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Kakamega, Kenya

Kakamega County · 🇰🇪 Kenya

Kakamega is a major city in Kakamega County, Kenya with a population of 1,867,579. Elevation: 5,128 ft (1,563 m). Average temperature: 69°F (20°C).

1.8 /5.0
D Poor
1,867,579 Population
5,128 ft Elevation 1,563 meters
69°F Avg Temperature 20°C
74.7 in Annual Rain
Africa / Nairobi Timezone
D
Overall
1.8 / 5.0
Poor overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
D
Education
1.8 / 5.0
10.4% bachelor's degree or higher
Bachelor's+ 10.4%
69% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 12.4%
61% lower than US avg
Unemployment 5.5%
51% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 46.9%
278% higher than US avg

People

Population1,867,579
Median Age20.0 yrs
DensityN/A
Male / Female50% / 50%

Economy

Median IncomeN/A
Per Capita$1,943
Unemployment5.5%
Poverty46.9%

Health

Obesity12.4%
UninsuredN/A
Smoking5.9%
Depression4.6%

Climate

Avg Temp69°F (20°C)
AQI49 (Good)
Rain74.7 in/yr
Sunny Days201/yr
Elevation5,128 ft (1,563 m)

Education

D
Bachelor's+10.4%
High School+80.0%

Community

CommuteN/A
Broadband35.0%
Population1,867,579
Elevation5,128 ft (1,563 m)
Coordinates0.2842°, 34.7523°
TimezoneAfrica/Nairobi
Country🇰🇪 Kenya
State / ProvinceKakamega County
Average Temperature69°F (20°C)
January Average70°F (21°C)
July Average67°F (19°C)
Annual Precipitation74.7 inches (1,896 mm)
Annual Snowfall0.0 inches (0 cm)
Median Age20.0 years

Is Kakamega a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Kakamega receives an overall livability score of 1.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Kakamega faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.

Economy & Jobs

The unemployment rate of 5.5% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 46.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.

Education

10.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.0% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Kakamega enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F. Winters average 70°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 201 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 74.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 49.

Kakamega has a population of 1,867,579. The median age is 20.0 years, 49% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.3% female and 49.7% male. 7.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 57.0% have health insurance coverage.

Population

1,867,579
Total Population
20.0yrs
Median Age
49% below US avg

Gender Distribution

Male 49.7%
Female 50.3%

Race & Ethnicity

Kakamega vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages100%

Social Characteristics

Kakamega vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Kakamega is N/A. Per capita income is $1,943 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 5.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 46.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 32.1, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living.

Income: Kakamega vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Per Capita Income$1,943

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment5.5%
51% above US avg
Poverty Rate46.9%
278% above US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living32.10 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

In Kakamega, 12.4% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 6.0% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). 33.2% have high blood pressure. 5.9% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 2.5% report binge drinking. 86.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 4.6% report depression (below the 20.0% national average).

Health Metrics: Kakamega vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity12.4%
61% below US avg
Diabetes6.0%
High Blood Pressure33.2%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking5.9%
58% below US avg
Binge Drinking2.5%
Physical Inactivity86.9%
Depression4.6%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate57.0%

Food & Exercise

Kakamega enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F (20°C). Winters average 70°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July — relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 201 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 74.7 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 49. 85% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 5,128 feet, a high-altitude location.

Temperature

70°F Jan (21°C) 67°F Jul (19°C)
Annual Average68.7°F
27% above US avg
January Average70°F (21°C)
July Average67°F (19°C)
Sunny Days201 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall74.7 inches
96% above US avg
Snowfall0.0 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median49.0
RatingGood
Good Days %85.1%

Geography

Elevation5,128 ft (1,563 m)
Coordinates0.2842°N, 34.7523°W
TimezoneAfrica/Nairobi

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 70°F (21°C) 2.8 in Driest
February 71°F (21°C) 4.1 in
March 71°F (22°C) 6.4 in Warmest
April 69°F (21°C) 10.4 in Wettest
May 68°F (20°C) 10.1 in
June 67°F (20°C) 6.3 in
July 67°F (19°C) 5.9 in Coldest
August 67°F (19°C) 7.8 in
September 68°F (20°C) 6.6 in
October 69°F (20°C) 5.5 in
November 69°F (21°C) 5.5 in
December 69°F (21°C) 3.4 in

Kakamega has a seasonal temperature swing of 4°F — from 67°F in July to 71°F in March. Total annual precipitation is 74.7 inches, with April being the wettest month (10.4") and January the driest (2.8").

10.4% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 69% below the national average of 33.7%. 80.0% have completed high school. 35.0% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate).

Education

Bachelor's Degree+10.4%
69% below US avg
High School+80.0%
D Education Grade (1.8/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access35.0%

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Frequently Asked Questions About Kakamega

What is the population of Kakamega?

Kakamega has a population of 1,867,579 residents and is located in Kenya.. The median age of residents is 20.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.3% female and 49.7% male.

Is Kakamega expensive to live in?

Kakamega is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 32.1 — below the baseline of 100.

What is the weather like in Kakamega?

Kakamega enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F (20°C). Winter temperatures average 70°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 201 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 74.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 49.

How is the job market in Kakamega?

The unemployment rate in Kakamega is 5.5%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition.

How are the schools in Kakamega?

10.4% of adults in Kakamega hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.0% have completed high school.

How healthy is Kakamega?

The obesity rate in Kakamega is 12.4% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 5.9% of adults are smokers. 86.9% are physically inactive. 4.6% of residents report depression.

Nearby Cities

Khayega 3,892 pop · 5.4 mi Chavakali 12,674 pop · 11.6 mi Shianda 7,502 pop · 12.6 mi Malava 5,131 pop · 13.3 mi Khwisero 113,294 pop · 13.4 mi Mbale 60,000 pop · 14.1 mi Serem 3,984 pop · 16.0 mi Majengo 11,913 pop · 16.3 mi Mumias 45,485 pop · 18.6 mi Butere 11,205 pop · 18.9 mi Yala 3,237 pop · 19.9 mi Luanda 13,319 pop · 21.4 mi Webuye 42,642 pop · 21.9 mi Maseno 6,771 pop · 22.7 mi
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