Central Highlands Of Kenya Research Articles

Role of Mass Trapping in the Management of Leafminer (Tutaabsoluta) on Tomato in the Central Highlands of Kenya

Role of Mass Trapping in the Management of Leafminer (Tutaabsoluta) on Tomato in the Central Highlands of Kenya

Bird community response to landscape and foliage arthropod variables in sun coffee of central Kenyan highlands

Land conversion represents a serious threat to terrestrial biodiversity and effective conservation in human-dominated landscapes requires an understanding of the relationship between spatial heterogeneity and biodiversity. Coffee is the most valuable tropical export in the world with the capacity to affect biodiversity on a large scale, and much of the world's coffee is grown in open plantations (sun coffee), where little research has documented how landscape structure or food availability affect bird diversity. We examined the effects of both landscape characteristics and foliage arthropod abundance on bird species richness, total bird abundance and the abundance of foraging guilds in sun coffee plantations of central Kenyan highlands. Variation in the local landscape appeared to have little effect on bird abundance, while the foliage arthropod community, particularly number of arthropod orders, may have a strong impact on omnivore and insectivore abundance in sun coffee. These results do not mean small scale fragments or landscape composition is unimportant to bird communities in our region for several reasons, including the high model uncertainty that may indicate an important missing variable, the habitat complexity and presence of large forest reserves around our study sites, and the single scale at which our variables were tested. Our results indicate that farm managers wanting to increase bird abundance, especially omnivores and insectivores, should consider balancing the need to eradicate coffee pests and leaving an intact arthropod community that likely increases these guilds. Further study is needed to validate these patterns, which may have strong implications for bird biodiversity in agricultural settings across other areas in eastern Africa.

Soil management practices affect arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi propagules, root colonization and growth of rainfed maize

Agronomic management practices influence beneficial soil biota, especially arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). AMF colonizes about eighty percent of land plants, promoting absorption of essential nutrients and crop growth. Here, a 5-year field experiment was carried out in Central Kenyan Highlands to determine the effect of tillage, mulching and inorganic fertilizers on the number of infective AMF propagules in the soil, mycorrhizal root colonization of maize and uptake of P and N from the soil. The study involved conventional and minimum tillage systems, mulching using dried maize stovers and inorganic fertilizers (120 kg N/ha). The experiment was set up in randomized complete block design and replicated thrice. The number of infective AMF propagules decreased in the following order; V4 stage (p < 0.0001), V6 stage (p < 0.0001), maize harvest (p = 0.0076) and before maize planting (p = 0.0061). Minimum tillage + mulch + no NP fertilizer (ZRO) treatment recorded the highest number of infective AMF propagules with an average of 90 propagules g-1 of soil whereas conventional tillage + mulch + NP fertilizer (CRF) and conventional tillage + no mulch + NP fertilizer (CWF) treatments recorded the lowest number of AMF propagules with an average of 1.33 propagules g-1 of soil. Besides, AMF colonization of maize roots at V4, V6 and harvest stages was significantly affected by tillage (p < 0.0001), mulch (p = 0.0001) and fertilizer (p < 0.0001). Results at juvenile stage showed a strong positive correlation between AMF colonization and shoot P (r = 0.933, p < 0.0001) and N (r = 0.928, p < 0.0001). These findings demonstrate a strong effect of agronomic management practices on soil AMF propagules which subsequently affected root colonization and uptake of essential nutrients such as P and N.

