Best Fast-Maturing Maize Varieties to Plant in Kenya (April 2025)
Kelvin Wairimu 
Are you a maize farmer in Kenya looking for fast-maturing, high-yielding maize varieties to plant this April during the long rains?
If you farm in areas with two rainy seasons, cool temperatures, or occasional drought, selecting the right variety can make all the difference.
In this guide, we explore the best maize varieties that mature in under 150 days, offering:
- High yields (20-50 bags per acre)
- Drought & cold tolerance
- Resistance to common maize diseases
Best Fast-Maturing Maize Varieties for 2025
1. Tsavo WE4141 – Best Overall Fast-Maturing Variety
- Maturity: 110-120 days
- Yield: 35-40 bags per acre
- Tolerances: Drought, heavy rainfall, and common maize diseases
Why Choose Tsavo WE4141?
Tsavo WE4141 remains one of the top-performing maize varieties in Kenya. It thrives in both dry and wet regions, thanks to its wide leaf surface area, making it an excellent choice for farmers interested in both grain and silage production.
Best for: Farmers looking for dual-purpose maize (grain & fodder) with high adaptability.
2. Haraka WH101 – Best for Roasting & Heavy Grains
- Maturity: 105-120 days
- Yield: 20-25 bags per acre
- Tolerances: Drought, low nitrogen soils, MSV, GLS, and blight
Why Choose Haraka WH101?
This variety is well-known for producing sweet, heavy grains, making it an excellent choice for both grain production and roadside roasting maize businesses.
Best for: Farmers in semi-arid and highland regions looking for marketable roasting maize.
Read Also: Maize Yield Per Acre in Kenya: How Many Bags Can You Harvest?
3. DKC 90-89 – Highest Yielding Early-Maturing Maize
- Maturity: 120-135 days (4-4.5 months)
- Yield: Up to 50 bags per acre
- Tolerances: Leaf diseases, moderate drought resistance
Why Choose DKC 90-89?
If you want the highest yields in the shortest time, this is an ideal variety. However, it performs best in areas with consistent rainfall or irrigation.
Best for: Farmers with reliable rainfall or irrigation systems aiming for maximum yield.
4. SC Sungura 301 – Ultra-Fast Maturity (Best for Short Rain Seasons)
Maturity: 75-85 days
Yield: 25-30 bags per acre
Tolerances: Drought, cold, most maize diseases
Why Choose SC Sungura 301?
This variety is perfect for areas with short rain seasons or farmers looking for a quick turnaround crop. It performs well even under cold conditions, making it ideal for high-altitude areas.
Best for: Farmers in cool, dry, or short-rainfall areas needing ultra-fast maturity.
5. DK 8031 – Best for Drought Resistance
- Maturity: 90-120 days
- Yield: Up to 32 bags per acre
- Tolerances: High drought resistance, ear drooping for protection
Why Choose DK 8031?
This hybrid maize variety is designed for tough conditions.
Best for: Farmers in dry areas looking for resilient, high-yield maize.
6. H520 – Best Hybrid for Disease Resistance
- Maturity: 90-120 days
- Yield: 32 bags per acre
- Tolerances: Grey Leaf Spot (GLS), blight, rust, excellent husk cover
Why Choose H520?
This variety is ideal for regions prone to disease outbreaks due to its strong disease resistance. The flint kernel composition also improves storage longevity.
Best for: Farmers in disease-prone regions needing durable, high-yield maize.
7. DKC 8033 – Best Double Cobbler Hybrid
- Maturity: 90-120 days
- Yield: 30-38 bags per acre
- Tolerances: Drought, common maize diseases
Why Choose DKC 8033?
If you’re looking for a variety with double cobbing, this is an excellent option. More cobs mean higher yields per plant, maximizing your field’s productivity.
Best for: Farmers aiming for higher yields per plant with strong drought tolerance.
8. SC Duma 43 – Best Hybrid for Streak & Leaf Disease Tolerance
- Maturity: 90-120 days
- Yield: 30-35 bags per acre
- Tolerances: Maize Streak Virus (MSV), Grey Leaf Spot (GLS)
Why Choose SC Duma 43?
This variety has excellent disease tolerance, making it ideal for humid and wet areas prone to fungal infections.
Best for: Farmers in high-rainfall areas needing disease-resistant maize.
How to Choose the Best Maize Variety for Your Farm
Before selecting a variety, consider:
- Rainfall levels: If rainfall is low, choose drought-tolerant varieties like DK 8031 or SC Sungura 301.
- Soil type & fertility: Some varieties like Haraka WH101 perform well in low-nitrogen soils.
- Market preference: If growing for roasting maize, go for Haraka WH101.
- Disease prevalence: If your area has frequent maize streak or rust issues, choose H520 or SC Duma 43.
Final Thoughts: Which Maize Variety Should You Plant?
Tsavo WE4141, Haraka WH101, DKC 90-89, SC Sungura 301, DK 8031,H520,DKC 8033 ,SC DUMA 43 are the best fast maturity maize varieties to plant in April 2025.
- For Maximum Yields: – DKC 90-89 (50 bags/acre)
- Quick Harvest: – SC Sungura 301 (75-85 days)
- For Drought Resistance: – DK 8031
- Disease Resistance: – H520, SC Duma 43
- For Double Cob Production: – DKC 8033
No single maize variety fits all conditions. The best choice depends on your region, climate, and farming goals.
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