According to the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS)—released by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health—the mean (average) number of lifetime sexual partners among Kenyans aged 15–49 who have ever had sexual intercourse is:
- Men: 7.4 partners
- Women: 2.3 partners
This national average reveals a clear gender disparity, with men reporting roughly three times more lifetime partners than women. The figures are based on self-reported data from a nationally representative sample and are frequently cited in discussions on sexual health, HIV/AIDS prevention, family planning, and behavioral trends in Kenya.
Key context:
- Data applies to sexually active individuals aged 15–49.
- Urban residents generally report slightly higher averages than rural ones.
- The gender gap is consistent with patterns seen in many DHS surveys worldwide and may reflect differences in actual behavior, reporting honesty, or cultural norms.
- These are means (averages), so they are influenced by individuals with higher numbers; medians are typically lower.
County Rankings: Mean Lifetime Sexual Partners (2022 KDHS)
The survey also provides county-level averages, which often reflect male-weighted or combined figures (as men’s higher numbers drive variation). The list below matches the widely shared rankings from the 2022 KDHS data:
- Murang’a — 14.1
- Tharaka-Nithi — 12.3
- Elgeyo-Marakwet — 10.2
- Kisumu — 9.6
- Nairobi — 9.3
- Machakos — 9.2
- Busia — 8.4
- Kiambu — 8.2
- Narok — 8.0
- Uasin Gishu — 7.7
- Baringo — 7.7
- Kajiado — 7.7
- Homa Bay — 7.7
- Nyandarua — 7.6
- Kakamega — 7.6
- Meru — 7.5
- Laikipia — 7.5
- Migori — 7.5
- Taita Taveta — 7.3
- West Pokot — 7.3
- Isiolo — 7.1
- Nakuru — 7.1
- Siaya — 7.1
- Kwale — 7.0
- Turkana — 6.8
- Samburu — 6.8
- Makueni — 6.7
- Trans Nzoia — 6.7
- Vihiga — 6.7
- Mombasa — 6.6
- Embu — 6.6
- Bungoma — 6.2
- Nyeri — 6.0
- Nandi — 6.0
- Kilifi — 5.7
- Nyamira — 5.5
- Kitui — 4.8
- Kisii — 4.6
- Marsabit — 4.2
- Lamu — 4.0
- Kericho — 4.0
- Bomet — 3.8
- Kirinyaga — 3.7
- Tana River — 2.4
- Garissa — 2.3
- Wajir — 1.8
- Mandera — 1.5
Observations from the data:
- Highest figures appear in parts of Central Kenya (Murang’a, Tharaka-Nithi) and some western and lakeside counties.
- Lowest figures are concentrated in the North Eastern region (Mandera, Wajir, Garissa), likely influenced by cultural, religious (predominantly Muslim), and pastoralist lifestyles.
- Counties with urban centers or high mobility (Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu) rank relatively high.
These statistics were released in early 2023 and generated significant public conversation in Kenya about regional differences, gender dynamics, condom use (only about 45% of men with multiple recent partners reported consistent condom use), and implications for STI/HIV programs.
For the complete official report—including separate male/female breakdowns, urban/rural splits, and methodological notes—visit the KNBS website.