Phosphate Sorption Characteristics and External Phosphorus Requirements of Nitisols in Central Kenya Highlands

Phosphate Sorption Characteristics and External Phosphorus Requirements of Nitisols in Central Kenya Highlands

Evaluating oat cultivars for dairy forage production in the central Kenyan highlands

With the projected increase in future demand for animal products, efforts to raise animal productivity are necessary to match the rise. Already, the estimated per-capita milk consumption in Kenya has increased to 150 L from 100 L estimated in 1998 while the population is growing at 2.65% annually. Improving milk production is largely constrained by inadequate feeding, particularly from basal roughages. To contribute towards addressing this concern, five oat cultivars (Conway, Glamis, Balado, Mascani and Rhapsody) new to eastern Africa were evaluated versus a ‘Local’ check. Agronomic attributes, forage quality and farmers’ preferences were assessed in the 2015/16 growing season. Dry matter (DM) yields ranged from 5 to 22 t DM ha−1 with Conway accumulating most DM, whereas the relative feed value was in the order Balado > Mascani > Rhapsody > Conway > Glamis > Local. However, crude protein (CP) yield (kg CP ha−1) was highest in Conway and lowest in Mascani. The two most preferred cultivars by the farmers were Conway and Glamis. Based on DM and CP production, and farmers’ choice, we conclude that Conway and Glamis stand a high chance of improving forage production in the area and other similar systems.

Minimum tillage, tied ridging and mulching for better maize yield and yield stability in the Central Highlands of Kenya

Most smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa and in Kenya have been experiencing a decrease in crop yields in the recent decades. Droughts and prolonged dry spells are common and water is becoming the main limiting factor during crop growing seasons threatening smallholder farmers’ livelihood. Hence, availability and adoption of conservation-effective management practices (CEM) that foster soil conservation, water retention, improved crop yield and yield stability under the small-holder rainfed farming system is desirable. Based on this, we evaluated effects of selected CEM techniques on maize (Zea mays L.) yields, yield stability and farmers’ willingness to take up the techniques. We hypothesized that, the CEM techniques will not only increase maize yield but also the yield stability. The selected CEM were minimum tillage (MT), mulching (MC) and tied ridging (TR) tested alongside a control (conventional tillage) (CT) in two sites, a semi-arid (with predominant soil type being Cambisols with cambic B horizons) and sub-humid agro-ecologies (with predominant soil type being Humic Nitisols), in the Central Highlands of Kenya. We implemented field trials on-farm for four seasons: short rains 2011 (SR11), long rains 2012 (LR12), short rains 2012 (SR12) and long rains 2013 (LR13). The test crop was Maize (Zea Mays L.). A key informant’s interview with the farmers who implemented the field trial was conducted to assess their willingness to take up CEM techniques. Rainfall distribution and amount varied widely between the two sites. Maize grain yields were significantly higher in TR and MC treatments during the LR12, SR12 and LR13 seasons in the semi-arid site compared to CT. Tied ridging doubled grain yields during SR12 season in the semi-arid site. In the sub-humid site, grain yields significantly increased under all the tested CEM techniques during SR11, LR12 and SR12 seasons. Maize grain yields were more stable under TR and MC with residual variances of 0.107 and 0.183Mgha−2, respectively in the semi-arid site. Mulching, MT and TR techniques indicated yield stability with residual variances of 0.017, 0.039 and 0.155Mgha−2, respectively, in the sub-humid site. We concluded that, under semi-arid conditions, tied ridging is a better CEM technique that not only positively affect maize yields but it also enhances yield stability. Under sub-humid agro-ecological conditions, mulching technique performed comparatively well in terms of increasing maize grain yields and yield stability. The n were further affirmed by the farmers’ willingness to continue practicing TR and MC practice in Mbeere South and Meru South, respectively.

Effect of organic and conventional farming systems on nitrogen use efficiency of potato, maize and vegetables in the Central highlands of Kenya

