate rainfall, are suitable with irrigation.
• Rift Valley: Kericho and parts of Nakuru, with fertile soils and access to irrigation, can support lemongrass cultivation.

Lemongrass prefers full sun and well-drained loamy or sandy loam soils (pH 5.5–7.0). It tolerates moderate drought but thrives with consistent moisture. Coastal and western regions are ideal due to natural humidity, while semi-arid areas like Embu require drip irrigation.

Recommended Varieties

Selecting the right lemongrass variety ensures high yields and market suitability. The following are recommended for Kenya:

• West Indian Lemongrass: High essential oil content (1.5–2.2%), ideal for tea and cosmetic markets, widely grown in Kilifi.
• East Indian Lemongrass: Slightly lower oil content but faster growth, suited for fresh leaf production.
• Java Citronella: A robust variety with pest-repellent properties, perfect for intercropping with vegetables.
• Coimbatore: A high-yielding variety for essential oil production, favored for export markets.

Farmers in Mombasa prefer West Indian lemongrass for its oil yield, as per KALRO. Source certified slips or seedlings from nurseries like Seedfarm (+254 712 075915) or Organicfarm

Step-by-Step Production Guide

1. Site Selection and Soil Preparation:
   • Choose a sunny site with well-drained loamy soil (pH 5.5–7.0). Test soil for 2–3% organic matter content.
   • Clear weeds and incorporate 6–10 tons of compost or manure per acre. Add rock phosphate (50 kg per acre) to boost root development.
   • Adjust pH with lime (if acidic) or gypsum (if alkaline).
2. Planting:
   • Use healthy slips (Ksh 10–20 each) from mature plants for cost-effective propagation. Seedlings are less common but available.
   • Plant in rows with 45 cm between plants and 60 cm between rows (12,000–15,000 plants per acre).
   • Dig 10–15 cm deep furrows, place slips at a 45-degree angle, and cover with soil. Water lightly.
3. Irrigation:
   • Apply 1–2 inches of water weekly for the first 2–3 months. Drip irrigation is ideal for semi-arid areas like Embu, saving 25% water.
   • Once established, water every 10–14 days in dry seasons. Mulch with dry grass to retain moisture.
4. Pruning and Harvesting:
   • Trim leaves lightly after 3 months to encourage tillering. Harvest mature stalks every 2–3 months, cutting 10 cm above ground.
   • Maintain plant density by dividing clumps every 2–3 years to prevent overcrowding.
5. Intercropping and Pest Management:
   • Intercrop with vegetables like tomatoes or cabbages, as lemongrass repels pests like aphids.
   • Monitor for pests and diseases, removing debris to maintain sanitation.

Fertilizer/Feeding Needs

Lemongrass requires moderate nutrition to maximize yields:

• Organic Matter: Apply 6–10 tons of compost or manure per acre at planting and annually. Compost teas (15 liters per acre monthly) enhance soil health.
• Inorganic Fertilizers: Use NPK 20-10-10 at 75 kg per acre, split into two applications (post-planting and pre-harvest). Supplement with potassium (20 kg per acre) for stalk quality.
• Foliar Feeds: Apply zinc and magnesium sprays every 2 months to boost leaf vigor.
• Timing: Fertilize during dry seasons to minimize leaching, as practiced in Busia.

Farmers in Kilifi report 20% higher yields using compost and drip irrigation, per KALRO’s recommendations.

Pest & Disease Control

Lemongrass is naturally pest-repellent but requires monitoring:

• Common Pests:
  • Aphids: Use neem oil (5 ml per liter) or plant marigolds nearby as a natural repellent.
  • Leafhoppers: Deploy sticky traps or insecticidal soap.
  • Cutworms: Apply wood ash around plant bases to deter larvae.
• Common Diseases:
  • Leaf Blight: Prune affected leaves and apply copper-based fungicides.
  • Root Rot: Ensure well-drained soils and avoid overwatering.
  • Rust: Use sulfur sprays and improve air circulation through spacing.

Farmers in Mombasa reduce pest issues by 30% through intercropping lemongrass with vegetables, leveraging its repellent properties.

