Country Profile: Kenya

Kenya is located in Eastern Africa, bordered by the Indian Ocean, with a diverse geography that includes low plains, highlands, and the Great Rift Valley. The country has a population of approximately 58 million, composed of various ethnic groups, and experiences a mix of tropical and arid climates. Kenya has a rapidly growing economy, primarily driven by agriculture, services, and tourism, governed as a presidential republic. The country has faced political challenges but has made significant strides toward democratic reforms since its independence in 1963.

Geography

Kenya's geographic location provides a variety of climates and terrains, ranging from tropical along the coast to arid in the interior. The country covers a total area of approximately 580,367 square kilometers, with diverse natural resources including wildlife, gemstones, and agricultural land. The fertile regions, particularly in the highlands, contribute significantly to agricultural production.

Highest Point: Mount Kenya at 5,199 meters
Major Lakes: Lake Victoria (62,940 sq km) and Lake Turkana (6,400 sq km)
Coastline: 536 kilometers along the Indian Ocean
Land Boundaries: Borders Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda with a total of 3,457 kilometers
Natural Hazards: Recurring droughts and flooding during rainy seasons

People and Society

Kenya has a diverse population estimated at 58,246,378 as of 2024, predominantly young with a median age of 21.2 years. The society comprises various ethnic groups, with the Kikuyu, Luhya, and Kalenjin being the largest. The official languages are English and Kiswahili, reflecting the country's cultural blend.

Urban Population: 29.5% of the total population is urbanized (2023)
Life Expectancy: 70.4 years at birth (2024)
Birth Rate: 25.6 births/1,000 population (2024)
Maternal Mortality Ratio: 379 deaths/100,000 live births (2023)
Population Growth Rate: 2.06% (2024)

Economy

Kenya's economy is the third largest in Sub-Saharan Africa, characterized by a strong agricultural sector and emerging industries in services and tourism. The country is projected to have a real GDP of $328.632 billion in 2024, with a growth rate of 4.5%. However, it faces challenges related to climate change and external debt.

GDP per Capita: $5,800 (2024)
Unemployment Rate: 5.5% (2024)
Poverty Rate: 38.6% of the population falls below the national poverty line (2021)
Agriculture Contribution: 21.3% of GDP (2024)
Annual Exports: Estimated at $12.626 billion (2023)

Government

Kenya operates as a presidential republic with a multi-party system and a constitution that was established in 2010. The President serves as both the head of state and government, with William RUTO currently in office since September 13, 2022. The country is divided into 47 counties for administrative purposes.

Capital: Nairobi, with coordinates 1.17 S, 36.49 E
Suffrage Age: 18 years for universal voting rights
Legislature: Bicameral Parliament consisting of the National Assembly and the Senate
Recent Election: Presidential election held on August 9, 2022
National Holiday: Jamhuri Day on December 12 celebrates independence (1963)

Military and Security

The Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) are responsible for safeguarding the nation's sovereignty and include the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The military also participates in regional peacekeeping missions, particularly in Somalia.

Military Expenditures: 1.1% of GDP (2024)
Active Personnel: Approximately 25,000 in the KDF (2025)
Deployments: About 1,400 in Somalia
Military Age: Voluntary service begins at 18 years
Equipment Sources: Includes modern systems from various international suppliers

Energy

Kenya is making strides in energy access, with an electrification rate of 76% for the total population. The energy mix includes a significant contribution from renewable sources.

Electricity Consumption: 10.002 billion kWh (2023)
Installed Capacity: 3.824 million kW (2023)
Renewable Energy Share: 47.2% from geothermal sources
Electrification in Urban Areas: 98%
Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 19.023 million metric tonnes (2023)

Environment

The environment in Kenya faces challenges due to pollution, deforestation, and climate change. The country is a party to numerous international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these issues.

Water Resources: Total renewable water resources estimated at 30.7 billion cubic meters (2020)
Urbanization Rate: 4.09% annual change in urban population (2020-2025 est.)
Environmental Issues: Includes water pollution and deforestation
Waste Recycling Rate: Approximately 8% of municipal solid waste was recycled (2009)
Natural Heritage: Home to 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Transportation

Kenya has a developing transportation infrastructure, including airports, railways, and a merchant marine fleet that supports both local and international trade.

Airports: 368 (2025)
Railway Length: 3,819 km (2018)
Total Ports: 4 (2024)
Merchant Marine: Comprises 26 vessels (2023)
Civil Aircraft Registration: 5Y

Communications

The telecommunications sector in Kenya is expanding, with high mobile phone penetration and internet usage growing among the population.

Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 66.7 million (2023)
Internet Users: 35% of the population (2023)
Fixed-Line Subscriptions: Around 68,000 (2023)
Broadband Subscriptions: Approximately 1.32 million (2023)
Television and Radio Services: Provided by various private and state-owned companies

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	58,246,378 (2024 est.)	Total population estimate
Area	580,367 sq km	Total land area
GDP	$328.632 billion	Real GDP (PPP) for 2024
Unemployment Rate	5.5%	Unemployment as a percentage of labor force
Energy Consumption	5.486 million Btu/person	Total energy consumption per capita (2023)
Birth Rate	25.6 births/1,000 population	Fertility rate for 2024
Life Expectancy	70.4 years	Average life expectancy at birth (2024)
Youth Unemployment Rate	11.9%	Unemployment for ages 15-24 (2024 est.)
Total Urban Population	29.5%	Percentage of urban population (2023)
Agricultural Land	49.7%	Percentage of land used for agriculture (2022)