Discover Fascinating Kenya Facts

Dive into the history, culture, and unique insights about Kenya.

Kenya

Background

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ช Did you know that Kenya became independent from the United Kingdom in 1963? That's a big milestone for the country! In a move towards better governance, Kenyans voted in 2010 to adopt a new constitution. This new constitution introduced additional checks and balances to keep executive power in check and also devolved power and resources to 47 newly created counties. This means more local control for different regions in Kenya! How cool is that? ๐Ÿ—ณ๏ธโœจ

Year of Independence

1963

Year New Constitution Adopted

2010

Number of Newly Created Counties

47

Exports - commodities

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ช Kenya is famous for its delicious exports! Hereโ€™s what the country shipped out in 2022: tea, cut flowers, garments, coffee, and titanium ore. Each of these commodities plays a big role in Kenya's economy and helps showcase the country's rich resources and talent! ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ’โ˜•๏ธ๐Ÿ‘—๐Ÿชจ

Top Export Commodities

tea, cut flowers, garments, coffee, titanium ore

Kenya's Top Export Commodities (2022)

Exports - partners

๐ŸŒ Kenya has some interesting export partners! In 2022, the largest share of Kenya's exports goes to the United States, accounting for 10% of the total exports. Right behind is Uganda with 9%, followed by Pakistan and the Netherlands, both at 7%. Lastly, we have Rwanda making up 6%. It's clear that these countries play a vital role in Kenya's trade! ๐Ÿ’ผโœจ

Percentage of exports to the US

10%

Percentage of exports to Uganda

9%

Percentage of exports to Pakistan

7%

Percentage of exports to Netherlands

7%

Percentage of exports to Rwanda

6%

Kenya's Export Partners in 2022

Capital

๐Ÿ™๏ธ Welcome to Nairobi, the bustling capital of Kenya! Known for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and as a regional hub for business and tourism, Nairobi is a city that never sleeps. Whether you're exploring its national parks or enjoying local cuisine, there's always something exciting to discover! ๐ŸŒโœจ

Imports - commodities

๐ŸŒ Kenya imports a variety of goods to ensure its economy runs smoothly. Hereโ€™s a fun look at some key commodities imported by Kenya in 2022:

  • Refined Petroleum: This is super important for fueling vehicles and industries!
  • Palm Oil: Used in cooking and food production! ๐ŸŒด
  • Garments: Clothes from all over the world, keeping people stylish! ๐Ÿ‘—
  • Wheat: A staple food thatโ€™s used to make bread! ๐Ÿž
  • Plastics: Essential for many products we use every day! ๐Ÿ”„

These commodities play a big role in Kenya's imports and help support the local and global economy.

Key Commodities Imported by Kenya in 2022

Refined Petroleum, Palm Oil, Garments, Wheat, Plastics

Climate

Kenya has a super cool climate that's not the same everywhere! ๐ŸŒ On the coast, you'll find a tropical paradise with warm beaches and palm trees. ๐Ÿ–๏ธ However, if you venture into the interior, it becomes much drier and more arid. ๐ŸŒต Itโ€™s like going from a beach vacation to a desert adventure! So, whether you love sunshine or prefer a little heat, Kenya has a little bit of everything when it comes to climate.

Executive branch

In Kenya, the Executive Branch is led by President William RUTO who has been both the chief of state and the head of government since September 13, 2022. This makes him a pivotal figure in the leadership of the country! ๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ชโœจ His dual role means he gets to take charge of both the state functions and govern the operations of the government at the same time. It's a big job filled with responsibilities!

Chief of State

President William RUTO

Head of Government

President William RUTO

Date Started

September 13, 2022

Legislative branch

In Kenya, the legislative branch is a bicameral Parliament which means it has two parts. ๐ŸŽ‰ The first part is the Senate, which has 68 seats. The second part is the National Assembly, boasting a whopping 350 seats! This structure helps ensure that different voices and interests are represented in the Kenyan government. ๐Ÿ›๏ธโœจ

Total Number of Seats in Parliament

418

Structure of Kenya's Legislative Branch

Natural resources

Kenya is a land of incredible natural treasures! ๐Ÿž๏ธ It boasts a diverse range of natural resources that are vital for its economy and environment. Let's take a look at some of the key resources that make Kenya special:

