Here are some facts and figures about the population distribution in Kenya. For more information on the Kenyan people, see my general introduction.



Figures on the population distribution in Kenya are not very reliable. The total population is estimated by various sources between about 30 and 37 million. The Kenya government (Central Bureau of Statistics) itself says there are currently (2007) 34.5 million Kenyans. It expects the population to grow to 36.3 million by 2010.

The average population density in Kenya is 50,6 persons per square kilometre, but this varies widely within the country. Most people are concentrated in the south-west part of the country (around the cities of Nairobi and Kisumu) with a smaller population centre around Mombasa (in the south-east). Click here for a map of the population distribution in Kenya (PDF).

Population distribution in Kenya between urban and rural areas:

Urban: 41%
Rural: 59%

Population distribution by age:

0-14 years: 42.6% (female 7,322,130; male 7,454,765)
15-64 years: 55.1% (female 9,508,068; male 9,631,488)
65 years and over: 2.3% (female 432,012; male 359,354)

(Source: CIA World Fact Book, 2006 estimates)

Total population of the provinces:

1. Rift Valley province (capital Nakuru): 8,418,100
2. Eastern province (capital Embu): 5,322,400
3. Nyanza province (capital Kisumu): 4,984,900
4. Western province (capital Kakamega): 4,151,000
5. Central province (capital Nyeri): 3,923,900
6. Coast province (capital Mombasa): 2,975,400
7. Nairobi area (capital Nairobi): 2,845,400
8. North Eastern province (capital Garissa): 1,326,000
Total: 33,947,100

(Source: Kenyan Central Bureau of Statistics, 2006)

Total population of the 20 biggest cities and towns:

1. Nairobi: 2,143,254
2. Mombasa: 665,018
3. Kisumu: 322,734
4. Nakuru: 219,366
5. Eldoret: 167,016
6. Machakos: 144,109
7. Meru: 126,427
8. Nyeri: 98,908
9. Kitale: 86,055
10. Thika: 82,665
11. Kericho: 82,126
12. Ruiru: 79,741
13. Kakamega: 73,607
14. Kisii: 59,248
15. Malindi: 53,805
16. Garissa: 50,955
17. Webuye: 48,608
18. Bunguma: 44,196
19. Mumias: 36,158
20. Wajir: 32,237

(Source: Kenyan Central Bureau of Statistics, 1999)