The People

Population

According to the national population and housing census report of August 1999, there are an estimated 28,808,658 Kenyans dispersed around the country. In the semi arid north and northeast regions, population density hardly reaches 2 per sq km, whereas in the rich and fertile western, population density rises to 120 persons per sq km. In the well endowed Rift Valley, population density varies from one area to another with an average of 13 inhabitants per sq km.

Nearly 25% of the total population is concentrated in the large cities of Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu including large towns such as Nakuru. Women account for 50.48% of the total population.

Ethnic Composition

Cushites: This group includes the Somali, Orma, Rendille, and Borana.

Bantu: This includes the Gikuyu, Luhya, Kamba, Embu, Meru, Kisii, Mijikenda, Taveta, Taita, Pokomo, Bajuni, Boni and Sanye.

Nilotes: Includes the Luo, Kalenjin, Maasai, Teso and Samburu.


Religions

Protestants : 38%
Catholics : 28%
Indigenous religions : 26%
Muslims : 7%
Others 1%

Languages

English (Official), Swahili (national), local languages.