Peanuts Farming Guide: A Success Story from Siaya, Kenya

Scientific Name: Arachis hypogaea

In the heart of Musonga Village, Siaya County, lives a man who turned his search for financial freedom into a thriving agricultural enterprise. Mr. Timothy Simiyu, a 48-year-old former primary school teacher, has become a model of success in groundnut (peanut) farming.

Peanuts

Back in 2001, Simiyu decided to diversify from maize farming after discovering the numerous advantages of groundnuts, short maturity time, soil-enriching properties, and high market demand. “Unlike maize, groundnuts mature within three to four months and enrich the soil with nitrogen,” he explains.

With an initial investment of about KSh 48,000 for land preparation, seedlings, and inputs, Simiyu converted his three-hectare farm into a peanut-growing venture, a decision that continues to pay off handsomely.

Varieties and Yields

Simiyu grows two main varieties of peanuts:

• Red Valencia – known for its superior taste and smaller seed size.

• Manipinta – a larger-seeded variety with high yields.

“The Red Valencia gives me about 2.2 tonnes per hectare, while Manipinta produces up to 2.4 tonnes per hectare,” says Simiyu.

According to the Kenya Agricultural Commodity Exchange, a 100kg bag of Red Oratia groundnuts sells between KSh 7,500 and 13,000, depending on the region. On average, Simiyu earns KSh 450,000 per hectare, translating to roughly KSh 1.35 million from his three hectares each season.

After deducting costs for irrigation, labor, and marketing, he takes home a profit of about KSh 1 million per season, enough to reinvest and sustain his family comfortably.

Peanut pods with seeds

Groundnut Farming Beyond the Farm

Simiyu’s success has had ripple effects across the community. One of the beneficiaries, Eliakim Otieno from Kakamega, saw an opportunity in peanut processing. Inspired by his experience in Uganda, Otieno built a groundnut grinding machine worth about KSh 55,000 to produce and sell groundnut paste.

“A 200-gram pack sells for KSh 50, while a kilo goes for KSh 250,” he explains. “The paste is made by grinding roasted peanuts with simsim (sesame seeds), a pinch of salt, and a preservative.”

His small-scale venture now supplies nutritious peanut paste to local markets and households, proof that peanut farming can fuel agribusiness innovation and create employment.

Health and Nutritional Benefits of Groundnuts

Peanuts are not just profitable, they’re packed with nutrients that promote good health. Some of their major benefits include:

• ❤️ Heart Health: Rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that support cardiovascular health.

• 💪 Anti-Cancer Properties: Nutrients like folic acid, phytosterols, and resveratrol help lower colon and stomach cancer risks.

• 🧠 Memory and Cholesterol Control: Vitamin B3 (niacin) and copper enhance brain function and balance cholesterol levels.

• 🩸 Blood Health: Helps reduce excessive bleeding and supports people with haemophilia.

• 😊 Mood Boosting: Contains tryptophan, which aids in serotonin production and helps combat depression.

• 🦴 Bone Strength and Growth: High in calcium, iron, zinc, and boron — vital for healthy bones and blood purification.

• ⚖️ Weight Management: Regular peanut consumption is linked to reduced risk of weight gain.

Planting and Agronomy Guide

To achieve maximum yield, proper agronomic practices are essential.

Planting Recommendations:

• Prepare the land early and plant at the onset of rains using clean, certified seeds.

• For small-seeded varieties (Red Valencia):

  • Spacing: 30 cm (1 ft) between rows, 15 cm (6 inches) between plants.

• For large-seeded varieties (Manipinta):

  • Spacing: 45 cm (1.5 ft) between rows, 20 cm (8 inches) between plants.

• Avoid walking through the field during flowering to prevent damage to delicate blooms.

Common Pests and Diseases in Groundnuts

Like other crops, peanuts are prone to pests and diseases that can significantly affect yields. Farmers should regularly monitor and manage:

1. Leaf Spot (Early & Late) – Causes dark lesions and leaf yellowing.

2. Rust – Orange pustules on leaves that release red-brown spores.

3. Sclerotinia and Southern Stem Rot – Wilting and fungal growth at the stem base.

4. Cylindrocladium Black Rot & Verticillium Wilt – Root destruction and stunted plant growth.

5. Thrips & Spider Mites – Cause leaf curling, stippling, and silver discoloration.

6. Armyworms – Feed on foliage, creating irregular holes.

7. Nematodes & Viruses (TSWV, Peanut Bud Necrosis) – Lead to stunting and reduced pod formation.

Tip: Crop rotation, use of resistant varieties, and timely application of recommended fungicides can greatly reduce these risks.

Why Groundnut Farming is a Smart Investment

Peanuts are fast-growing, require moderate rainfall, and can thrive even in relatively poor soils. Their short maturity period, soil-improving properties, and steady market demand make them a profitable and sustainable crop for Kenyan farmers.

For Timothy Simiyu and many others, peanuts have become more than just a crop — they are a pathway to economic empowerment and better nutrition for local communities.

“If you’re looking for a crop that gives high returns and improves your soil, groundnuts are the way to go,” Simiyu concludes with a smile.

🌾 Final Thoughts

Groundnut farming in Kenya is more than an agricultural activity; it’s a movement toward sustainable farming, nutrition, and innovation. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced farmer, peanuts offer endless potential, from farm to factory shelf.

Start small, learn continuously, and let the humble groundnut transform your life, just like it did for Timothy Simiyu.