Abstract Increased per capita food production in the tropics is closely tied to soil organic matter and water management, timely nitrogen (N) supply and crop N use efficiency (NUE) which are influenced by farming systems. However, there is lack of data on the effect of organic farming systems on NUE and how this compares to conventional farming systems under tropical conditions. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine the effect of conventional and organic farming systems at low and high management intensities on N uptake and N use efficiency of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), maize (Zea mays L.), cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. Capitata), kale (Brassica oleracea var. Acephala) and Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris sub sp. Cicla). The organic high input (Org-High) and conventional high input (Conv-High) farming systems are managed as recommended by research institutions while organic low input (Org-Low) and conventional low input (Conv-Low) farming systems are managed as practiced by small scale farmers in the Central highlands of Kenya. The study was conducted during three cropping seasons between October 2012 and March 2014 in an ongoing long-term trial established since 2007 at Chuka and at Thika, Kenya. Synthetic N-based fertilizer and cattle manure were applied at ∼225 kg N ha−1 yr−1 for Conv-High and at ∼50 kg N ha−1 yr−1 for the Conv-Low. Composts and other organic inputs were applied at similar N rates for Org-High and Org-Low. Nitrogen uptake efficiency (NUpE) of potato was highest in Conv-Low and Org-Low at Thika and lowest in Org-High and Org-Low at Chuka site where late blight disease affected potato performance. In contrast, the NUpE of maize was similar in all systems at Chuka site, but was significantly higher in Conv-High and Org-High compared to the low input systems at Thika site. The NUpE of cabbage was similar in Conv-High and Org-High while the NUpE of kale and Swiss chard were similar in the low input systems. Potato N utilization efficiencies (NUtE) and agronomic efficiencies of N use (AEN) in Conv-Low and Conv-High were 11–21 % and 1.4–3.4 times higher than those from Org-Low and Org-High, respectively. The AEN of maize was similar in all the systems at Chuka but was 3.2 times higher in the high input systems compared to the low input systems at the Thika site. The AEN of vegetables under conventional systems were similar to those from organic systems. Nitrogen harvest index (NHI) of potato was similar between Conv-High and Org-High and between Conv-Low and Org-Low. N partitioned into maize grain was similar in all the system at Chuka, but significantly lower (P

Productivity and food security effects of using of certified seed potato: the case of Kenya\u2019s potato farmers

BackgroundPotato is a major food crop in the tropical regions of Africa. However, potato yields continue to remain very low in these regions mainly due to use of poor quality seed. The recent development of rapid seed multiplication technique has helped to shorten the duration of certified seed potato (CSP) production and increase the supply of seed. This study assessed the effect of using CSP on yield, input use, and food security among smallholder farmers. It focused on potato growers in central highlands of Kenya, who were in close proximity to a private seed multiplier that uses these new techniques. The study used the propensity score matching technique and data collected from 408 smallholder farmers through personal interviews. The farmers were stratified by use of CSP.ResultsThe study found positive effect of using certified seed on both yield and food security. There was also a slight increase in input usage, apparently due to pursuit by farmers to optimize the gains from CSP.ConclusionThe study concludes that using CSP has positive effect on smallholder farm households.

Image enhancements of Landsat 8 (OLI) and SAR data for preliminary landslide identification and mapping applied to the central region of Kenya

Image enhancements lead to improved performance and increased accuracy of feature extraction, recognition, identification, classification and hence change detection. This increases the utility of remote sensing to suit environmental applications and aid disaster monitoring of geohazards involving large areas. The main aim of this study was to compare the effect of image enhancement applied to synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data and Landsat 8 imagery in landslide identification and mapping. The methodology involved pre-processing Landsat 8 imagery, image co-registration, despeckling of the SAR data, after which Landsat 8 imagery was enhanced by Principal and Independent Component Analysis (PCA and ICA), a spectral index involving bands 7 and 4, and using a False Colour Composite (FCC) with the components bearing the most geologic information. The SAR data were processed using textural and edge filters, and computation of SAR incoherence. The enhanced spatial, textural and edge information from the SAR data was incorporated to the spectral information from Landsat 8 imagery during the knowledge based classification. The methodology was tested in the central highlands of Kenya, characterized by rugged terrain and frequent rainfall induced landslides. The results showed that the SAR data complemented Landsat 8 data which had enriched spectral information afforded by the FCC with enhanced geologic information. The SAR classification depicted landslides along the ridges and lineaments, important information lacking in the Landsat 8 image classification. The success of landslide identification and classification was attributed to the enhanced geologic features by spectral, textural and roughness properties.

