According to Article 6 of the constitution, there are 47 counties in Kenya. This resulted from the new 2010 constitution that led to the formation of county governments. Each county is led by a governor who serves for five years.
The map of Kenya shows the following counties: Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu, Taita Taveta, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Marsabit, Isiolo, and Meru. Others include Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, Kitui, Machakos, Makueni, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Muranga, Nairobi, and many more.
Keep scrolling down to learn about the Kenya counties’ population, codes, size, and sub-counties.
The 47 Counties in Kenya
| Kenya county number | County name | Size (km2) | Population (2019 census) |
| 001 | Mombasa | 212.5 | 1.2 million |
| 002 | Kwale | 8270.3 | 866,820 |
| 003 | Kilifi | 12245.9 | 1.45 million |
| 004 | Tana River | 35375.8 | 315,943 |
| 005 | Lamu | 6497.7 | 143,920 |
| 006 | Taita Taveta | 17083.9 | 340,671 |
| 007 | Garissa | 45720.2 | 841,353 |
| 008 | Wajir | 55840.6 | 781,263 |
| 009 | Mandera | 25797.7 | 867,457 |
| 010 | Marsabit | 66923.1 | 459,785 |
| 011 | Isiolo | 25336.1 | 268,002 |
| 012 | Meru | 6930.1 | 1.54 million |
| 013 | Tharaka Nithi | 2409.5 | 393,177 |
| 014 | Embu | 2555.9 | 608,599 |
| 015 | Kitui | 24385.1 | 1.13 million |
| 016 | Machakos | 5952.9 | 1.42 million |
| 017 | Makueni | 8008.9 | 987,653 |
| 018 | Nyandarua | 3107.7 | 638,289 |
| 019 | Nyeri | 2361.0 | 759,164 |
| 020 | Kirinyaga | 1205.4 | 610,411 |
| 021 | Murang’a | 2325.8 | 1.06 million |
| 022 | Kiambu | 2449.2 | 2.42 million |
| 023 | Turkana | 71597.8 | 926,976 |
| 024 | West Pokot | 8418.2 | 621,241 |
| 025 | Samburu | 20182.5 | 310,327 |
| 026 | Trans Nzoia | 2469.9 | 990,341 |
| 027 | Uasin Gishu | 2955.3 | 1.16 million |
| 028 | Elgeyo Marakwet | 3049.7 | 454,480 |
| 029 | Nandi | 2884.5 | 885,711 |
| 030 | Baringo | 11075.3 | 666,763 |
| 031 | Laikipia | 8696.1 | 518,560 |
| 032 | Nakuru | 7509.5 | 2.16 million |
| 033 | Narok | 17921.2 | 1.16 million |
| 034 | Kajiado | 21292.7 | 1.12 million |
| 035 | Kericho | 2454.5 | 901,777 |
| 036 | Bomet | 1997.9 | 875,689 |
| 037 | Kakamega | 3033.8 | 1.87 million |
| 038 | Vihiga | 531.3 | 590,013 |
| 039 | Bungoma | 2206.9 | 1.67 million |
| 040 | Busia | 1628.4 | 893,681 |
| 041 | Siaya | 2496.1 | 993,183 |
| 042 | Kisumu | 2009.5 | 1.16 million |
| 043 | Homa Bay | 3154.7 | 1.13 million |
| 044 | Migori | 2586.4 | 1.12 million |
| 045 | Kisii | 1317.9 | 1.27 million |
| 046 | Nyamira | 912.5 | 605,576 |
| 047 | Nairobi | 694.9 | 4.4 million |
List of Counties in Kenya with Population & Size
Coast Province Counties
1. Mombasa
Mombasa County is located in the southeast of Kenya and is led by Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir. It is the smallest county in Kenya, covering 229.7 km2. The Swahili and Mijikenda communities are the main residents, though you can find other tribes, such as Kamba and Taita.
The county comprises five constituencies: Jomvu, Changamwe, Kisauni, Mvita, Likoni, and Nyali. Since it borders the Indian Ocean to the East, Mombasa is a major tourist attraction in Kenya.
