Top 10 Richest Counties in Kenya 2024

Discover the Top 10 Richest Counties In Kenya and explore their key industries and factors contributing to their prosperity. From Nairobi County, the economic hub of the country, to Mombasa County, a major tourist destination, these counties showcase Kenya’s economic diversity and potential.

The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) uses a Gross County Product (GCP) metric to determine the size and structure of all the 47 counties in Kenya. It then compiles the GCP data to break down Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product geographically.

When you add the GCP of Kenya’s 47 counties, you will get Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). From the GCP data, one can determine the richest counties in Kenya.

Learn about their agricultural sectors, manufacturing industries, and tourism attractions. Find out how these counties continue to drive Kenya’s economic growth and development.

Read more to understand the economic landscape of Kenya and the factors that make these counties the wealthiest in the country.

Top 10 Richest Counties In Kenya 2024

1. Nairobi County
2. Kiambu County
3. Nakuru County
4.  Mombasa County
5. Kilifi County
6. Uasin Gishu County
7. Kisumu County
8. Nyeri County
9. Meru County
10. Kisii County

Kenya, a country known for its diverse landscapes and rich culture, is also home to some of the wealthiest counties on the African continent. These counties have experienced significant economic growth and development, attracting both local and international investors.

In this article, we will explore the top 10 richest counties in Kenya, highlighting their key industries and factors contributing to their prosperity.

Nairobi County

Nairobi is the capital of Kenya, the richest county with a GCP of 27.5%, and the most developed county in Kenya. The county has many economic activities that contribute to its wealth

Unsurprisingly, Nairobi County takes the top spot as the richest county in Kenya. As the capital city and economic hub of the country, Nairobi is a bustling metropolis with a thriving business sector. The county is home to numerous multinational corporations, financial institutions, and a vibrant real estate market.

Kiambu County

Kiambu County, located just outside Nairobi, is known for its affluent suburbs and high-end residential estates. The county’s proximity to the capital city has led to its rapid growth and development. Kiambu is also known for its agricultural sector, particularly in the production of coffee and tea.

Kiambu is one of the richest counties in Kenya, with an annual GCP of 5.9%. The county is close to Nairobi and acts as a vibrant commercial urban centre.

Mombasa County

Mombasa County, situated along the Kenyan coast, is a major tourist destination and a key player in the country’s economy. The county’s beautiful beaches, historical sites, and vibrant nightlife attract both local and international visitors. Mombasa is also a significant port city, handling a large volume of imports and exports.

Some of the economic activities that contribute to its annual GCP of 5.2% include manufacturing, transport and storage, electricity supply, accommodation and food service activities, construction, wholesale and retail trade (including repair of motor vehicles), and financial and insurance activities.

Nakuru County

Nakuru County, located in the Rift Valley region, is known for its agricultural productivity. The county is a major producer of wheat, maize, and other crops. Additionally, Nakuru is home to various industries, including manufacturing and tourism.

Nakuru is the richest county in the Rift Valley, with an annual GCP of 4.9%.

Kajiado County

Kajiado County, located in the southern part of Kenya, is known for its vast arid landscapes and wildlife conservation areas. The county’s proximity to Nairobi has led to its growth as a residential area for individuals working in the capital city. Kajiado also has a thriving tourism sector, with attractions such as Amboseli National Park and Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Kisumu County

Kisumu County, situated on the shores of Lake Victoria, is a major economic center in western Kenya. The county’s economy is driven by various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and fishing. Kisumu is also known for its cultural heritage, with attractions such as the Kisumu Museum and the Dunga Beach.

Laikipia County

Laikipia County, located in the central part of Kenya, is known for its vast conservancies and wildlife reserves. The county’s economy is heavily reliant on tourism, with visitors flocking to see the diverse wildlife and engage in activities such as game drives and nature walks.

Nyeri County

Nyeri County, situated in the central highlands of Kenya, is known for its agricultural productivity, particularly in the production of coffee and tea. The county is also home to various tourist attractions, including the Aberdare National Park and the Mount Kenya National Park.

