Kenya

World Book Index

Introduction

Background
Kenya gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1963. In 2010, Kenyans voted to adopt a new constitution that introduced additional checks and balances to executive power and devolved power and resources to 47 newly created counties.

Geography

Area
total : 580,367 sq km
land: 569,140 sq km
water: 11,227 sq km

Climate
varies from tropical along coast to arid in interior

Natural resources
limestone, soda ash, salt, gemstones, fluorspar, zinc, diatomite, gypsum, wildlife, hydropower

People and Society

Population
total: 58,246,378 (2024 est.)

Ethnic groups
Kikuyu 17.1%, Luhya 14.3%, Kalenjin 13.4%, Luo 10.7%, Kamba 9.8%, Somali 5.8%, Kisii 5.7%, Mijikenda 5.2%, Meru 4.2%, Maasai 2.5%, Turkana 2.1%, non-Kenyan 1%, other 8.2% (2019 est.)

Languages
English (official), Kiswahili (official), numerous indigenous languages

Religions
Christian 85.5% (Protestant 33.4%, Catholic 20.6%, Evangelical 20.4%, African Instituted Churches 7%, other Christian 4.1%), Muslim 10.9%, other 1.8%, none 1.6%, don't know/no answer 0.2% (2019 est.)

Population growth rate
2.06% (2024 est.)

Government

Government type
presidential republic

Capital
name: Nairobi

Executive branch
chief of state: President William RUTO (since 13 September 2022)
head of government: President William RUTO (since 13 September 2022)

Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador David Kipkorir Kiplagat KERICH (since 18 September 2024)

Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Susan M. BURNS (since 25 August 2025)

Economy

Economic overview
fast growing, third largest Sub-Saharan economy; strong agriculture sector with emerging services and tourism industries; IMF program to address current account and debt service challenges; business-friendly policies foster infrastructure investment, digital innovation and public-private partnerships; vulnerable to climate change-induced droughts

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$328.632 billion (2024 est.)
$314.491 billion (2023 est.)
$297.938 billion (2022 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$5,800 (2024 est.)
$5,700 (2023 est.)
$5,500 (2022 est.)

Exports
$12.626 billion (2023 est.)
$13.954 billion (2022 est.)
$11.815 billion (2021 est.)

Exports - partners
Uganda 10%, USA 10%, UAE 8%, Netherlands 8%, Pakistan 6% (2023)

Exports - commodities
tea, cut flowers, garments, gold, tropical fruits (2023)

Imports
$22.046 billion (2023 est.)
$24.606 billion (2022 est.)
$22.001 billion (2021 est.)

Imports - partners
China 22%, UAE 14%, India 10%, Saudi Arabia 5%, Malaysia 4% (2023)

Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, palm oil, wheat, plastics, garments (2023)

Human Development Index

The country's Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.628, ranking it 143th out of 193 countries tested. (more information)

World Happiness Report

The World Happiness Report ranked the country 117th out of 158 countries tested with a score of 4.505. (more information)