Kenya
Republic of Kenya
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +1.80%
With a population of roughly 53.3 million, Kenya ranks in the upper quartile of countries by population size. The country extends across 580,367 km², translating to a density of 92 people per km². Its capital is Nairobi, and official languages include English and Swahili, while the Kenyan shilling serves as the national currency.
Population
53,330,978
Area
580,367 km²
Density
92/km²
World Rank
#26
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. Births occur at 27.1 per thousand against deaths at 7.2 per thousand, yielding a moderate natural surplus. A youthful age structure is evident: 36.8% of the population is under 15, while only 3% is over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Nairobi
- Region
- Africa
- Subregion
- Eastern Africa
- Continent
- Africa
- Languages
- English, Swahili
- Currencies
- Kenyan shilling (Sh)
- Calling Code
- +254
- Top-Level Domain
- .ke
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+03:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 53,330,978
- Land Area
- 580,367 km²
- Population Density
- 92 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +1.80%
- Annual Growth
- +959,958 people
- Daily Growth
- +2,630 people
- World Population Share
- 0.66%
- Coordinates
- 1.00°, 38.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
At around $2.1k per person, the economy falls into the lower-middle-income tier, reflecting ongoing development needs. Unemployment sits at 5.5%, roughly in line with the global average of 5.8%. The Gini index of 37.7 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
63.6 years
GDP per Capita
$2,132
Birth Rate
27.1 per 1,000
Death Rate
7.2 per 1,000
Urban Population
31.9%
Fertility Rate
3.21 births/woman
Infant Mortality
34.7 per 1,000
Unemployment
5.5%
Literacy Rate
82.2%
Internet Users
35.0%
Under 15
36.8%
Over 65
3.0%
Health Spending
4.3% GDP
Gini Index
37.7
Age Distribution
0-14 years
19.6M
15-64 years
32.1M
65+ years
1.6M
Urbanization
Only 31.9% of the population lives in urban areas, reflecting a predominantly rural way of life that shapes access to services and markets. Nairobi, the capital, anchors a broader network of metropolitan centers that drive economic activity. Net emigration of 27330.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
17.0M
31.9%
36.3M
68.1%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 63.6 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 34.7 per thousand live births, somewhat lower than the global average. The literacy rate of 82.2% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Kenya
Kenya has 29 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Kenya is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, Kenya participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 53,330,978 |
| 2030 | 57,112,097 |
| 2035 | 61,856,188 |
| 2040 | 66,618,570 |
| 2045 | 71,401,522 |
| 2050 | 76,210,475 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Kenya.
Largest Cities in Kenya
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Kenya by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Kenya?
The population of Kenya is approximately 53.3 million as of 2026, making it #26 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Kenya?
The capital of Kenya is Nairobi.
What languages are spoken in Kenya?
The main languages spoken in Kenya are English, Swahili.
How big is Kenya?
Kenya covers an area of 580,367 km² with a population density of 92 people per km².
Is Kenya growing or shrinking?
Kenya is growing at a rate of 1.80% per year, adding approximately 959,958 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Kenya?
The average life expectancy in Kenya is 63.6 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Kenya?
The GDP per capita of Kenya is $2,132.