Kenya’s population is made up of a diverse range of tribes and ethnic groups, as shown by the 2019 census. The following breakdown highlights the major tribes and their respective populations, along with sub-tribes and their significance in Kenyan society.
1. Kikuyu
- Population: 8,148,668
- The Kikuyu are the largest ethnic group in Kenya. They primarily live in the central region of the country.
2. Luhya
- Population: 6,823,842
- The Luhya are the second-largest group, residing mainly in western Kenya. The community is further subdivided into 18 sub-tribes, with the Bukusu being the largest sub-tribe.
3. Kalenjin
- Population: 6,358,113
- The Kalenjin are a significant group in Kenya, residing in the Rift Valley. This group is also divided into 17 sub-tribes, with the Kipsigis being the largest.
4. Luo
- Population: 5,066,966
- The Luo, mainly found around the Lake Victoria region, are known for their distinct language and culture.
5. Kamba
- Population: 4,663,910
- The Kamba live mainly in the eastern part of Kenya, known for their vibrant culture and long history of trade and craftsmanship.
6. Somali
- Population: 2,780,502
- The Somali population is concentrated in the northeastern part of Kenya. The Somali are further divided into several clans, including the Ogaden and Gurreh.
7. Kisii
- Population: 2,703,325
- The Kisii people primarily live in the Nyanza region of Kenya, known for their agricultural activities and distinct culture.
8. Mijikenda
- Population: 2,488,691
- The Mijikenda, located in the coastal region of Kenya, include sub-tribes like the Giriama and Duruma. The Mijikenda people are famous for their cultural heritage, including the sacred Kaya forests.
9. Meru
- Population: 1,975,869
- The Meru people are from the eastern side of Kenya, particularly in the Meru County. They are known for their farming activities and distinctive language.
10. Maasai
- Population: 1,189,522
- The Maasai are a semi-nomadic community located in the southern parts of Kenya. They are one of Kenya’s most famous ethnic groups, recognized worldwide for their rich culture and traditions.
Additional Ethnic Groups:
- Turkana: 1,016,174
- Teso: 417,670
- Embu: 404,801
- Taita: 344,415
- Samburu: 333,471
- Kuria: 313,854
- Borana: 276,236
- Tharaka: 220,015
- Mbeere: 195,250
- Orma: 158,993
- Suba: 157,787
- Gabra: 141,200
- Pokomo: 112,075
- Rendile: 96,313
- Bajuni: 91,422
- Swahili: 56,074
- Kenyan Asians: 47,555
- Burji: 36,938
- Makonde: 3,764
- Wayyu: 3,761
- Kenyan Europeans: 1,738
Other Notable Tribes:
- Njemps: 32,949
- Sakuye: 27,006
- Taveta: 26,590
- Dorobo: 23,171
- Walwana: 21,774
- Nubi: 21,319
- Aweer: 20,103
- Dasenach: 19,337
- Konso: 1,299
- El Molo: 1,104
- Gosha: 685
Total Kenyan Population:
The total population as of 2019 was 47,564,296. The data shows how diverse Kenya’s tribes and ethnicities are, with each contributing to the rich cultural tapestry of the nation.
Summary:
Kenya’s population is made up of a wide range of ethnic groups, each contributing to the social, cultural, and economic fabric of the country. From the Kikuyu in central Kenya to the Somali in the northeast, each community plays a vital role in the country’s development. Understanding these tribes and their populations helps in recognizing the demographic structure and the various contributions each group makes to Kenya’s diverse identity.