Determinants of the Use of Certified Seed Potato among Smallholder Farmers: The Case of Potato Growers in Central and Eastern Kenya

Potato yields in sub-Saharan Africa remain very low compared with those of developed countries. Yet potato is major food staple and source of income to the predominantly smallholder growing households in the tropical highlands of this region. A major cause of the low potato yields is the use of poor quality seed potato. This paper examines the factors determining the decision to use certified seed potato (CSP), as well as the intensity of its use, among potato growers with access to it. We focused on potato growers in the central highlands of Kenya and used regression analysis to test hypotheses relating to potential impediments of CSP use. The study found that the distance to the market (a proxy for transaction costs), household food insecurity, and asset endowment affect the decision to use CSP. However, the effect of the intensity of use of CSP depends on how the intensity variable is defined. Several other control variables also affect the decision and extent of CSP use. The study concludes that transaction costs, asset endowment, and household food insecurity play a major role in the decision by smallholder potato farmers to use CSP and the extent to which they do so. We also discuss the policy implications of the findings.

Implementation of Participatory Forest Management in Kenya: a case study of Karima Forest

SUMMARY This paper analyzes the distribution of powers before and after the implementation of participatory forest management (PFM) in Kenya. The paper is a case study of the Karima forest in the Central Highlands of Kenya. The study relies primarily on 34 semi-structured interviews with key actors involved in and affected by the PFM. The paper finds that the established Community Forest Association (CFA) has not been entrusted with significant powers; all powers and benefits remain with the local authority (county government). Moreover, the paper documents that the CFA offers a poor representation of the forest communities and weak downward accountability relations. Finally, it illustrates a planning process, which has weaknesses in participation and inclusiveness. Consequently, the paper suggests three areas for PFM policy reform in Kenya: (i) the role (powers) and function of CFAs; (ii) benefit sharing; and (iii) ways to make the PFM process more participatory and inclusive.

A universal spectral analytical method for digital terrain modeling

ABSTRACTThere are three major mathematical problems in digital terrain analysis: (1) interpolation of digital elevation models (DEMs); (2) DEM generalization and denoising; and (3) computation of morphometric variables through calculating partial derivatives of elevation. Traditionally, these three problems are solved separately by means of procedures implemented in different methods and algorithms. In this article, we present a universal spectral analytical method based on high-order orthogonal expansions using the Chebyshev polynomials of the first kind with the subsequent Fejér summation. The method is intended for the processing of regularly spaced DEMs within a single framework including DEM global approximation, denoising, generalization, as well as calculating the partial derivatives of elevation and local morphometric variables.The method is exemplified by a portion of the Great Rift Valley and central Kenyan highlands. A DEM of this territory (the matrix 480 × 481 with a grid spacing of 30″) was extracted from the global DEM SRTM30_PLUS. We evaluated various sets of expansion coefficients (up to 7000) to approximate and reconstruct DEMs with and without the Fejér summation. Digital models of horizontal and vertical curvatures were computed using the first and second partial derivatives of elevation derived from the reconstructed DEMs. To evaluate the approximation accuracy, digital models of residuals (differences between the reconstructed DEMs and the initial one) were calculated. The test results demonstrated that the method is characterized by a good performance (i.e., a distinct monotonic convergence of the approximation) and a high speed of data processing. The method can become an effective alternative to common techniques of DEM processing.

First report of Teratosphaeria gauchensis causing stem canker of Eucalyptus in Kenya

SummaryTeratosphaeria stem canker is an important disease of Eucalyptus species in many parts of the world where these trees are intensively propagated in plantations. Symptoms similar to those of Teratosphaeria stem canker were observed on Eucalyptus grandis and a E. grandis × E. camaldulensis hybrid clone in the Central Highlands of Kenya. Symptomatic bark samples were collected from two sites and the associated fungus isolated and identified using DNA sequence analyses of multiple gene regions. The pathogen was identified as Teratosphaeria gauchensis. This represents the first report of the disease and the pathogen in Kenya.

