Full List of 47 Counties in Kenya, Their Codes [Table]

There are 47 counties in Kenya, and each has its own code.

Each county is serving as an administrative unit under the devolved government system established by the 2010 Constitution.

This system replaced the previous provincial structure and aimed to enhance local governance and service delivery.

Each county is identified by a unique code.

Kenya's map — An illustrative image. PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images

List of the 47 counties in Kenya along with their respective codes

Table summarizing the 47 counties in Kenya, including their codes, headquarters, postal abbreviations, and populations according to the 2019 census:

Code	County	Headquarters/Capital	Postal Abbreviations	Population (2019 Census)
001	Mombasa	Mombasa	MSA	1,208,333
002	Kwale	Kwale	KWL	866,820
003	Kilifi	Kilifi	KLF	1,453,787
004	Tana River	Hola	TRV	315,943
005	Lamu	Lamu	LMU	143,920
006	Taita Taveta	Mwatate	TVT	340,671
007	Garissa	Garissa	GRS	841,353
008	Wajir	Wajir	WJR	781,263
009	Mandera	Mandera	MDR	867,457
010	Marsabit	Marsabit	MRS	459,785
011	Isiolo	Isiolo	ISL	268,002
012	Meru	Meru	MRU	1,545,714
013	Tharaka Nithi	Kathwana	TNT	393,177
014	Embu	Embu	EMB	608,599
015	Kitui	Kitui	KTU	1,136,187
016	Machakos	Machakos	MCK	1,421,932
017	Makueni	Wote	MKN	987,653
018	Nyandarua	Ol Karau	NDR	638,289
019	Nyeri	Nyeri	NYR	759,164
020	Kirinyaga	Kerugoya	KRG	610,411
021	Murang’a	Murang’a	MRG	1,056,640
022	Kiambu	Kiambu	KMB	2,417,735
023	Turkana	Lodwar	TRK	926,976
024	West Pokot	Kapenguria	WPK	621,241
025	Samburu	Maralal	SBR	310,327
026	Trans-Nzoia	Kitale	TNZ	990,341
027	Uasin Gishu	Eldoret	UGS	1,163,186
028	Elgeyo-Marakwet	Iten	EMK	454,480
029	Nandi	Kapsabet	NDI	885,711
030	Baringo	Kabarnet	BRG	666,763
031	Laikipia	Rumuruti	LKP	518,560
032	Nakuru	Nakuru	NKR	2,162,202
033	Narok	Narok	NRK	1,157,873
034	Kajiado	Kajiado	KJD	1,117,840
035	Kericho	Kericho	KRC	901,777
036	Bomet	Bomet	BMT	875,689
037	Kakamega	Kakamega	KKG	1,867,579
038	Vihiga	Mbale	VHG	590,013
039	Bungoma	Bungoma	BGM	1,670,570
040	Busia	Busia	BSA	893,681
041	Siaya	Siaya	SYA	993,183
042	Kisumu	Kisumu	KSM	1,155,574
043	Homa Bay	Homa Bay	HBY	1,131,950
044	Migori	Migori	MGR	1,116,436
045	Kisii	Kisii	KSI	1,266,860
046	Nyamira	Nyamira	NMR	605,576
047	Nairobi	Nairobi	NBI	4,397,073

Overview of the Counties

Each of these counties has its own unique characteristics, governance structures, and economic activities.

The counties are led by elected governors and have their own county assemblies, which are responsible for local legislation and governance.

Coastal Counties

Coastal counties, including Mombasa, Kwale, and Kilifi, are known for their tourism, agriculture, and fishing industries.

Mombasa, being the largest city and a major port, plays a crucial role in trade and commerce.

Northern Counties

Arid and semi-arid lands characterize the northern counties of Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera.

These counties face challenges such as drought and insecurity but are also rich in cultural diversity.

Central and Eastern Counties

Counties such as Nyeri, Kirinyaga, and Meru are located in the central and eastern regions of Kenya.

ea and coffee production, key agricultural activities, contribute significantly to the national economy.

An illustrative image — 47 counties in Kenya and their headquarters. PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images

Rift Valley Counties

The Rift Valley region, which includes counties like Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, and Bomet, is known for its agricultural potential and is often referred to as the food basket of the country.

The region is also home to various wildlife and tourism attractions.

Western and Nyanza Counties

Counties such as Kakamega, Bungoma, and Kisumu in the western region are known for their agricultural activities and rich cultural heritage.

Kisumu, located on the shores of Lake Victoria, is a key economic hub in the region.