Kenya/Society

Society in Kenya

An overview of key social indicators. Select a category for detailed trends, charts, and insights.

Explore Social Domains

Demographics

Coming Soon
Population
55.3M(2023)
Population Growth
2%(2023)
Fertility Rate
3.21(2023)
Death Rate
7.2 per 1k(2023)
Net Migration
-19.8K(2024)

Public Health

Coming Soon
Life Expectancy
63.65(2023)
Under-5 Mortality
39.9 per 1k(2023)
Maternal Mortality
149 per 100k(2023)
Health Expenditure
4.3%(2022)

Education & Human Capital

Coming Soon
Literacy Rate
82.9%(2022)
Primary Enrollment
80%(2012)
Secondary Enrollment
57.9%(2009)
Tertiary Enrollment
10.6(2019)
Education Expenditure
4%(2023)

Infrastructure & Connectivity

Coming Soon
Internet Users
35%(2023)
Access to Electricity
76.2%(2023)
Access to Basic Drinking Water
62.9%(2022)
Urban Population
16.3M(2023)
Rural Population
39M(2023)

Current Social Overview of Kenya

A summary based on key social and demographic indicators.

  • Kenya has an estimated population of 55.3M
    2023
    A steady annual growth rate of 2.0%
    2023
    supports sustained population expansion, providing a stable base for economic development. With a fertility rate of 3.2 births per woman
    2023
    , the population maintains momentum, necessitating strategic investments in social infrastructure. Net emigration is relatively minor, impacting the population by approximately 20K individuals annually (or -0.4 per 1,000 inhabitants)
    2024
    .
  • Regarding public health, The notably low life expectancy of 63.6 years
    2023
    underscores critical public health challenges that necessitate urgent and comprehensive interventions. Concurrently, Healthcare delivery faces significant systemic challenges, as evidenced by elevated child mortality (under 5 years) (39.9 per 1,000 live births
    2023
    and maternal mortality (149 per 100,000 live births
    2023
    ) rates, suggesting areas for critical intervention and resource allocation. These outcomes are supported by limited healthcare spending, at 4.3% of GDP
    2022
    , which may constrain comprehensive health system improvements and the attainment of higher health outcomes.
  • Educational progress is reflected in a literacy rate of 83%
    2022
    , though continued efforts are needed to achieve universal literacy and enhance foundational skills. Complementing this, while primary education reaches 80% of children
    2012
    , secondary enrollment at 58%
    2009
    suggests significant attrition challenges that may hinder higher skill development and future economic potential. This educational framework is supported by limited educational investment, at 4.0% of GDP
    2023
    , which may constrain the scale and quality of future human capital development initiatives.
  • In terms of infrastructure and connectivity, the primarily rural population distribution (70% rural population
    2023
    ) presents distinct challenges for universal infrastructure provision, service access, and economic modernization. Furthermore, basic infrastructure coverage includes 76% electricity access
    2023
    . However, digital connectivity at {currentInternet}% internet penetration
    2023
    indicates significant opportunities for further digital transformation and economic inclusion.

Key Development Insights

Population Dynamics

A youthful, rapidly growing population presents a "demographic dividend" opportunity if met with sufficient investment in jobs and services.

Public Health System

Addressing critical gaps in the healthcare system is essential to improve lagging indicators like life expectancy and maternal mortality.

Human Capital Formation

Improving foundational literacy and secondary school completion is a critical priority for unlocking future economic potential.

Infrastructure & Connectivity

Expanding access to basic infrastructure, particularly electricity, remains a key bottleneck for broad-based development.

More About This Country

Neighbors & Regional Peers

Note: The information on this page has been compiled from authoritative sources. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please note that some figures may not be current or entirely precise.