  • Limestone: Essential for cement production! ๐Ÿ—๏ธ
  • Soda Ash: Important in making glass and detergents. ๐Ÿงผ
  • Salt: A staple mineral for many industries! ๐Ÿง‚
  • Gemstones: Kenya is known for its beautiful gemstones! ๐Ÿ’Ž
  • Fluorspar: Used in the manufacture of aluminum and gasoline. โ›ฝ
  • Zinc: A crucial metal used in many applications! โš™๏ธ
  • Diatomite: A unique resource used in filtration and insulation. โ„๏ธ
  • Gypsum: Used for making plaster and drywall. ๐Ÿ 
  • Wildlife: Kenya is famous for its incredible biodiversity and wildlife tourism! ๐Ÿฆ’๐Ÿฆ“
  • Hydropower: A source of renewable energy that powers many homes! ๐Ÿ”‹

These resources contribute not only to Kenya's economy but also highlight the country's rich natural heritage! ๐ŸŒฟ

Types of Natural Resources

10

Economic overview

Kenya is one of the fastest-growing economies in Sub-Saharan Africa! ๐ŸŒ Did you know it's the third largest in the region? Its agriculture sector is super strong, and it's exciting to see the growth of services and tourism industries too! ๐ŸŒพโœˆ๏ธ The country is working with the IMF to tackle challenges with its current account and debt service. ๐Ÿ˜ฎ๐Ÿ“ˆ With business-friendly policies, Kenya is making great strides in infrastructure investment, digital innovation, and public-private partnerships! ๐Ÿ—๏ธ๐Ÿ’ป However, the country does face some hurdles, especially with climate change and the risk of droughts. โ˜€๏ธ๐ŸŒง๏ธ

Economic Growth Status

Fast growing

Rank in Sub-Saharan Economy

Third largest

Key Industries

Agriculture, Services, Tourism

Current Challenges

Current account and debt service

Investment Focus

Infrastructure, Digital Innovation, Public-Private Partnerships

Climate Vulnerability

Vulnerable to droughts

Government type

๐ŸŒ Kenya operates as a presidential republic! This means that the President is both the head of state and the head of government. In Kenya, the president has significant powers and responsibilities, making them a key leader in the country's politics. ๐Ÿ—ณ๏ธ This type of government is quite different from others where, for example, a monarch or a strict party may hold all the power.

Government Structure

Presidential Republic

Ethnic groups

Kenya is a vibrant country with a rich tapestry of ethnic groups! ๐ŸŒ Here's a breakdown of the major ethnic groups based on the 2019 estimates:

  • Kikuyu: 17.1%
  • Luhya: 14.3%
  • Kalenjin: 13.4%
  • Luo: 10.7%
  • Kamba: 9.8%
  • Somali: 5.8%
  • Kisii: 5.7%
  • Mijikenda: 5.2%
  • Meru: 4.2%
  • Maasai: 2.5%
  • Turkana: 2.1%
  • Non-Kenyan: 1%
  • Other: 8.2%

These percentages tell us a lot about the beautiful diversity of Kenya! ๐ŸŒˆ Stay tuned as we visualize these numbers to see how each group contributes to the colorful population of this great nation.

Total percentage of major ethnic groups

100%

Percentage of Kikuyu

17.1%

Percentage of Luhya

14.3%

Percentage of Kalenjin

13.4%

Percentage of Luo

10.7%

Percentage of Kamba

9.8%

Percentage of Somali

5.8%

Percentage of Kisii

5.7%

Percentage of Mijikenda

5.2%

Percentage of Meru

4.2%

Percentage of Maasai

2.5%

Percentage of Turkana

2.1%

Percentage of Non-Kenyan

1%

Percentage of Other

8.2%

Ethnic Composition of Kenya (2019)

Religions

In Kenya, the religious landscape is predominantly Christian, with 85.5% of the population identifying as such. Let's break it down! ๐Ÿ“Š

  • Protestants: 33.4%
  • Catholics: 20.6%
  • Evangelicals: 20.4%
  • African Instituted Churches: 7%
  • Other Christians: 4.1%

Additionally, 10.9% of Kenyans are Muslims ๐Ÿ•Œ, while 1.8% follow other religions ๐ŸŒ, and 1.6% claim no religion at all. A small fraction, just 0.2%, don't know or prefer not to answer. This gives us a colorful tapestry of beliefs across the country! ๐ŸŒˆ

Percentage of Christians

85.5%

Percentage of Muslims

10.9%

Percentage of Other Religions

1.8%

Percentage of No Religion

1.6%

Percentage of Don't Know/No Answer

0.2%

Distribution of Religions in Kenya

Languages

In Kenya, language is a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of history and culture! ๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ช The two official languages are English and Kiswahili. These languages play a crucial role in education, government, and day-to-day communication. โœ๏ธโœจ But wait, there's more! Kenya is also home to numerous indigenous languages that reflect the rich diversity of its people. ๐ŸŒ Each indigenous language offers a unique perspective on life and community, making Kenya's linguistic scene as colorful as its wildlife! ๐Ÿฆ“๐ŸŽจ