Meru County

Meru County, located in the eastern part of Kenya, is known for its fertile agricultural land. The county is a major producer of crops such as coffee, tea, and miraa (khat). Meru is also home to various cultural sites, including the Meru National Museum and the Njuri Ncheke Shrine.

Machakos County

Machakos County, situated in the eastern part of Kenya, is known for its rapid urbanization and industrial growth. The county’s proximity to Nairobi has made it an attractive location for businesses and investors. Machakos is also known for its tourism potential, with attractions such as the Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park and the Machakos People’s Park.

In conclusion, these top 10 richest counties in Kenya showcase the country’s economic diversity and potential. From the bustling streets of Nairobi to the serene landscapes of Laikipia, each county has its unique strengths and contributions to the nation’s prosperity. Whether it’s through agriculture, tourism, or industry, these counties continue to drive Kenya’s economic growth and development.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which county has the most richest people in Kenya?
   Nairobi, with a contribution of 27.5 percent to the overall GDP, is by far Kenya’s richest county, according to a new Kenya National Bureau of Statistics listing released Thursday.
2. Is Kajiado the richest county? Kajiado is not the wealthiest county in Kenya. However, it ranks number 21 on the list of richest counties in Kenya by GCP. The county contributes an average of 1.5% annually to Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product.
3. Which is the happiest county in Kenya?
   The three have been replaced by Makueni which is currently the happiest county, Bomet and Kwale. Elgeyo Marakwet and Machakos have maintained their top rankings in the happiness index. Some of the key insights from the 2020 Happiness Index were as follows: Kenyans are not as happy as they were 5 years ago.
4. Which is the most developed county in Kenya? Nairobi County. The home of National Government has developed mainly due to investments by National Government and other private institutions.
5. What is Kiambu County known for? It is a county in the former Central Province of Kenya. Its capital is Kiambu and its largest town is Thika.
6. Which is the most educated county in Kenya?

   The following are the counties with the highest literacy rates:
   • Nairobi County – 89%
   • Kiambu County – 88%
   • Kirinyaga County – 87%
   • Muranga County – 86%
   • Machakos County – 85%
   • Nakuru County – 78%
   • Kisumu County – 76%
   • Kisii County – 74%
7. How big is Kiambu County? It covers a total area of 2,543.5 Km2 with 476.3 Km2under forest cover according to the 2009 Kenya Population and Housing Census.
8. Which counties border Kisii County? It shares common borders with Nyamira County to the north east, Narok County to the south, Homabay and Migori Counties to the West.
9. Which is smallest county in Kenya?Mombasa County is located in the South Eastern part of the Coastal region of Kenya. It is the smallest county in Kenya, covering an area of 219.9 Km2 (excluding 65 Km2 of water mass), yet Mombasa County has the fourth highest average contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Kenya at 4.7%
10. Why is Mombasa County 001? The logic behind beginning the list from the Coast region was that since the region borders the Ocean, it is the “absolute end” of the country.
11. Which county is largest in Kenya? Turkana is the largest county, including the area covered by Lake Turkana, in Kenya.The county is within the boundaries of the former Rift Valley province. According to data provided during 1991 the majority of the population at that time lived by way of farming. With an area of nearly 77,000 km2, Turkana is the largest county, including the area covered by Lake Turkana, in Kenya.
12. How did Kakamega town start? The British developed Kakamega for defensive purposes in 1903, and by 1920 it had become the district headquarters.
13. Which is the best county in Kenya? West Pokot, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Tharaka-Nithi, Embu and Homa Bay are some of the top counties that have undergone remarkable transformation since 2013. They are joined by Bomet, Kericho, Laikipia, Kirinyaga and Kajiado in the top 10 most progressive counties
14. Which is the poorest county in Kenya? Turkana takes the lead with a poverty of 87.50% affecting approximately 701303 individuals
15. Which counties in Kenya have the highest revenue collection?
    Financial Year 2020/2021
    County Annual Target Actual Revenue/ Annual Target (%)
    Mombasa 6,459,442,159 51.3
    Murang’a 900,000,000 69.7
    Nairobi City 16,209,511,170 61.4
    Nakuru 1,800,000,000 90.5