The list of counties of Kenya by Gross County Product (GCP) highlights the economic disparities and growth patterns across the country. Compiled by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the report measures the total market value of goods and services produced within each county. GCP provides a clear picture of each region’s contribution to the national economy, guiding policy formulation, investment planning, and fiscal devolution strategies.
In Kenya, Nairobi County remains the economic powerhouse, accounting for 27.5% of the national GDP, followed by Nakuru, Kiambu, Mombasa, and Meru. These top counties collectively drive nearly half of Kenya’s total economic output.
Top 10 Counties by GDP (Nominal and PPP)
| Rank | County | Nominal GDP (US$ Billion) | PPP GDP (US$ Billion) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nairobi | 29.54 | 88.04 |
| 2 | Nakuru | 6.09 | 18.15 |
| 3 | Kiambu | 5.90 | 17.57 |
| 4 | Mombasa | 5.16 | 15.37 |
| 5 | Meru | 3.75 | 11.18 |
| 6 | Machakos | 3.46 | 10.30 |
| 7 | Uasin Gishu | 2.71 | 8.07 |
| 8 | Kisumu | 2.66 | 7.93 |
| 9 | Kilifi | 2.30 | 6.85 |
| 10 | Kakamega | 2.26 | 6.74 |
Together, these ten counties generate over 70% of Kenya’s total GDP, showing how urbanization, infrastructure, and access to capital have shaped regional economies.
GDP Per Capita: Wealthiest Counties
When measured by GDP per capita, which divides total output by population, Nairobi leads again with an estimated USD 6,324 nominal and USD 18,844 (PPP), followed by Mombasa, Nakuru, and Nyeri. These counties have diversified economies supported by financial services, manufacturing, tourism, and real estate.
| Rank | County | Nominal GDP Per Capita (US$) | PPP GDP Per Capita (US$) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nairobi | 6,324 | 18,844 |
| 2 | Mombasa | 4,018 | 11,974 |
| 3 | Nakuru | 2,649 | 7,894 |
| 4 | Nyeri | 2,487 | 7,410 |
| 5 | Lamu | 2,417 | 7,203 |
| 6 | Nyandarua | 2,393 | 7,130 |
| 7 | Embu | 2,353 | 7,011 |
| 8 | Machakos | 2,347 | 6,994 |
| 9 | Meru | 2,336 | 6,962 |
| 10 | Kiambu | 2,266 | 6,754 |
These rankings illustrate the economic strength of Kenya’s urban and coastal counties, while many rural regions lag behind due to reliance on climate-sensitive agriculture.
Fastest-Growing County Economies
Growth rates reveal emerging regional powerhouses. Marsabit County posted the highest GDP growth rate at 9.3%, driven by large-scale energy investments such as the Lake Turkana Wind Power project. Other counties like Tana River (7.6%), Nakuru (6.9%), and Kajiado (6.3%) followed closely, reflecting the expansion of infrastructure, renewable energy, and urban development.
| Rank | County | Growth Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marsabit | 9.3 |
| 2 | Tana River | 7.6 |
| 3 | Nakuru | 6.9 |
| 4 | Kajiado | 6.3 |
| 5 | Nairobi | 6.1 |
| 6 | Isiolo | 6.1 |
| 7 | Lamu | 5.9 |
| 8 | Samburu | 5.7 |
| 9 | Turkana | 5.4 |
| 10 | Uasin Gishu | 5.3 |
At the lower end, Embu County recorded only 0.9% growth, impacted by changing climatic conditions. Other counties like Elgeyo-Marakwet (1.2%), Nyamira (1.9%), and Bungoma (2.1%) also saw slower expansion, reflecting the need for economic diversification beyond agriculture.
Regional Patterns and Development Trends
Kenya’s northern, coastal, and North Rift regions are now experiencing stronger growth due to increased energy investments, infrastructure projects, and tourism. In contrast, western and central Kenya face slower development, largely because of dependence on rainfall and smallholder farming.
The national average GDP growth stood at 4.8%, showing moderate but consistent progress across counties despite climate and global market challenges.
The Big Picture
Kenya’s county-level GDP data underscores a reality: economic power remains concentrated in urbanized, investment-attractive regions. However, the rising growth in previously marginalized counties signals a shift toward more balanced national development. With continued infrastructure expansion and investment in renewable energy, counties like Marsabit, Turkana, and Tana River could soon redefine Kenya’s regional economic map.