2. Kwale
Kwale is one of the Kenya counties in the coastal region. It covers about 8,270 km2 of Kenya’s size, with a population of 649,931 people. Kwale town is its capital, although Ukunda is the largest in the county.
The main tribes that live here are the Duruma and Digo people. The locals and the tourists enjoy this county’s physical features, such as Lake Nimbodze, Simba Hills, and Mamdudu Valley. They also engage in fishing at Diani, Msambweni, and Shimoni.
3. Kilifi
Going through the Kenya county map, you will find Kilifi on the southeastern side. H.E. Gideon Maitha Mung’aro is in charge of the Kilifi County government. The largest town in the county is Malindi, but its capital is Kilifi.
The county is about 12,255 km2 and accommodates a population of 1,109,735 people. The main communities living here are the Mijikenda, Arabs, Swahili, European settlers, and Indians.
4. Tana River
The county government of Tana River is led by H.E. Maj. (RTD) Dr. Dhadho Gaddae Godhana. It is named after River Tana, the longest river in the country. According to the 2019 census, this county had a population of about 262,684 people.
The Pokomo, Orma, and Wardey are the main language groups that live in Tana River County. They grow rice, maize, mangoes, and bananas to earn a living. They also keep livestock such as goats and beef cattle.
5. Lamu
Lamu is county 05, according to the Kenya counties by number. Its capital is Lamu town, and it covers an area of about 6,273 km2. Approximately 101,539 people live in Lamu County under the leadership of Governor Timamy Issa Abdalla.
The county is rich in minerals such as limestone, titanium, sand, coral stones, and salt. The Swahilis are the main people occupying Lamu. As a result, their main dress code is kanzu and a small, white, rounded hat.
6. Taita Taveta
In the map of Kenya counties, Taita Taveta is located northwest of Mombasa county and southeast of Nairobi. The county has about 250,000 people, mainly the Tatita and Wadawida ethnic groups.
Mwatate is the capital of Taita Taveta County, although there are larger towns such as Wundanyi, Voi, and Taveta. H.E. Andrew Mwadime is the third governor of this county after Samboja’s term ended in August 2022.
North Easter Province Counties
7. Garissa
Garissa is one of the counties in Kenya with a population of about 623,060 people. Its county government is currently operating under the leadership of H.E. Nathif Adan Jama. Garissa town is its largest urban area and also serves as its capital.
The Somalis are the main people living here, though they are other minor tribes. They are further subdivided into clans, with the Ogaden sub-clan being the largest. Also, these people are nomadic pastoralists moving from one area to another in search of pasture and water for their livestock.
8. Wajir
H.E. Ahmed Abdullahi is the governor of Wajir County, assisted by H.E. Amhed Muhumed Abdi. The county covers about 55,840.6 km2 and hosts approximately 661,941 people. Wajir Town is its capital and the largest town.
Like Garissa County, Somali is the leading ethnic group. They are further divided into Ajuran, Ogaden, and Degodia clans. Most people live in Wajir town, while Dif and Buna are the least populated areas.
9. Mandera
Mandera County is one of the counties in the northeast part of Kenya, with its headquarters in Mandera town. According to the 2009 census, it hosts a population of about 1,025,756 people. H.E. Mohamed Adan Khalif is the current governor of this county.
The Somalis are predominant in Kenya county number 09. Most live in Mandera South, Mandera East, and Mandera West, while Lafey and Banisa constituencies are the least populated.
Easter Province Counties
10. Marsabit
Marsabit is located in northern Kenya, occupying an area of 66,923 km2. Its largest town is Moyale, though Marsabit is its capital. H.E. Mohamud Mohammed Alli is in charge of the Kenya county government of Marsabit.
The county has a population of 459,785. The Rendille, Borana, Gabbra, Turkana, and Samburu are the major tribes living here. They keep sheep, goats, cattle, and camels. Camels are the primary source of their livelihood.