Harvesting & Handling

• Timing: Harvest begins 4–6 months after planting, with peak yields from year 2. Cut stalks every 2–3 months, typically May–July and October–December.
• Method: Use clean knives to cut stalks 10 cm above ground early in the morning. Handle gently to preserve quality.
• Post-Harvest: Dry leaves in a shaded, ventilated area for 5–7 days for teas. For essential oil, distill fresh stalks within 24 hours via steam distillation. Store dried leaves in airtight containers.
• Yield: Expect 3,000–5,000 kg of fresh leaves per acre annually (1,000–1,500 kg dried), with essential oil yields of 15–25 liters per acre.

Processors like Coastal Herbs in Mombasa use solar dryers to maintain quality for export markets.

Cost & Profit Analysis

Below is a cost and profit estimate for 1 acre of lemongrass farming in Kenya (2025 market rates):

• Initial Costs:
  • Slips: 12,000 plants at Ksh 15 each (average) = Ksh 180,000
  • Land Preparation: Ksh 20,000
  • Irrigation Setup (Drip): Ksh 80,000
  • Fertilizers and Manure: Ksh 25,000
  • Labor (Planting): Ksh 15,000
  • Total Initial Cost: Ksh 320,000
• Annual Operating Costs:
  • Fertilizers: Ksh 20,000
  • Pest/Disease Control: Ksh 10,000
  • Labor (Maintenance/Harvesting): Ksh 35,000
  • Irrigation/Water: Ksh 10,000
  • Miscellaneous: Ksh 10,000
  • Total Annual Cost: Ksh 85,000
• Revenue:
  • Yield: 1,200 kg of dried leaves per acre (average from year 2)
  • Price: Ksh 200 per kg (average for dried lemongrass)
  • Total Revenue (Dried Leaves): 1,200 kg × Ksh 200 = Ksh 240,000
  • Essential Oil (Optional): 20 liters per acre at Ksh 5,500 per liter = Ksh 110,000 (requires distillation investment)
• Profit:
  • Year 2 (after initial costs): Ksh 240,000 – Ksh 320,000 = Ksh -80,000 (dried leaves, initial loss offset by year 3)
  • Year 3 onward (after operating costs): Ksh 240,000 – Ksh 85,000 = Ksh 155,000 (dried leaves)
  • With Essential Oil: Ksh 155,000 + Ksh 110,000 = Ksh 265,000

Break-Even Point: Farmers recover initial costs within 2–3 years. Smallholder farmers in Kilifi report annual profits of Ksh 200,000–300,000 per acre after year 2, with higher returns from essential oil.

Where to Sell & Value Addition

• Local Markets: Sell fresh or dried lemongrass to supermarkets (e.g., Naivas, QuickMart), restaurants, and herbal shops in Nairobi and Mombasa. A kg of dried lemongrass retails for Ksh 100–250.
• Export Markets: With organic or GlobalGAP certification, lemongrass is exported to the Netherlands, Japan, and the UAE, which imported $4.5 million in Kenyan herbs in 2023. Essential oils fetch Ksh 4,500–6,500 per liter.
• Value Addition: Process lemongrass into teas, essential oils, or insect-repellent sprays. KALRO reports 35–50% higher margins for value-added products like lemongrass tea.
• Contract Farming: Partner with processors like Coastal Herbs or exporters like Vegpro for stable markets.

Farmers in Busia have tripled income by supplying lemongrass for teas and intercropping with vegetables.

Tips for Success in Kenyan Conditions

1. Intercrop Strategically: Plant lemongrass with vegetables to repel pests, reducing pesticide costs by 25%.
2. Use Slips for Propagation: Slips (Ksh 10–20) are cost-effective and widely available.
3. Adopt Solar Drying: Solar dryers ensure quality for teas and export, cutting drying time by 40%.
4. Pursue Organic Certification: Organic lemongrass fetches premium prices in Europe, as seen in Mombasa farms.
5. Join Cooperatives: Engage with the Kenya Herb Farmers Association for training and market linkages.
6. Market Herbal Teas: Target health-conscious consumers with lemongrass teas, leveraging local demand.
7. Use Digital Tools: Apps like iCow provide market prices and pest management tips.

By adopting intercropping, organic practices, and efficient processing, farmers can achieve strong returns within 2–3 years. Start small, grow strategically, and tap into Kenya’s booming herb market.

Happy farming!