Kenya is a diverse country with a rich tapestry of ethnic groups, each contributing to the nation’s cultural heritage. The 2019 population census conducted by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) revealed key insights into the demographic distribution of the various tribes in Kenya. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the population by tribe, helping us understand the diverse social fabric of Kenya.
Ethnic Diversity in Kenya
Kenya is home to over 42 tribes, each with its unique language, customs, and traditions. These tribes are grouped into several ethnic categories, including the Bantu, Nilotic, and Cushitic communities, among others. The Kikuyu is the largest ethnic group, followed by the Luhya, Kalenjin, Luo, and Kamba, which make up the majority of the population.
This diversity not only adds to Kenya’s cultural richness but also plays a crucial role in the country’s politics, economic development, and social dynamics. Here’s a detailed look at the population by tribe based on the most recent census data.
Full List of Kenya’s Population by Tribe
| No. | Tribe | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Kikuyu | 8,148,668 |
| 2. | Luhya | 6,823,842 |
| 3. | Kalenjin | 6,358,113 |
| 4. | Luo | 5,066,966 |
| 5. | Kamba | 4,663,910 |
| 6. | Somali | 2,780,502 |
| 7. | Kisii | 2,703,325 |
| 8. | Mijikenda | 2,488,691 |
| 9. | Meru | 1,975,869 |
| 10. | Maasai | 1,189,522 |
| 11. | Turkana | 1,016,174 |
| 12. | Teso | 417,670 |
| 13. | Embu | 404,801 |
| 14. | Taita | 344,415 |
| 15. | Samburu | 333,471 |
| 16. | Kuria | 313,854 |
| 17. | Borana | 276,236 |
| 18. | Tharaka | 220,015 |
| 19. | Mbeere | 195,250 |
| 20. | Kenyan So Stated | 183,023 |
| 21. | Orma | 158,993 |
| 22. | Suba | 157,787 |
| 23. | Gabra | 141,200 |
| 24. | Pokomo | 112,075 |
| 25. | Rendile | 96,313 |
| 26. | Bajuni | 91,422 |
| 27. | Kenyan Arabs | 59,021 |
| 28. | Swahili | 56,074 |
| 29. | Kenyan Asians | 47,555 |
| 30. | Burji | 36,938 |
| 31. | Njemps | 32,949 |
| 32. | Sakuye | 27,006 |
| 33. | Taveta | 26,590 |
| 34. | Dorobo | 23,171 |
| 35. | Walwana | 21,774 |
| 36. | Nubi | 21,319 |
| 37. | Aweer | 20,103 |
| 38. | Dasenach | 19,337 |
| 39. | Makonde | 3,764 |
| 40. | Wayyu | 3,761 |
| 41. | Kenyan European | 1,738 |
| 42. | Konso | 1,299 |
| 43. | El Molo | 1,104 |
| 44. | Gosha | 685 |
| 45. | Kenyan American | 596 |
| 46. | Dahalo | 575 |
Key Highlights
- Kikuyu: As the largest tribe in Kenya, the Kikuyu community accounts for 16.9% of the total population, mainly found in the Central region of the country.
- Luhya: The second-largest ethnic group, the Luhya community predominantly resides in Western Kenya, contributing 14.3% of the population.
- Kalenjin: This group is mainly found in the Rift Valley, and they form 13.4% of the total population.
- Luo: Concentrated around Lake Victoria in Western Kenya, the Luo are Kenya’s fourth-largest tribe, making up 10.6% of the population.
- Kamba: The Kamba tribe represents 9.8% of the Kenyan population and is primarily found in Eastern Kenya.
- Minority Tribes: Tribes such as the El Molo, Konso, and Dahalo have the smallest populations, representing the diversity and challenges of preserving their distinct cultures.
The Impact of Population Distribution
Kenya’s ethnic diversity has a significant impact on various aspects of society, including politics, culture, and economic activities. For instance, in politics, alliances are often drawn along tribal lines, while in culture, each tribe brings unique practices, languages, and traditions to the broader Kenyan identity.
The census data also reveals a growing population among traditionally marginalized groups such as the Somali, who have seen a substantial increase due to both high birth rates and immigration from neighboring Somalia. Additionally, urbanization has seen the Swahili and Kenyan Arabs grow in population due to their prominence in coastal towns like Mombasa.
Understanding the Data
The data from the 2019 census not only gives insight into the numerical representation of each ethnic group but also highlights the shifts in demographics across regions. For instance, the urban migration trend has led to significant populations of traditionally rural tribes moving to cities like Nairobi, impacting housing, infrastructure, and resource allocation.
Why Is This Important?
Understanding the population distribution by tribe is essential for several reasons:
- Government Policy: The government uses this data for resource allocation, ensuring that every region gets an equitable share of development projects.
- Economic Planning: The private sector relies on this information to tailor products and services to various ethnic groups’ preferences and consumption patterns.
- Political Campaigns: Political leaders often leverage this data to appeal to their ethnic bases during elections, making it a key component of Kenya’s political landscape.
Kenya’s tribal diversity is one of its defining characteristics. This detailed breakdown of population by tribe provides a deeper understanding of the country’s ethnic composition, which has far-reaching implications in politics, economics, and social development. By fostering a better understanding of these demographics, we can better appreciate Kenya’s cultural diversity and work towards a more united and inclusive society.
