Kenya Population

Kenya's fertility rate has been falling steadily but remains above the replacement level, so its young population keeps growing. As a regional economic hub in East Africa, it attracts investment and hosts large refugee populations while grappling with the pressure a youthful population places on jobs and education. The pace of further fertility decline will shape whether that youth becomes a dividend or a burden.

Kenya is home to about 58.1 million people in 2026, the 26th largest population of any country. In Eastern Africa, where it lies, that future is driven by fertility, longevity and the movement of people across its borders. Population density stands at about 101 people for every square kilometre of land.

Growth continues for Kenya until around 2098, the year its population is set to crest at about 104 million. From there a slow fall takes it to roughly 104 million by century's end. It is projected to pass the 100 million mark around 2076.

Half of Kenya is currently younger than about 20, but by 2100 the median age is projected to reach around 37, while life expectancy, near 64 years, keeps rising. For now it remains one of the world's youngest populations, with a large generation about to reach working age. An older population gradually reshapes the labour force, pension systems and healthcare demand.

Fertility is around 3.17 births per woman, above the replacement level, which keeps natural growth positive for now.

The trajectory above is the UN's medium scenario. Wars, policy shifts, economic change and migration can all move the numbers, but the broad shape, growth followed by an eventual peak, is robust across the main variants.