Athi River Population 2026
Athi River has a population of 81,302, making it the #32 biggest city in 🇰🇪 Kenya, located in Machakos County. Roughly 0.1% of Kenya's population lives here. It is about 54× smaller than Nairobi, the country's biggest city.
Population (city proper)
81,302
Rank in Kenya
#32
Coordinates
1.46°S, 36.98°E
~1,505 m elevation · Africa/Nairobi
Distance to capital (Nairobi)
26 km
16 miles, straight line
Other big cities in Machakos County
| City | Population | Rank in Kenya |
|---|---|---|
| Mwala | 181,896 | #14 |
| Mlolongo | 136,351 | #23 |
| Machakos | 63,767 | #45 |
| Githunguri | 63,319 | #47 |
| Kinoi | 44,086 | #63 |
Cities near Athi River
- Kitengela154,436 people · ~3 km away
- Mlolongo136,351 people · ~8 km away
- Githunguri63,319 people · ~17 km away
- Ongata Rongai172,569 people · ~25 km away
- Nairobi4,397,073 people · ~26 km away
- Kiserian76,903 people · ~33 km away
FAQ
What is the population of Athi River?
Athi River has a population of 81,302 (city proper, latest official figure via GeoNames), making it the #32 biggest city in Kenya.
What region is Athi River in?
Athi River is located in Machakos County, Kenya.
Is Athi River the capital of Kenya?
No, the capital of Kenya is Nairobi, about 26 km away.
Sources & notes
Population refers to the city proper (municipal boundaries), not the metropolitan area. Source: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 2026-07-07. Country data: UN World Population Prospects 2024.