Dynamics of bacterial and archaeal amoA gene abundance after additions of organic inputs combined with mineral nitrogen to an agricultural soil

Dynamics of ammonia-oxidizing bacterial (AOB) and archaeal (AOA) abundance was assayed in a tropical Humic Nitisol during two cropping seasons of a long-term field experiment situated in the central highlands of Kenya. Since 2002, soils were treated yearly with biochemically contrasting organic inputs (4 Mg C ha−1 year−1) of Tithonia diversifolia (TD; C/N ratio: 13; lignin: 8.9 %; polyphenols: 1.7 %), Calliandra calothyrsus (CC; 13; 13; 9.4) and Zea mays (ZM; 59; 5.4; 1.2) combined with and without 120 kg CaNH4NO3 ha−1 season−1. In 2012 and 2013, soils (0–15 cm) were sampled at young growth (EC30) and flowering (EC60) stages of maize and subjected to DNA-based amoA gene quantification. ZM and TD increased AOB abundance by 9 and 19 %, respectively, compared to CC, while AOA remained unaffected. This was ascribed to high organic N in TD and lower lignin and polyphenol contents in ZM than in CC. In CC, formation of polyphenol-protein complexes limited microbial access to N. Sole use of mineral N or its combination with organic inputs decreased AOA abundance by 35 % but not AOB as a consequence of pH reduction by mineral N. Overall, AOB was more responsive than AOA to input quality that became most pronounced under optimal soil moisture conditions found in 2013 and at EC60 in 2012. We recommend prolonged study periods, considering also rRNA-based analyses to explore the dynamics of active nitrifying communities as a consequence of interrelations of contrasting organic inputs, crop growth stages and seasonality in agricultural soils.

Vegetation response to intensive commercial horticulture and environmental changes within watersheds in central highlands, Kenya, using AVHRR NDVI data

Expansion and heterogeneous clustering of commercial horticulture within the central highlands of Kenya after the mid-1990s impact watersheds and the sustainable resource management. This is distressing since climate conditions for world horticultural regions are projected to change, making such farming extremely difficult and costly to the environment. To understand the scope of impact on vegetation, the study evaluated (1) interannual variability in averaged normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI); (2) trends in average annual NDVI before and after 1990 – the presumed onset of rapid horticulture; and (3) relationship between the average annual NDVI and large-scale commercial farms, population density, and mean annual rainfall in subwatersheds. Time-series analysis of long-term Global Inventory Modeling and Mapping Studies NDVI data were analyzed as indicator of vegetation condition. NDVI trends before 1990s (1982–1989) and after 1990s (1990–2006) were evaluated to determine the slope (sign), and the Spearman’s correlation coefficient (strength). Overall, results show considerable variations in vegetation condition due largely to mixed factors including intensive farming activities, drought, and rainfall variation. Statistical analysis shows significant differences in slopes before 1990 and after 1990 (p < 0.05 and p < 0.1 respectively). Negative (decline) trends were common after 1990, linked to increased commercial horticulture and related anthropogenic disturbances on land cover. There was decline in vegetation over densely populated subwatersheds, though low NDVI values in 1984 and 2000 were the effect of severe droughts. Understanding the linkage between vegetation responses to the effects of human-induced pressure at the subwatershed scale can help natural resource managers approach conservation measures more effectively.

The Effects of Maize Planting Density and Weeding Regimes on Light and Water Use

Light and water are among essential resources required for production of photosynthates in plants. A study on the effects of weeding regimes and maize planting density on light and water use was conducted during the 2001/2 short and 2002 long rain seasons at Muguga in - the central highlands of Kenya. Weeding regimes were: weed free (W1), weedy (W2), herbicide (W3) and hand weeding twice (W4). Maize planting densities were 9 (D1) and 18 plants m -2 (D2) intercropped with Phaseolus vulgaris (beans). The experiment was laid as randomized complete block design replicated four times and repeated twice. All plots were thinned to 4 plants m -2 at tasseling stage (96 DAE) and thinnings quantified as forage. Soil moisture content (SMC), photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) interception, evapo-transpiration (ET crop), water use efficiency (WUE), and harvest index (HI), were determined. Percent PAR was higher in D2 than in D1 before thinning but higher in D1 than in D2 after thinning in both seasons. PAR interception was highest in W2 but similar in W1, W3 and W4 in both seasons. SMC was significantly lower in W2 but similar in W1, W3 and W4. D2 had lower SMC than D1 in season two. Weeding regime significantly influenced ET crop, while planting density and weeding regime significantly influenced WUE and HI. D2 maximizes water and light use for forage production but results to increased intra-specific plant competition for water and light severely before thinning (96 DAE) that reduce grain yield in dual purpose maize, relative to D1.