Official Languages in Kenya

2

Indigenous Languages

Numerous

Imports - partners

๐ŸŒ Kenya's imports come from various countries, and here's how they break down! ๐Ÿ“Š In 2022, the top partners for imports were:

  • China: 26% ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ
  • UAE: 14% ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ช
  • India: 11% ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ
  • Malaysia: 4% ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡พ
  • Saudi Arabia: 4% ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ

Can you see how China leads the pack with a hefty 26% share? That's a significant chunk! ๐Ÿคฏ The UAE and India follow, but with smaller percentages. Let's visualize this data with a fun pie chart! ๐Ÿฅง

Percentage of Imports from China

26%

Percentage of Imports from UAE

14%

Percentage of Imports from India

11%

Percentage of Imports from Malaysia

4%

Percentage of Imports from Saudi Arabia

4%

Kenya's Import Partners (2022)

Population

๐ŸŒ Kenya is home to a vibrant and diverse population of 58,246,378 people! This number represents a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions that make Kenya such a unique place to live and visit. ๐Ÿฆโœจ

Total Population of Kenya

58,246,378

Area

๐ŸŒ Kenya is a beautiful country with a total area of 580,367 sq km. Let's dive into the details:

  • Land Area: A whopping 569,140 sq km of land ready for exploration! ๐ŸŒณ
  • Water Area: There are 11,227 sq km of water, perfect for fishing and fun on the water! ๐ŸŸ๐Ÿšฃโ€โ™‚๏ธ

These areas make Kenya a unique blend of landscapes and cultures, waiting to be discovered!

Total Area

580367 sq km

Total Land Area

569140 sq km

Total Water Area

11227 sq km

Kenya's Area Distribution

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)

๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ช Let's dive into Kenya's Real GDP (purchasing power parity) over the last few years! This is a way to understand how much money people in Kenya have to spend on goods and services. Here are the numbers for the past few years:

  • 2021: $284.129 billion
  • 2022: $297.9 billion
  • 2023: $314.063 billion

As you can see, Kenya's economy has been growing each year! ๐Ÿ“ˆ Each year, people in Kenya are earning more money, which is excellent news for the country and its economy! ๐ŸŽ‰

Estimated Real GDP for 2023

$314.063 billion

Estimated Real GDP for 2022

$297.9 billion

Estimated Real GDP for 2021

$284.129 billion

Kenya's Real GDP Growth (PPP) Over Time

Real GDP per capita

๐ŸŒ Let's explore the growth of Kenya's economy over the last few years! The Real GDP per capita gives us a window into how much money, on average, each person in Kenya can expect to earn based on the country's total economic output. ๐Ÿฆ Hereโ€™s a quick overview of how it has changed:

  • 2021: $5,400
  • 2022: $5,500
  • 2023: $5,700

As you can see, there's a steady increase each year! ๐Ÿ“ˆ This is a positive sign for Kenya's economy, showing growth and improvement. ๐Ÿ’ฐ

GDP Per Capita in 2021

5400 USD

GDP Per Capita in 2022

5500 USD

GDP Per Capita in 2023

5700 USD

Real GDP per Capita in Kenya (2021-2023)

Imports

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ช Kenya's imports have shown some interesting trends in the last few years! Here's a quick look at the estimated import values:

  • 2020: $17.717 billion
  • 2021: $21.853 billion
  • 2022: $24.406 billion

As you can see, the import values have been increasing steadily each year! ๐Ÿ“ˆ Let's visualize this growth with a bar chart!

Estimated Imports in 2022

$24.406 billion

Estimated Imports in 2021

$21.853 billion

Estimated Imports in 2020

$17.717 billion

Kenya's Imports Over the Years

Exports

๐ŸŒ Kenya's exports have been growing over the years! In 2020, the country exported goods worth $9.709 billion. This increased significantly to $11.825 billion in 2021. By 2022, exports reached an impressive $13.859 billion! ๐Ÿ“ˆ Let's take a closer look at this exciting upward trend in the export market!

Exports in 2020

$9.709 billion

Exports in 2021

$11.825 billion

Exports in 2022

$13.859 billion

Kenya's Export Growth Over Time

Population growth rate

๐ŸŒ Kenya's population is booming! The estimated growth rate for 2024 is 2.06%. This means more people, more families, and more adventures in this vibrant country! Can you imagine all the amazing things that this growth brings? From new businesses to bustling markets, the future looks bright! โœจ

Population Growth Rate for 2024

2.06%