Driest Cities in Kenya

Top 100 cities ranked by driest cities

Largest Cities Smallest Cities Most Dense Least Dense Highest Income Lowest Income Lowest Unemployment Highest Unemployment Lowest Poverty Highest Poverty Highest Rent Lowest Rent Most Educated Youngest Cities Oldest Cities Safest Cities Highest Crime Warmest Cities Coldest Cities Rainiest Cities Driest Cities

All Countries · Kenya

Driest Cities — Kenya

1 North Horr 34 7.1"

2 Loiyangalani 34 8.4"

3 Lodwar 51 9.5"

4 Ramu 33 9.8"

5 Mandera 33 10.0"

6 Habaswein 54 12.1"

7 Takaba 33 12.2"

8 Lafey 33 12.2"

9 Mado Gashi 16 12.5"

10 Giriftu 54 12.6"

11 Eldas 54 12.6"

12 Banissa 33 12.7"

13 Merti 18 12.9"

14 Marsabit 34 13.0"

15 El Wak 33 13.4"

16 Wajir 54 13.5"

17 Garissa 16 13.7"

18 Dadaab 16 13.7"

19 Lokichar 51 14.7"

20 Laisamis 34 14.8"

21 Kakuma 51 15.2"

22 Garba Tula 18 15.8"

23 Magadi 19 15.8"

24 Bura 16 16.7"

25 Hola 48 17.2"

26 Bura Tana 48 17.6"

27 Bute 54 17.7"

28 Sololo 18.1"

29 Nairobi 05 19.4"

30 Ongata Rongai 19 19.4"

31 Isinya 19 19.4"

32 Kitengela 19 19.4"

33 Mlolongo 31 19.4"

34 Athi River 31 19.4"

35 Githunguri 31 19.4"

36 Pumwani 05 19.4"

37 Imara Daima Estate 05 19.4"

38 Kinna 18 20.8"

39 Kainuk 51 20.9"

40 Lokichokio 51 21.0"

41 Il 19 22.8"

42 Kajiado 19 23.0"

43 Moyale 34 23.4"

44 Masalani 48 23.7"

45 Makindu 32 23.8"

46 Kikuyu 22 23.9"

47 Rironi 22 23.9"

48 Githiga A 22 23.9"

49 Limuru 22 23.9"

50 Maai Mahiu 39 23.9"

51 Mai 39 23.9"

52 Kibwezi 32 24.4"

53 Ijara 16 24.4"

54 Maralal 45 25.9"

55 Taveta 47 26.3"

56 Isiolo 18 26.6"

57 Emali 32 26.8"

58 Wote 32 26.8"

59 Makueni Boma 32 26.8"

60 Sultan Hamud 32 26.8"

61 Rumuruti 29 28.3"

62 Mtito Andei 32 28.4"

63 Matuu 31 28.4"

64 Mwatate 47 28.8"

65 Garsen 48 29.2"

66 Kenol 38 29.3"

67 Kawaida 22 29.3"

68 Ruiru 22 29.3"

69 Thika 05 29.3"

70 Karuri 22 29.3"

71 Juja 22 29.3"

72 Tinganga 22 29.3"

73 Kiambu 22 29.3"

74 Gatundu 22 29.3"

75 Maragua 38 29.3"

76 Githunguri 22 29.3"

77 Mwingi 27 29.7"

78 Narok 41 30.6"

79 Kitui 27 31.1"

80 Nanyuki 29 31.3"

81 Marigat 10 31.3"

82 Baringo 10 31.3"

83 Kimana 19 31.4"

84 Machakos 31 31.6"

85 Mwala 31 31.6"

86 Makutano 31 31.6"

87 Kinoi 31 31.6"

88 Kangundo 31 31.6"

89 Tala 31 31.6"

90 Voi 47 31.7"

91 Mau Narok 39 32.8"

92 Lang'ata 05 33.8"

93 Ngong 19 33.8"

94 Kiserian 19 33.8"

95 Watamu 23 34.6"

96 Nakuru 39 35.0"

97 Nyahururu 29 35.0"

98 Mairo Inya 43 35.0"

99 Wundanyi 47 35.4"

100 Timau 35 35.6"

The driest cities in Kenya receive the least annual precipitation, often characterized by arid landscapes and abundant sunshine. North Horr receives just 7.1 inches of precipitation annually.

Dry climates offer benefits including more sunny days, less seasonal affective disorder, lower humidity, and reduced mold and allergen concerns. These cities are often located in the desert Southwest or other arid regions with dramatic natural landscapes.

Water management is a critical concern for the driest cities, many of which rely on distant water sources, desalination, or strict conservation measures. As populations grow in these areas, sustainable water use and drought resilience become increasingly important priorities.

Did You Know?

1. North Horr gets just 7.1" of precipitation per year — less than many cities get in a single month.
2. Most of the driest cities are in the desert Southwest, where evaporation often exceeds precipitation by a factor of 10 or more.
3. Water conservation is a way of life in these cities, with many implementing xeriscaping requirements and water usage restrictions.

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