Premium Alfalfa (Lucerne) Seeds for Kenya

Why Kohenoor International for Kenya? Why Kohenoor International for Kenya?

Kohenoor International has been a trusted supplier to East African markets for over 15 years. We understand Kenya's unique agricultural landscape — from the high-altitude dairy farms of the Rift Valley to the emerging livestock operations in arid and semi-arid counties. Our team provides end-to-end support from seed selection to post-delivery agronomic guidance.

• Certified Purity: 99.5%+ Every batch is cleaned using state-of-the-art gravity separators and colour sorters, then tested at ISTA-accredited laboratories. You receive a full Certificate of Analysis (COA) covering germination, purity, moisture, and weed-seed counts before any shipment leaves port.
• Varieties Proven in Kenyan Conditions We supply WL-625HQ, Super Aurora, Pioneer 54V46, and CUF-101 — all proven performers in Kenya's highland and mid-altitude zones. Our agronomists match the right dormancy group (6-9) to your specific county and altitude.
• Fastest Route to Kenya: 8-10 Days FOB Karachi to Mombasa via direct shipping lines — one of the shortest sea routes from Pakistan to any African destination. We handle FCL (20ft/40ft) and LCL shipments. CIF Mombasa and DDP Nairobi terms available.
• Competitive Bulk Pricing As a direct farm-to-port exporter, we eliminate middlemen and pass savings to you. Our FOB prices are typically 20-35% below European seed houses for equivalent quality. Volume discounts for orders above 5 MT.
• Full KEPHIS-Compliant Documentation Every shipment includes: Certificate of Origin (COO), Phytosanitary Certificate, Certificate of Analysis (COA/ISTA), commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading. We ensure compliance with KEPHIS (Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service) import requirements.
• Dedicated East Africa Account Manager Your account manager speaks your language — literally and figuratively. From order confirmation to post-delivery agronomic advice, we provide personalised support tailored to Kenyan farming conditions.

Kenya's Dairy & Livestock Sector Kenya's Dairy & Livestock Sector

Key Livestock Statistics

• Cattle: 18.5 million head, including 4.3 million improved dairy breeds
• Dairy Sector: Contributes 8% of GDP; produces 5.2 billion litres of milk annually
• Dairy Farmers: Over 1.8 million smallholder dairy farmers across the country
• Feed Gap: Significant — dairy cows typically receive only 60-70% of recommended nutritional intake
• Dairy Processing: Major processors include Brookside, New KCC, and Githunguri Dairy

Why Alfalfa is a Game-Changer for Kenya

Kenya's dairy sector is dominated by smallholder farmers who rely heavily on Napier grass, which delivers only 8-10% crude protein. Supplementing with or transitioning to alfalfa (18-22% CP) can increase milk yields by 30-50% per cow while reducing dependence on expensive dairy meal concentrates. For a dairy cow producing 15 litres/day on Napier, alfalfa supplementation can push output to 20-25 litres/day.

Government Support

The Kenya government's Agricultural Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy (ASTGS) specifically targets dairy productivity improvement. County governments in the Rift Valley, Central, and Mount Kenya regions actively promote fodder production through subsidies and extension services, creating a favourable environment for alfalfa adoption.

Kenyan Counties for Alfalfa Kenyan Counties for Alfalfa

Kenya's highland and Rift Valley counties offer ideal conditions for alfalfa cultivation, with altitudes of 1,500-2,500 metres providing the cool temperatures the crop thrives in. The following counties represent the highest-potential markets for alfalfa seed.

Alfalfa Seed Specifications Alfalfa Seed Specifications

Benefits of Alfalfa for Kenyan Farmers Benefits of Alfalfa for Kenyan Farmers

Growing Alfalfa in Kenya Growing Alfalfa in Kenya

Land Preparation

Prepare the seedbed 4-6 weeks before planting. Deep-plough to 200-300 mm, harrow to break clods, and level the surface. Conduct a soil test — alfalfa requires pH 6.5-7.5. Apply agricultural lime if soil is acidic (common in Nyandarua and parts of the Rift Valley). Incorporate 100-150 kg/ha of DAP or TSP based on soil test results.

Planting

Sow at 20-25 kg/ha. Planting depth: 10-20 mm. Kenya has two optimal planting windows: long rains (March-April) and short rains (October-November). Under irrigation, planting can be done year-round. Broadcast sowing or drilling in rows 200-300 mm apart both work well.

Inoculation

For first-time alfalfa fields, inoculate seed with Sinorhizobium meliloti rhizobium inoculant. This is especially important in Kenya, where many soils have not previously grown alfalfa and lack the specific bacteria needed for nitrogen fixation.

Irrigation

Alfalfa needs 800-1,200 mm of water annually. In well-watered counties (Nyandarua, parts of Meru), rainfed production is feasible during the two rainy seasons. For year-round production, drip or overhead irrigation is recommended. Apply 50-75 mm per cycle at 10-14 day intervals.

Harvesting

First cut at 60-70 days after emergence. Subsequent cuts every 28-35 days. Cut at 10% bloom stage for the best balance of yield and quality. Leave 50-75 mm stubble height. Dry to 15% moisture before baling. In Kenya's highland climate, sun-drying typically takes 2-3 days.

Pest & Disease Management

Watch for: pea aphid, spotted alfalfa aphid, and various caterpillars. In Kenya's humid zones, fungal diseases like Phytophthora root rot can occur in poorly drained soils — ensure good drainage. Rotate stands every 4-5 years. The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) provides local pest management guidelines.