11. Isiolo
Isiolo County is located in the eastern and central parts of Kenya. Its headquarters are in Isiolo town, and it is the first county to benefit from the Kenya Vision 2030. And who lives in this county of Kenya? You will mainly find Samburu, Turkana, Ameru, Somali, and Rendille.
About 143,294 people live in Isiolo County, according to the 2009 census. On the other hand, the current governor of this county is H.E. Abdi Ibrahim Hassan, who was the Majority Party Leader in the Nairobi City County Assembly from 2017 to 2022.
12. Meru
Meru County is one of the few counties in Kenya led by a woman, Hon. Kawira Mwangaza. It has a population of about 1.4 million people who are mainly Ameru. You can also find the Kikuyu, Embu, and Kambas.
The county’s headquarters are in Meru town. Besides, it is subdivided into nine constituencies, including Igembe South, Igembe North, Tigania East and West, and Buuri. The highly populated regions are Meru, Laare, Nkubu, Timau, and Maua.
13. Tharaka Nithi
Hon Onesmum Muthomi Njuki is the current governor of Tharaka Nithi County after winning the 2022 general election with the UDA ticket. This county sits on an area of about 2609 km2 and has a population of 365,330 people.
Most people living in Tharaka Nithi are Ameru, such as the Tharaka, Chuka, Mwimbi, and Muthambi. Besides, most are Christians, with Presbyterian, Catholic, and Methodist religions taking the highest percentages.
14. Embu
Embu is one of the counties in Mt Kenya led by Her Excellency Cecily Mutitu Mbarire. Its nickname is Kirimari, meaning the top of the hill. The county borders Tharaka Nithi to the North, Machakos to the south, Kirinyaga to the west, and Kitui to the east.
Most of the people living in Embu County are Christians. Also, they belong to the Aembu, Mbeere, Kamba, and Kikuyu ethnic communities.
15. Kitui
According to the map of counties in Kenya, Kitui is number 15. Its largest town and capital is Kitui town, with a population of 1,012,709 people. The name Kitui means a place where iron goods were made, which resulted from Kamba iron-smiths who lived here before the colonial period.
The main predominants are the Kambas. You can also find a few Kikuyu, Aembu, Somali, and Ameru doing business and other activities. Lastly, H.E. Julius Makau Malombe is the current governor of the Kitui County government.
16. Machakos
H.E. Wavinya Ndeti spearheads the county government of Machakos. The county headquarters are in Machakos, which is also the largest town. Some of the constituencies in Machakos include Masinga, Kathiani, Mwala, Mavoko, Kangundo and Matungulu.
The main people living in this county are the Akamba, the fifth largest tribe in Kenya. You can also find other communities due to the accommodating and welcoming traits of the Kambas.
17. Makueni
Makueni is county 17 in Kenya, with a population of more than 987,653 people. Hon. Mutula Kilonzo leads this former Eastern province of Kenya. Besides, it borders Machakos County on the north and Taita Taveta on the south.
The Kamba people are the main predominant people in this region. On the other hand, the head office is in Wote town. Lastly, Makueni country covers about 8,008.9 km2 of Kenya’s total area.
Central Province Counties
18. Nyandarua
Nyandarua is one of the counties in central Kenya under the leadership of Hon. Moses Kiarie Badilisha. The county is famous for the growth of pyrethrum and the Aberdare Ranges. If you plan to visit the county headquarters, the offices are in Ol Kalou town.
Mairo Inya and Ol Kalou are the highly populated areas in Nyandarua County. You will find mainly the Kikuyu community doing farming and livestock keeping. However, the Luos, Luhyas, Kambas, and Kisii form part of the population.
19. Nyeri
Located in the fertile highlands of Central Kenya, Nyeri County has plenty of water and food. It has six constituencies: Tetu, Kieni, Mukurweini, Ohaya, Nyeri and Mathira. Besides, it is led by H.E. Governor Mutahi Kahiga, a professional teacher.
The prominent tribe occupying Nyeri County is the Kikuyu. Most live in Othaya, Nyeri town, Karatina, and Nanyuki. Their primary source of living is farming cash and food crops such as tea, coffee, yams, sugarcane, and bananas.