Effects of selected soil and water conservation techniques on runoff, sediment yield and maize productivity under sub-humid and semi-arid conditions in Kenya

The aim of this work is to investigate the consequences of selected soil and water conservation techniques and tillage practices on runoff amounts, sediment yield and maize yields under semi-arid and sub-humid environments. Field trials were set in Kigogo primary school in Meru South Sub-County, Tharaka Nithi County, representing the sub-humid conditions, and Machang'a secondary in Mbeere South Sub-County, Embu County (semi-arid) in the central highlands of Kenya. The experiment layout was a randomized complete block design and the treatments were implemented in runoff plots. Tied ridging (TR) was the most efficient technique in reducing runoff and sediment yield and at the same time boosting crop yields in the semi-arid region. It significantly (p<0.05) reduced sediment yields by 94% compared to the conventional tillage (CT) during the study period. The effects were particularly strong in periods of below average rainfall (dry seasons). During the drier season of short rains 2010 (SR10), grain yield under TR was 7 times higher compared to CT (p<0.01). In the sub-humid region, minimum tillage (MT) generated high runoff but relatively low sediment yield compared to CT. During periods of enough rainfall (over 450mm per season) in the drier site, intercropping suppressed maize yields significantly (p<0.01) by 42% compared to conventional tillage in the drier site. The results on the magnitude of runoff and sediment under the different soil and farm management practices are crucial in selection and promotion of valid farm management practices and tillage alternatives that not only abate soil erosion but also boost agricultural productivity in both sub-humid and semi-arid agro-ecological zones.

Effects of selected soil and water conservation technologies on nutrient losses and maize yields in the central highlands of Kenya

Mitigating nutrient loss is a prerequisite of sustainable agriculture in the tropics. We evaluated three soil and water conservation technologies (mulching, minimum tillage and tied ridging) for two cropping seasons (long rains 2011, short rains 2011) at two sites in the central highlands of Kenya. The objectives were: to determine effects of the technologies on runoff, sediment yield and nutrient loads in sediment, and to assess influence of the technologies on maize yields. Experimental design was a randomized complete block with 3 treatments replicated thrice. At the beginning of experiment, soil was sampled at 0–15cm depth and analyzed for pH, N, P, K, C, Ca and Mg. Mulch was applied at a rate of 5tha−1. Runoff was sampled, sediments extracted by drying in oven at 105°C, and analyzed for NPK and C loads. Data were subjected to analysis of variance using SAS 9.1.3 and means separated using Fishers’ LSD at 5% level of significance. Results showed reduced nutrient losses with the technologies. In Meru South, sediment yield was reduced by 41 and 7% during long rains 2011 (p=0.03), and by 71 and 68% during short rains 2011 (p=0.01) under mulching and minimum tillage, respectively. Runoff and maize yields were positively influenced by mulching. In Mbeere South, sediment yield was lower under soil and water conservation technologies. Runoff was reduced by 52 and 49% during long rains 2011 and by 51 and 30% during short rains 2011 under tied ridging and mulching respectively, compared with control. Total crop failure occurred during long rains 2011 due to erratic rains. During short rains 2011 tied ridging and mulching increased maize yield by 94 and 75%, respectively, compared with control. This study highlights the importance of analyzing soil and water conservation technologies within rain-fed farming systems perspective in response to declining food production and supports a focus on tied ridging and mulching.

