- Tsavo WE4141, Rs 5101 and Tsavo WE3106 top the list of the best maize seeds for short rains in Kenya.
What makes the best maize varieties to plant in this October short rains? High yields, drought tolerance, and quick maturity.
But how do you choose the best variety among the many on the market?
From my 8 years of farming experience, these varieties top my list for the October 2026 short rains and can harvest at least 25 bags per acre in just 3 months.
The good thing is that all these varieties are available at our farm shop, and you can order them HERE NOW!
Best Maize Seeds for short rains in Kenya
1. Tsavo WE4141
It’s a high-yielding, drought-tolerant variety with an early maturity of 90-110 days depending on management.
Its super high tolerance of harsh, dry conditions in the majority of parts of Kenya, while still managing to give good yield per acre, is what makes it the best maize variety to plant in Kenya.
The water-efficient (WE) variety tends to remain green for a longer time even after maturity, making it the best maize variety for fodder.
It can yield 35-45 bags per acre and is good for roasting too. It’s a double-cob variety.
2. Rs 5101
Also known as WE 2109, it has shown good performance, almost similar to Tsavo WE 4141.
It is drought-tolerant and has a quick maturity of 90 days. It has a great yield of over 25 bags per acre, with foliage remaining green after maturity.
This is a double-cob variety, with some farmers reporting three cobs in some stalks.
3. Tsavo WE3106
It’s a water-efficient variety, high-yielding, and drought-tolerant. It matures in 90 days and yields 30-40 bags per acre.
The only difference between WE4141 and WE3106 is that WE3106 produces large cobs with heavy grains. It’s a double collar.
4. Haraka Wh101
This is one of the fastest-growing maize varieties.
It has a sweet taste, ideal for roasting and flour.
It matures in 90 days and yields over 25 bags per acre under good management. It’s a double-cobler.
5. Haraka WH301
Haraka WH301 is a sweet, quick-maturity variety (110-120 days), with a yield of over 25 bags.
It’s a double collar. The only difference between WH101 and WH301 is that WH301 has a bigger grain size.
6. DKC 8031
It’s a fast-growing, drought-tolerant maize variety with a maturity of 85-110 days. A double cobler that can yield above 25 bags per acre depending on management.
7. DKC 8033
This is a super yielder, drought-tolerant, double-cobler maize variety. Depending on weather and management, it can yield above 30 bags per acre with a maturity of 90-120 days.
Read Also: The Best Crops to Grow in August–September 2026
8. H520
This is a hybrid, early-maturing maize variety with a yield potential of above 28 bags per acre and a maturity of 120-130 days.
9. H513
This is an early-maturing hybrid maize variety with a yield of above 15 bags per acre.
It’s a great variety for areas that experience extreme weather conditions such as drought or cold weather.
It will also do well in black cotton soils.
10. SC Duma 419
This is an early-maturing double-cobler maize variety with a yield potential of above 25 bags per acre and a maturity of 90-120 days depending on management and weather.
What maize variety are you considering planting this October rainy season?