20. Kirinyaga
Kirinyaga is one of the seven counties in Kenya led by a woman governor, Her Excellency Anne Mumbi Waiguru. Its county headquarters are in Kutus, although the largest town is Wanguru. Besides, the county occupies an area of about 1,205 km2.
Which is the main tribe in Kirinyaga County? The Kikuyu community is the main predominant. They practice small-scale farming of crops such as tea, maize, coffee, and sugarcane. They also keep livestock like sheep, cattle, pigs and goats.
21. Murang’a
Murang’a County borders Nyeri to the North, Kiambu to the South, Nyandarua to the West, and Kirinyaga, Embu, and Machakos to the East. The former Senate Majority Chief Whip leader, Hon. Irungu Kang’ata, spearheads its county government.
It occupies approximately 2,558.8 km2, and its capital is Murang’a town. The main language group in this county is Kikuyu. However, you can find other tribes, such as Kamba, Embu, Luhya, and Meru, doing small to medium-sized businesses.
22. Kiambu
Kiambu County borders Kenya’s largest city, Nairobi, and was part of the former central province of Kenya. Its population is about 2.4 million people, and its capital is Kiambu.
Hon. Kimani Wamatangi is the current governor of Kiambu. On the other hand, Kikuyu is the major ethnic group living here; most belong to the Christian religion.
Rift Valley Province Counties
23. Turkana
Hon. Governor Jeremiah Ekamais Lomorukai is the current governor of Turakana, whose focus is on nine points, including water, food security, and wealth creation. It has six constituencies, with Turkana East being the most populated.
The Pokot and Samburu communities dominate the Turkana county of Kenya. According to the 2019 census, its population was about 926,976 people.
24. West Pokot
The current governor of West Pokot is H.E. Governor Simon Kachapin Kitalie. The county headquarters are in Kapenguria, which is also the largest town. Besides, the county hosts the fifth highest mountain in Kenya, Mount Mtelo.
The main language groups living in West Pokot County are the Kalenjin and Pokot. They practice nomadic pastoralism and measure their wealth with the number of cows they own.
25. Samburu
The map of Kenya counties shows that Samburu County is in northern Kenya. It covers approximately 21,000 km2, and its capital is at Maralal town. Besides, Hon. Jonathan Lati Lelelit spearheads its county government.
The Samburu community is the primary language group in Samburu County. Some Turkanas also live here, and their main source of livelihood is pastoralism.
26. Trans Nzoia
Trans Nzoia County is located between Mount Elgon and the Nzoia River. Its capital and largest town is Kitale, and it occupies an area of about 2,470 km2. Besides, its current governor is H.E. George Natembeya.
The Bukusu, a subtribe of the Luhya ethnic group, and the Kalenjins are the main tribes in Trans Nzoia. On the other hand, Kitale, Mali Saba, and Kimilili are the highly populated areas, while Mt. Elgon slopes are the less populated areas.
27. Uasin Gishu
Uasin Gishu is part of the former Rift Valley province and covers about 2,955 km2. Its current governor is H.E. Hon. Jonathan Bii Chelilim. The county headquarters are in Eldoret, the largest town in this county.
Kalenjin is the main language group residing in Uasin Gishu county. However, you will find other communities, such as Kikuyu, Kamba, Kisii, Luhya, and Luo.
28. Elgeyo Marakwet
West of Uasin Gishu county lies Elgeyo Marakwet county of Kenya. Its current head of the county government is H.E. Hon Wesley Rotich, and the county offices are in Iten town.
Keiyo, a Kalenjin subtribe, and Marakwet tribes are the major ethnic communities in this county. You can also find Tugen, Pokot, Nandi, and Saboat communities in small numbers. Lastly, Iten town is the most populated, while Kabetwa is the least populated.
29. Nandi
Nandi is one of the counties in Kenya, covering approximately 2,884 km2. Also, according to the 2019 census, its population is 885,711 people. H.E. Hon. Stephen Sang currently represents Nandi at the Kenya county government.
