Beans Farming in Kenya: The Best Varieties to Grow 2025

Looking for popular bean varieties to plant with high market demand and good yield? Well, the following varieties are highly sought after in the Kenyan market due to their high yield under good management.

Rosecoco (GLP 2)

The rosecoco bean is the most sought-after locally and for export for its sweet taste. It has a pink or cream colour with distinctive red or maroon streaks/speckles.

Rosecoco is believed to be non-acidic with a creamy texture and a pleasant flavour.

It has an appearance of medium- to large-sized, kidney-shaped beans with a marbled pattern of red/maroon streaks on a pinkish-cream background.

Read Also: The Best Fertilizer for Beans: Complete Guide for Maximum Yields

Under good management, it can yield 20–25 bags per acre (1,800–2,250 kg/ha, assuming 90 kg bags). For better yields, always plant certified seeds.

Rosecoco beans have a maturity of 75–85 days, depending on management.

Nyayo

Nyayo beans are light brown, medium-sized, chubby, oval beans with a smooth surface that are very popular in restaurants and among small-scale vendors for their versatility and all-season growth. However, it’s moderately acidic.

It can perform well in most regions with a maturity of 75-90 days, depending on management.

If well managed, it can yield 20–22 bags per acre (1,800–2,000 kg/ha, assuming 90 kg bags).

Wairimu

Butterfly Haricot Beans Red, also known as Wairimu Beans, are a type of legume known for their distinctive red colour. They are tiny, round beans with a matte finish and are very acidic with a distinctive flavour.

It’s very good for intercropping and can perform well in medium-dry areas with a maturity of 75-90 days. Under good management, it can yield 20–22 bags per acre (1,800–2,000 kg/ha, assuming 90 kg bags).

 Yellow Beans

Yellow beans are the most expensive and highly sought-after beans in Kenya. They have a mild and slightly sweet taste.

Yellow beans are medium-sized, round beans with a bright yellow colour and a colored hilum (eye spot, often black or brown).

It matures in 70-85 days under good management, and it can yield 1,400–1,900 kg/ha (15–21 bags per acre).

Canadian Wonder

Though not common in local markets, it is highly valued for high yields in high-altitude areas.

It is light brown with a reddish tint, petite, oval beans with a smooth texture, and acidic but sweet.

It has a maturity of 80–100 days and can yield 2,500–3,000 kg/ha (27–33 bags per acre) at altitudes above 1,500 m.

Mwitemania (Pinto Beans)

It is often grouped with Rosecoco due to similar taste and appearance. Mwetamania beans are medium-sized and light brown with reddish-brown flecks.

It matures in 75–90 days with a yield of 1,800–2,200 kg/ha (20–24 bags per acre).

Nyota

Nyota is a biofortified variety with a deep maroon color that is very rich in iron and zinc.

It’s medium-sized, slightly rounded beans with a smooth surface.

Under good management, it can yield 1,500–2,000 kg/ha (16–22 bags per acre) and a maturity of 60–70 days.

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