Spatial Distribution of Greenhouse Commercial Horticulture in Kenya and the Role of Demographic, Infrastructure and Topo-Edaphic Factors

Greenhouse commercial horticulture in Kenya started more than two decades ago and has evolved to be a significant sector to the national economy. So far no studies have explored the spatial patterns and dynamics of the area under greenhouse cultivation. Google Earth archives alongside data from various portals provided an opportunity to study those farms’ spatial distribution. The roles of selected topo-edaphic, infrastructure and demographics factors that might influence current location within sub-watersheds in central highlands of Kenya are also examined. Results reveal a non-uniform spread with two high clusters; one in the semi-arid sub-watersheds 3AB shared by Kajiado and Machakos districts and the other is in sub-humid sub-watersheds 3BA shared by Kiambu and Nairobi districts. Multivariate linear regression analysis reveals four statistically significant parameters; population density (p &lt; 0.01), number of dams (p &lt; 0.01), average rainfall (p &lt; 0.01) and average slope (p &lt; 0.05) in predicting the number of greenhouse farms. Soil attributes are not significantly related with greenhouse farming in this study. Findings indicate that greenhouse commercial horticulture is heterogeneous, and rapidly expanding beyond the central highlands towards marginal semi-arid zones in Kenya. These findings are applicable in policy and decision making processes that aid the horticulture sector’s progress in a sustainable manner.

Length of growing season, rainfall temporal distribution, onset and cessation dates in the Kenyan highlands

Dependence on uncertain rainfall and exposure to unmitigated climate risk are major obstacles in efforts to sustainably intensify agricultural production and enhance rural livelihoods. There is generally enough seasonal total rainfall; the challenge is its poor distribution over time and across the season. The amount of water available to plants strongly depends on the rainy season's onset, length, temporal distribution and cessation and can indirectly indicate the climatic suitability of the crop and its chances of success or failure in a season. Thus, the objective was to determine rainfall pattern; temporal distribution, onset, cessation and length of growing seasons in the tropical sub-humid and a semi-arid regions with contrasting rainfall patterns and agricultural potential in central highlands of Kenya. The study was carried out in Maara and Meru South Sub-Counties in Tharaka Nithi County and Mbeere North and South Sub-Counties in Embu County of the central highlands of Kenya (CHK). Central highlands of Kenya cover both areas with high potential for crop production and low potential, attributed to rainfall differences. Meteorological data were sourced from Kenya Metrological Department (KMD) headquarters and research stations within the study areas. Length of growing season, onset and cessation dates for both Long (LR) and short (SR) rains seasons were determined based on historical rainfall data using RAIN software and derived using various spatial analysis tools in ArcGIS software and presented spatially. Generally there was high frequency of dry spells of at least 5 days length in all the sites with Kiamaogo site having the highest (84 occurrences during LR season) and Kiambere having the least (44 occurrences during LR season) in 10 years. The occurrence of dry spells longer than 15 days in a season was more rampant in the lower altitude parts (semi-arid regions) of the study area as reflected by the Kiambere, Kiritiri, Machang’a and Kamburu sites in both seasons. For the higher altitude regions, average LR onset, representative of the normal/conventional growing period, ranged from 22nd to 26th March to end of April in the region. For the lower altitude region, it ranged from 16th to 30th March. For SR, onset was generally earlier in the high altitude areas with Kiamaogo having the earliest on 13th October. In the low altitude region, onset was comparatively late compared to the higher potential region, but unlike the LR season, spatial and temporal variation was narrower. The high frequency of dry spells more than 15 days long, coupled with the generally low total amount of rainfall receive per season makes agriculture a risk venture. Homogeneity test revealed that the generated onset and cessation dates for the two rain seasons were homogeneous over the 10 years for each of the seven stations. This indicates that, there has been no shift in onset and cessation within the period under consideration. Dynamic derivation of the spatial onset and cessation data at a local scale can be useful in monitoring shifts in onset dates and hence advice small scale farmers and other stakeholders in agriculture sector accordingly in the quest for enhanced agricultural productivity.