Highest Poverty in Kenya

Top 100 cities ranked by highest poverty

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

Highest Poverty — Kenya

1 Wanguru 24 46.9%

2 Awendo 17 46.9%

3 Mwingi 27 46.9%

4 Garba Tula 18 46.9%

5 Emali 32 46.9%

6 Wote 32 46.9%

7 Oyugis 17 46.9%

8 Ogembo 25 46.9%

9 Makueni Boma 32 46.9%

10 Rongo 36 46.9%

11 Maai Mahiu 39 46.9%

12 Mai 39 46.9%

13 Hola 48 46.9%

14 Eldama Ravine 10 46.9%

15 Takaba 33 46.9%

16 Taveta 47 46.9%

17 Maua 35 46.9%

18 Kihancha 36 46.9%

19 Chuka 49 46.9%

20 Bondo 46 46.9%

21 Lafey 33 46.9%

22 Kakuma 51 46.9%

23 Karatina 44 46.9%

24 Isebania 36 46.9%

25 Nyamira 42 46.9%

26 Kabarnet 10 46.9%

27 Kajiado 19 46.9%

28 Lamu 30 46.9%

29 Watamu 23 46.9%

30 Elburgon 39 46.9%

31 Makutano 55 46.9%

32 Kitui 27 46.9%

33 Pumwani 05 46.9%

34 Kerugoya 24 46.9%

35 Rongai 39 46.9%

36 Mairo Inya 43 46.9%

37 Maralal 45 46.9%

38 Mariakani 23 46.9%

39 Siaya 46 46.9%

40 Ramu 33 46.9%

41 Marsabit 34 46.9%

42 Nyahururu 29 46.9%

43 Tetu 44 46.9%

44 Lugulu 13 46.9%

45 Kapsabet 40 46.9%

46 Iten 14 46.9%

47 Njoro 39 46.9%

48 Webuye 12 46.9%

49 Murang’a 38 46.9%

50 Masalani 48 46.9%

51 Kinoi 31 46.9%

52 Kenol 38 46.9%

53 Homa Bay 17 46.9%

54 Mumias 20 46.9%

55 Ol Kalou 43 46.9%

56 Moyale 34 46.9%

57 Molo 39 46.9%

58 Habaswein 54 46.9%

59 Ngong 19 46.9%

60 Nairobi 05 46.9%

61 Kakamega 20 46.9%

62 Mombasa 37 46.9%

63 Nakuru 39 46.9%

64 Ruiru 22 46.9%

65 Eldoret 52 46.9%

66 Kisumu 26 46.9%

67 Kikuyu 22 46.9%

68 Thika 05 46.9%

69 Naivasha 39 46.9%

70 Karuri 38 46.9%

71 Karuri 22 46.9%

72 Matuga 28 46.9%

73 Mwala 31 46.9%

74 Lang'ata 05 46.9%

75 Ongata Rongai 19 46.9%

76 Jomvu 37 46.9%

77 Garissa 16 46.9%

78 Kitale 50 46.9%

79 Limuru 22 46.9%

80 Juja 22 46.9%

81 Kitengela 19 46.9%

82 Kiambu 22 46.9%

83 Mlolongo 31 46.9%

84 Malindi 23 46.9%

85 Mandera 33 46.9%

86 Khwisero 20 46.9%

87 Kisii 25 46.9%

88 Gilgil 39 46.9%

89 Narok 41 46.9%

90 Embu 15 46.9%

91 Machakos 31 46.9%

92 Githunguri 31 46.9%

93 Githunguri 22 46.9%

94 El Wak 33 46.9%

95 Upper Gilgil 43 46.9%

96 Kapenguria 55 46.9%

97 Imara Daima Estate 05 46.9%

98 Voi 47 46.9%

99 Kericho 21 46.9%

100 Bungoma 12 46.9%

Cities with the highest poverty rates in Kenya face deep economic challenges affecting a significant portion of their population. Wanguru has a poverty rate of 46.9%.

High poverty rates impact communities in multiple ways: reduced access to healthcare and healthy food, lower educational outcomes, higher crime rates, and deteriorating infrastructure. These challenges are interconnected and require comprehensive solutions.

Addressing poverty in these cities requires a multi-pronged approach including economic development, affordable housing, quality education, healthcare access, and workforce training programs targeting underserved populations.

Did You Know?

1. In Wanguru, 46.9% of residents — roughly 1 in 2 people — live below the poverty line.
2. Child poverty rates in these cities are often even higher than the overall rate, sometimes exceeding 40%.
3. Poverty is measured by household income relative to family size — the threshold varies from $15,060 for an individual to $31,200 for a family of four.

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