Kenya has experienced significant population growth over the past several decades. In 1960, the country’s population was around 8 million, but by 2023 it had risen to approximately 55 million people. This rapid increase is driven by a relatively high birth rate, a youthful population structure, and improvements in healthcare that have reduced mortality rates. Despite efforts to promote family planning and education, Kenya’s population continues to grow at an annual rate of about 2.3%, according to recent estimates. This growth presents both opportunities and challenges, as the country works to provide adequate infrastructure, education, and employment for its expanding population.
| Year | Population | Population Density Per Square KM |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | 6,121,184 | 10.8 |
| 1955 | 7,033,999 | 12.4 |
| 1960 | 8,156,827 | 14.3 |
| 1965 | 9,549,179 | 16.8 |
| 1970 | 11,247,182 | 19.8 |
| 1975 | 13,433,414 | 23.6 |
| 1980 | 16,330,821 | 28.7 |
| 1985 | 19,754,036 | 34.7 |
| 1990 | 23,277,208 | 40.9 |
| 1995 | 27,001,869 | 47.4 |
| 2000 | 30,922,122 | 54.3 |
| 2005 | 35,842,338 | 63 |
| 2010 | 41,761,298 | 73.4 |
| 2015 | 47,824,362 | 84 |
| 2020 | 53,513,653 | 94 |
| 2022 | 55,864,655 | 98.2 |
| 2023 | 57,052,004 | 100.2 |
| 2024 | 58,246,378 | 102.3 |
| 2025 | 59,446,843 | 104.5 |
| 2030 | 65,581,608 | 115.2 |
| 2035 | 71,838,265 | 126.2 |
| 2040 | 78,029,635 | 137.1 |
| 2045 | 83,970,900 | 147.5 |
| 2050 | 89,573,347 | 157.4 |
| 2055 | 94,942,551 | 166.8 |
| 2060 | 100,157,642 | 176 |
| 2065 | 105,134,333 | 184.7 |
| 2070 | 109,759,087 | 192.9 |
| 2075 | 113,939,184 | 200.2 |
| 2080 | 117,626,328 | 206.7 |
| 2085 | 120,794,591 | 212.2 |
| 2090 | 123,407,426 | 216.8 |
| 2095 | 125,413,899 | 220.4 |
| 2100 | 126,781,068 | 222.8 |
Data from US Census International Database