Kenya's population has surged from 23.2 million in 1990 to over 55.1 million in 2023, reflecting a consistent upward trend. The population growth can be attributed to a combination of high fertility rates, a youthful demographic structure, and improvements in healthcare, which have led to declining mortality rates. In the 1990s, Kenya faced economic challenges and political turbulence, particularly in the lead-up to the multiparty elections in 1992. Despite these issues, the country's population continued to grow steadily.
By the 2000s, Kenya saw gradual economic recovery and reforms, along with advancements in healthcare access, including vaccination programs and maternal health improvements, further contributing to population growth. Urbanization accelerated as Nairobi and other major cities expanded rapidly, drawing people from rural areas in search of better opportunities.
The 2010s marked a period of political stabilization and economic growth, particularly with the introduction of Kenya's Vision 2030, aimed at transforming the country into a middle-income economy. This decade saw accelerated urban growth, with Nairobi emerging as a major regional hub for business and technology. These developments, combined with ongoing rural-to-urban migration, contributed to further population increases.
In recent years, Kenya’s population growth has been characterized by a youthful population, with over 40% of the population under 15 years old. This presents both opportunities and challenges, as the government faces pressures to expand infrastructure, education, and job creation to meet the needs of this growing and young population.
For a deeper dive into the topic, explore Kenya’s services sector GDP share, Kenya’s net ODA data, Industry sector’s share in Kenya’s GDP.