There are different tribes in this county, but the Nandis are the majority. Their primary food source is meat and milk; they also make fermented porridge from wheat.
30. Baringo
H.E. Hon. Benjamin Cheboi currently leads Baringo County. Its headquarters are in Kabarnet, and it covers about 11,075.3 km2. The name Baringo comes from the word mparingo, which means lake.
The Tugen, Pokot, Ilchamus, and Endorois are the main language groups living in Baringo. They rely on livestock keeping, but those living in the highlands practice farming.
31. Laikipia
Laikipia county in Kenya is located along the equator. Its largest towns are Nyahururu and Nanyuki, but its county headquarters are in Rumuruti.
The Kikuyus and Samburus are the main language groups in Laikipia County. Their primary source of food is maize and meat. The Samburus also drink blood from their cattle. H.E. Hon Joshua Irungu is the currency governor of this county.
32. Nakuru
Nakuru is another Kenya county currently led by a woman governor, H.E. Hon. Susan Kihika. It is famous for Lake Nakuru and its beautiful camping environment. Also, it is the fourth largest county in Kenya, with a population of more than 1.5 million people.
The major ethnic groups living in this county are the Kikuyu, Kalenjins, and Maasai. You can also find any other tribe in Kenya here because it is a multicultural county.
33. Narok
The current head of the Narok County government is H.E. Patrick K. Ole Ntutu, assisted by H.E. Tamalinye K. Koech. Its headquarters are in Narok and it has a population of about 850,920 people.
The Maasais are the primary inhabitants of this county. They keep livestock as their major source of livelihood. Also, this community has maintained its culture from their way of dressing, as you can find most in their traditional shukas.
34. Kajiado
Kajiado County is another home for the Maasai community. It is part of the former Rift Valley province under the current leadership of H.E. Joseph Ole Lenku.
The capital of this county is Kajido, but its largest town is Ngong. The inhabitants practice both farming and livestock keeping. In Kajiado and Isinya, you can find crops such as maize, vegetables, tomatoes, and onions.
35. Kericho
Kericho County is famous for its extensive tea plantations. Besides, it is one of the richest counties in Kenya. Its current governor is H.E. Erick Kipkoech Mutai, with his office in Kericho town.
The Kipsgis, part of the Kalenjin tribe, are the main community in this county. Besides tea farming, they plant crops such as maize for food and keep livestock.
36. Bomet
H.E. Hon. Hillary Barchok currently leads the Kenya county government of Bomet. It has five constituencies: Bomet Central, Bomet East, Sotik, Konoin and Chepalungu.
The Kipsigis are the major tribe living in this county. Besides, Bomet town is the most populated area while Ndanai and Kamugeno areas host the least population.
Western Province Counties
37. Kakamega
The name Kakamega means pinch in Luhya, which describes how the European colonials used to eat ugali, the staple food in this area. Kakamega county was part of the former Western province of Kenya. Its capital is Kakamega town, which is also the largest, followed by Malaba.
It is the home of the Luhya community, one of the largest tribes in Kenya. The Luhya people are further divided into 10 sub-tribes who speak different languages.
38. Vihiga
Vihiga County is located in the Western region of Kenya, North of Kakamega County. Its headquarters are in Mbale town and it is currently led by H.E. Wilber K. Ottichilo.
The main ethnic group residing in Vihiga county is the Maragoli. You can also find Idakho, Banyore, and Tiriki communities in small numbers. Most people live in Luanda, Vihiga, and Sabatia, while Hamisi and Emuhaya remain less populated.
39. Bungoma
Bungoma County is in the Western part of Kenya and neighbours Mount Elgon. H.E. Kenneth Makelo Luasaka, the former senate speaker, currently leads it.
The major occupants of Bungoma County are the Bukusu community. They do farming of food crops such as maize for flour, chinunga, and bubwoba. Besides, most of them belong to the Christian religion.
40. Busia
Busia County is the gateway to East and Central Africa. H.E Dr Paul Otuoma is the acting governor up to 2027. Besides, it is a trading centre between Kenya and Uganda.
