Kenya

The population of Kenya is approximately 59M (2024).

The capital of Kenya is Nairobi.

Kenya's GDP per capita is $2.3K (2024).

Life expectancy in Kenya is 63.83 years (2024).

Kenya covers 580,367 km² (224,081 sq mi).

Kenya has a moderate population density of 101 people per km², close to the global average of 60.

Kenya's population is growing rapidly at 2.0% per year — among the fastest in the world.

Based on GDP per capita, Kenya falls in the lower-middle GDP-per-person tier at $2.3K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.

Kenya's intentional homicide rate is 4.9 per 100,000 people, close to the global average.

Kenya has 2 official languages: English, Swahili.

Kenya uses the Kenyan shilling (Sh) as its sole official currency.

The best months to visit Kenya are February, June, August, September, October, based on climate data for the capital.

Current estimates show that Kenya has a population of approximately 58.7 million people, a figure that continues to grow at an annual rate of 1.96%. This population size ranks the nation 26th globally and 7th within Africa. The country remains a demographic heavyweight in Eastern Africa, where it holds the 3rd largest population rank.

The estimated GDP per capita in Kenya is 2,339 USD, according to recent economic projections. This figure ranks the country 170th globally and 22nd among African nations, reflecting its position as a developing middle-income economy. Within the Eastern Africa subregion, Kenya maintains the 4th highest GDP per capita, supported by its role as a regional trade hub.

The latest available data indicates that the life expectancy at birth in Kenya is 63.8 years. This longevity figure currently ranks the country 195th globally out of 215 recorded nations. While this represents significant progress in public health over historical decades, it highlights ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access and combat both infectious and lifestyle-related diseases.

Approximately 35% of the Kenyan population uses the internet, which ranks the nation 177th globally for internet penetration. Despite this mid-tier ranking, Kenya is widely recognized for its high level of mobile connectivity and pioneering digital financial services. These technological advancements have integrated large portions of the population into the formal economy through mobile-money platforms.

The adult literacy rate in Kenya is 82.2%, according to the latest available records, which ranks the country 116th globally among 170 nations. This relatively strong literacy level is the result of long-term investments in the public education system and high enrollment in primary schooling. High literacy supports the country's growing services sector and its ambitions for technological innovation.

The unemployment rate in Kenya is 5.449%, which represents a relatively stable labor market compared to many other developing economies. This performance ranks Kenya 86th globally for the lowest unemployment rate. However, the country still faces significant challenges regarding underemployment and the necessity of creating formal sector jobs for its rapidly growing young population.

Kenya currently ranks 26th in the world out of 215 countries and territories. Regionally, it is the 7th most populous country in Africa and ranks 3rd within Eastern Africa. This high global standing underscores Kenya's role as a major demographic and economic leader in the region.

Recent estimates show a population density of 101 people per km² (262 people per sq mi). This is an increase from the official 2023 density of 95.3 people per km². Distribution is uneven, with most people living in the fertile southwest, while the northern and eastern regions are sparsely populated.

The population of Kenya is growing at an annual rate of 1.96% according to recent estimates. This growth is sustained by a high birth rate of 27 per 1,000 people. Although the growth rate has slowed from historical highs, the population continues to expand by over 1 million people annually.

The current fertility rate in Kenya is 3.17 births per woman. This represents a significant decline from the 1970s, when the average was over 8 children per woman. The reduction is attributed to improved access to healthcare, higher levels of female education, and successful national family planning programs.

Approximately 31.9% of the Kenyan population lives in urban areas according to the latest data. While the country remains predominantly rural, the urban population is growing rapidly as people move to major centers like Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu. This trend reflects the ongoing economic shift toward services and industry.