Kakamega Population 2026
Kakamega has a population of 1,867,579, making it the #2 biggest city in 🇰🇪 Kenya, located in Kakamega County. Roughly 3.2% of Kenya's population lives here. It is about 2.4× smaller than Nairobi, the country's biggest city.
Population (city proper)
1,867,579
Rank in Kenya
#2
Coordinates
0.28°N, 34.75°E
~1,563 m elevation · Africa/Nairobi
Distance to capital (Nairobi)
288 km
179 miles, straight line
Other big cities in Kakamega County
Cities near Kakamega
FAQ
What is the population of Kakamega?
Kakamega has a population of 1,867,579 (city proper, latest official figure via GeoNames), making it the #2 biggest city in Kenya.
What region is Kakamega in?
Kakamega is located in Kakamega County, Kenya.
Is Kakamega the capital of Kenya?
No, the capital of Kenya is Nairobi, about 288 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.