Country Profile: Kenya

Kenya, located in Eastern Africa, is bordered by the Indian Ocean and neighboring countries including Somalia and Tanzania. With a diverse population of approximately 55.8 million people, it is characterized by its rich cultural heritage and a mix of ethnic groups, primarily the Kikuyu, Luhya, and Kalenjin. The country boasts a fast-growing economy driven by agriculture, services, and tourism, while governance has evolved from a colonial past to a presidential republic with a multi-party system. Despite facing challenges such as climate change and economic inequality, Kenya remains a key player in the region.

Geography

Kenya encompasses an area of 580,367 sq km, featuring diverse landscapes that range from low plains to highlands, including Mount Kenya, the highest point at 5,199 m. The climate varies significantly, from tropical along the coast to arid in the interior, impacting agricultural practices across the country. The population is predominantly concentrated in the western regions and urban centers like Nairobi.

3,457 km of land boundaries with five neighboring countries.
536 km of coastline along the Indian Ocean.
11.4% of land used for arable agriculture (2023).
6.5% of land covered by forests (2023).
Home to Lake Victoria, the world's largest tropical lake.

People and Society

Kenya's population is estimated at 55,751,717 in 2025, exhibiting a youthful demographic with a median age of 21.5 years. The country is ethnically diverse, with the Kikuyu, Luhya, and Kalenjin making up the largest groups. Predominantly Christian (85.5%), the society is intertwined with traditional practices and languages, with both English and Kiswahili as official languages.

35.8% of the population is aged 0-14 years (2025).
2.15% annual population growth rate (2025).
Urban population comprises 29.5% of total population (2023).
70.4 years is the life expectancy at birth (2024).
Maternal mortality ratio of 379 deaths/100,000 live births (2023).

Economy

Kenya's economy ranks as the third largest in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a GDP (PPP) estimated at $328.632 billion for 2024. The economy is primarily driven by services (55.9%), agriculture (21.3%), and industrial sectors (16.1%). The country has seen substantial investment in infrastructure and digital innovation, albeit facing challenges such as economic vulnerability to climate-induced phenomena.

5.5% unemployment rate projected for 2024.
38.6% of the population lives below the poverty line (2021).
Agriculture employs a significant portion of the labor force, producing key products such as tea and flowers.
$12.626 billion in exports (2023).
$22.046 billion in imports (2023).

Government

The Republic of Kenya operates as a presidential republic, with its capital in Nairobi. The system includes a bicameral parliament and features a mixed legal system incorporating English common law. The current president, William Ruto, has been in office since September 2022, having been elected in a closely contested election.

Kenya has 47 counties as administrative divisions.
The constitution was adopted in 2010 following a national referendum.
18 years of age is the minimum voting age.
Military expenditures constitute 1.1% of GDP (2024).
Kenya gained independence from British rule on 12 December 1963.

Military and Security

Kenya's defense forces comprise the Kenya Army, Navy, and Air Force, alongside internal policing units. The nation faces security challenges predominantly from the terrorist group al-Shabaab, necessitating military deployments in the region, especially in Somalia.

Approximately 25,000 active personnel in the Kenya Defense Forces (2025).
Military expenditure is 1.1% of GDP (2024).
Participates in regional security missions, including 1,400 troops in Somalia.
Military obligations begin at age 18.

Energy

Kenya is improving its electrification rates, reaching 76% access for the total population as of 2022. The energy mix includes a significant proportion of renewable sources, particularly geothermal energy, which accounts for 47.2% of installed capacity.

10.002 billion kWh of electricity consumed in 2023.
The installed generating capacity stands at 3.824 million kW (2023).
65.6% electrification rate in rural areas (2022).
113,000 bbl/day of refined petroleum consumed (2023).
Total energy consumption per capita is 5.486 million Btu/person (2023).

Environment

Kenya faces various environmental challenges, including deforestation, water pollution, and the impact of climate change. The government engages in multiple international environmental agreements to address these issues.

19.9% of municipal solid waste is recycled (2022).
30.7 billion cubic meters of total renewable water resources (2022).
The country is party to international agreements regarding biodiversity and climate change.
Major environmental issues include soil erosion and poaching.

Transportation

Kenya's transport infrastructure includes an extensive road network, railways, and a growing number of airports, fostering connectivity within the country and beyond.

368 airports are available (2025).
Railways cover 3,819 km (2018).
The merchant marine fleet includes 26 vessels (2023).
Key ports include Mombasa and Kilifi.

Communications

Communication systems in Kenya have advanced significantly, with high mobile penetration and a growing number of internet users.

71.4 million mobile cellular subscriptions as of 2024.
Internet usage stands at 35% of the population (2023).
1.32 million fixed broadband subscriptions (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	55,751,717 (2025 est.)
Area	580,367 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$328.632 billion (2024 est.)
Energy Consumption	5.486 million Btu/person (2023)
Birth Rate	25.93 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Unemployment Rate	5.5% (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	70.4 years (2024 est.)
Electricity Access	76% (total population, 2022 est.)
Urban Population	29.5% (2023)
Military Expenditures	1.1% of GDP (2024 est.)