The Teso community is the leading language group in this county. They mostly live in Busia town, Malaba, Nambale, and Funyula, while the Budulang’a region remains less populated. Lastly, their main staple food was ugali, served with chicken, which remains a common food.
Nyanza Province Counties
41. Siaya
Siaya is one of the counties in Kenya which was part of the former Nyanza province. It is currently operating under the leadership of H.E. Hon. James Orengo. Its capital is Siaya town, which shares a water border with Homa Bay County.
The main predominants of Siaya County are the Luos, but you can find other tribes here. They mainly belong to the Christian religion. Most live in Bondo and Alego areas, while Rarieda and Gem are less populated.
42. Kisumu
Kisumu is county 042 in Kenya led by H.E. Anyang’ Nyong’o. The Luo people call it Kisumo, a place to look for food. It is famous because the largest lake in Kenya, Lake Victoria, is found here.
The Luo form the majority of the people in Kisumu County. You will also find Indians in small numbers who came during the construction of the railways. Most live in Kisumu East, Kisumu Central, and Kisumu West.
43. Homa Bay
Homa Bay County is in the southern part of Nyanza and neighbours the southern shores of Lake Victoria. It covers about 3,183.3 km2 with a population of 1.3 million people. It is also one of the seven counties in Kenya led by a women governor, H.E. Gladys Wanga.
The Luo and Abasuba comprise 95% of the Homa Bay County’s population. Other tribes here include the Bukusus, Teso, Banyore, and Kisii. They mainly depend on fishing or business to earn a living.
44. Migori
It is a county with a population of 1.3 million people and an area coverage of 2,586.4 km2. It has eight sub-counties and four municipalities. H.E. Dr. Ochilo Ayako is the current governor, and his focus is on improved water supply, better healthcare, and the construction of ultra-modern markets.
The capital of County 44 in Kenya is Migori town, which is also the largest. The main predominants are the Suba-luos, Luos, Luhya, Kuria, Kisiis, and Somalis. You can also find Arabs, Nubians, and Indians in small numbers.
45. Kisii
West of Migori County lies Kisii County, with a population of about 1.15 million. Its notable physical features are the Sameta, Kiong’anyo, Kiometo, and Myamasibi hills. Besides, it is famous for the production of bananas.
The current governor of Kisii County is H.E. Simba Arati. The Kisii are the primary tribe living here, though you can find others like Luo, Kamba, and Kikuyu.
46. Nyamira
Nyamira County was part of Kisii County when this county was a district, hence sometimes referred to as North Kisii County. It has five sub-counties, which are further subdivided into 20 wards.
H.E. Amos Nyaribo leads this county in Kenya, and its capital is Nyamira town. The major ethnic group living here is the Kisii community. They mainly grow bananas and tea.
Nairobi Province County
47. Nairobi
Nairobi County is the capital city of Kenya, with a population of more than 4 million people. Its acting governor is H.E Johnson Sakaja, operating under the motto,’ Let’s Make Nairobi Work.’
Since this is Kenya’s capital city, you can find all tribes here. However, the major ethnic groups are Kikuyu, Luo, Luhya, Kalenjin, Meru, Kamba, and Kisii. Most of them are in businesses to earn a living. You can visit the county’s official website if you are looking for county jobs in Kenya available in Nairobi.
FAQs About Counties in Kenya
Which is county 47 in Kenya?
County 47 in Kenya is Nairobi. It is Kenya’s capital city and the largest city in this country. Besides, it hosts the highest population compared to the other counties in Kenya.
How many counties are in Kenya?
There are 47 counties in Kenya that came from the 2010 constitution. Each county has a county government led by a governor. The governors serve for five years just like the president, and you can vie for two terms. However, they differ in size, number of sub-counties, and population.
Which is the largest county in Kenya?
The largest county in Kenya by size is Turkana County, with a coverage of 71,597.8 km2. According to population, Nairobi County is the biggest, with a population of 4,397,073 people from the 2019 census. On the other hand, the smallest county in Kenya by size is Mombasa.
