Country Profile: Kenya

Kenya, located in Eastern Africa along the Indian Ocean, boasts a diverse geography that ranges from fertile highlands to arid lands. With a population exceeding 58 million, the nation is characterized by a youthful demographic structure. Its economy is the third largest in Sub-Saharan Africa, heavily reliant on agriculture, with emerging sectors in services and tourism. Governed as a presidential republic, Kenya has a complex political history that reflects its struggles for independence and ongoing efforts toward democratic governance.

Geography

Kenya features a diverse landscape that includes low plains, central highlands, and notable geological formations like the Great Rift Valley. The climate varies significantly, with tropical regions along the coast and arid areas inland. The total land area is approximately 580,367 square kilometers, with significant agricultural land usage.

Area: 580,367 sq km
Elevation: Mount Kenya, the highest point, reaches 5,199 m
Climate: Ranges from tropical along the coast to arid in the interior
Natural resources: Includes limestone, gemstones, and hydropower
Land boundaries: Shares borders with Ethiopia (867 km), Somalia (684 km), South Sudan (317 km), Tanzania (775 km), and Uganda (814 km)

People and Society

Kenya's population is estimated at over 58 million, with a diverse mixture of ethnic groups, the largest being Kikuyu, Luhya, and Kalenjin. The society is characterized by a variety of languages, primarily English and Kiswahili, alongside numerous indigenous languages. The country has a youthful median age of 21.2 years, reflecting a growing and dynamic population.

Ethnic groups: Kikuyu (17.1%), Luo (10.7%), Kalenjin (13.4%)
Languages: English, Kiswahili, and numerous indigenous languages
Religions: 85.5% Christian, 10.9% Muslim
Population growth rate: 2.06% (2024 est.)
Urbanization: 29.5% of the population lives in urban areas (2023)

Economy

Kenya's economy is rapidly growing, driven primarily by agriculture, which accounts for over 21% of GDP. The country is also focusing on enhancing its services and tourism sectors, along with increasing foreign investment in infrastructure. However, challenges persist, including exposure to climate change effects.

GDP: $328.632 billion (2024 est.)
GDP growth rate: 4.5% (2024 est.)
Labor force: Approximately 23.78 million (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate: 5.5% (2024 est.)
Exports: Approximately $12.626 billion (2023 est.)

Government

Kenya operates as a presidential republic, with the President serving as both the head of state and government. The country has a bicameral legislature and a judicial system that includes a Supreme Court. Following a history of political struggles, the current government structure is based on a constitution enacted in 2010, promoting democratic principles.

Capital: Nairobi
Current president: William RUTO (since September 2022)
Parliament structure: Bicameral; includes the National Assembly (350 members) and Senate (68 members)
Citizenship: Dual citizenship is recognized
Suffrage: Universal at 18 years of age

Military and Security

The Kenya Defense Forces comprise the Army, Navy, and Air Force, tasked with protecting the country's sovereignty. The military is actively involved in regional peacekeeping missions and internal security efforts against threats, including terrorism.

Active military personnel: Approximately 25,000 (2025)
Military expenditures: 1.1% of GDP (2024 est.)
Major deployments: Around 1,400 in Somalia (AUSSOM) (2024)
Military service age: Voluntary service from ages 18-26, no conscription
Primary security concern: Regional stability and threats from al-Shabaab

Energy

Kenya's energy sector is evolving, with a focus on renewable sources. The country has significant installed capacity, predominantly from geothermal and hydroelectric sources, contributing to a growing electricity consumption pattern.

Electricity access: 76% of the total population (2022 est.)
Installed capacity: 3.824 million kW (2023 est.)
Electricity consumption: 10.002 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Energy sources: Geothermal (47.2%), hydroelectric (20.9%)
Transmission losses: 3.069 billion kWh (2023 est.)

Environment

Kenya faces various environmental challenges, including deforestation, water pollution, and the impacts of climate change. The government participates in several international environmental agreements aimed at sustainable practices and the conservation of biodiversity.

Major environmental issues: Water pollution, deforestation, soil erosion
Urban population: 29.5% (2023 est.)
Total water resources: 30.7 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions: 19.023 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Renewable energy focus: Significant investment in solar and wind energy development

Transportation

Kenya has a diverse transportation network that includes railways, airports, and ports. With ongoing investments in infrastructure, the transport sector is positioned to support economic growth.

Airports: 368 (2025)
Railways: 3,819 km total (2018)
Total ports: 4 (2024)
Merchant marine: 26 vessels (2023)
Highway infrastructure: Roads connect key urban centers and rural areas

Communications

Kenya features an expanding communications network, with a significant number of mobile cellular subscriptions. The growth of broadband services and internet access has changed how Kenyans communicate and conduct business.

Internet users: 35% of the population (2023 est.)
Mobile subscriptions: 66.7 million (2023 est.)
Telephones - fixed lines: 68,000 subscriptions (2023 est.)
Broadband fixed subscriptions: 1.32 million (2023 est.)
Television and radio: Multiple channels available, both state-owned and private

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	58,246,378 (2024 est.)
Area	580,367 sq km
GDP	$328.632 billion (2024 est.)
Energy consumption per capita	5.486 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Birth rate	25.6 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate	5.5% (2024 est.)
Life expectancy at birth	70.4 years (2024 est.)