The Average Nairobian Earns Ksh66k, Compared to Ksh6K in Mandera - New Report

The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) has published the 2024 Gross County Product (GCP) report, shedding light on the economic well-being of individuals across all 47 counties. 

GCP per capita is calculated by dividing a county's GCP by its population,  revealing the average incomes that the average person in a given county earns. 

This measure goes beyond aggregate numbers, providing a deeper understanding of how resources and wealth are distributed among Kenya’s 47 counties. Alongside metrics like poverty and inequality rates, GCP per capita underscores significant economic disparities among counties and informs policy formulation at both national and county levels.

National Insights: Kenya’s GCP Per Capita

Kenya’s GDP per capita in 2023 stood at Ksh293,229 annually, or approximately Ksh24,435 monthly, reflecting a steady improvement from Ksh266,473 in 2022. However, the averages mask wide-ranging variations across counties, with some regions significantly surpassing the national benchmark while others fall short.

Nairobi leads with a GCP per capita of Ksh802,344 annually (Ksh66,862 monthly), reflecting its position as the capital and the nation’s economic hub. 

Mombasa follows at Ksh507,337 annually (Ksh42,278 monthly), benefiting from its robust port, tourism, and trade sectors. 

Other high-ranking counties include Nakuru (Ksh334,667 annually, Ksh27,889 monthly), Nyeri (Ksh317,459 annually, Ksh26,455 monthly), and Lamu (Ksh304,024 annually, Ksh25,335 monthly).

These counties demonstrate the advantages of diversified economies and strong contributions from sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and services.

Disparities in Wealth Distribution

While counties like Nairobi and Mombasa dominate in terms of per capita wealth, others lag significantly behind. 

Counties in arid and semi-arid regions, such as Samburu (Ksh39,400 annually, Ksh3,283 monthly) and Isiolo (Ksh37,600 annually, Ksh3,133 monthly), reflect lower economic output per resident due to smaller, less diverse economies.

For perspective, the average resident in Nairobi earns more than ten times what their counterpart in Mandera makes. 

Monthly Average Income by County

To provide a relatable perspective, dividing annual GCP per capita by 12 reveals the average monthly income per county. This breakdown enables comparisons of individual purchasing power across regions. Here is the full List: 

1. Nairobi: Ksh66,862
2. Mombasa: Ksh42,278
3. Nakuru: Ksh27,889
4. Nyeri: Ksh26,455
5. Lamu: Ksh25,335
6. Nyandarua: Ksh25,247
7. Embu: Ksh25,033
8. Machakos: Ksh24,970
9. Meru: Ksh24,804
10. Kiambu: Ksh23,899
11. Elgeyo Marakwet: Ksh23,565
12. Uasin Gishu: Ksh23,150
13. Kisumu: Ksh22,912
14. Kirinyaga: Ksh18,873
15. Taita Taveta: Ksh20,361
16. Kericho: Ksh20,104
17. Murang’a: Ksh20,009
18. Nandi: Ksh19,164
19. Nyamira: Ksh19,129
20. Laikipia: Ksh19,026
21. Bomet: Ksh18,779
22. Trans Nzoia: Ksh18,065
23. Tharaka Nithi: Ksh17,598
24. Kisii: Ksh16,636
25. Kilifi: Ksh15,658
26. Narok: Ksh15,465
27. Kwale: Ksh14,584
28. Kajiado: Ksh14,562
29. Vihiga: Ksh14,526
30. Marsabit: Ksh13,875
31. West Pokot: Ksh12,873
32. Turkana: Ksh12,725
33. Bungoma: Ksh12,530
34. Homa Bay: Ksh12,481
35. Kitui: Ksh12,166
36. Kakamega: Ksh12,144
37. Baringo: Ksh12,131
38. Makueni: Ksh12,083
39. Siaya: Ksh11,349
40. Migori: Ksh10,909
41. Busia: Ksh10,651
42. Tana River: Ksh10,232
43. Isiolo: Ksh9,928
44. Samburu: Ksh9,423
45. Garissa: Ksh6,814
46. Wajir: Ksh6,614
47. Mandera: Ksh6,064

Implications of GCP Per Capita

The GCP per capita metric has broad applications:

• Policy Development: Governments can tailor programs to bridge economic gaps and address poverty.
• Investment Decisions: Private investors can identify counties with high purchasing power and economic activity.
• Public Awareness: Residents can gain insights into their county's economic standing, fostering accountability in governance.

Economic Transformation for Inclusive Growth

While counties like Nairobi and Mombasa enjoy economic dominance, equitable growth across all counties remains paramount. It is recommended for policymakers to address structural challenges hindering development in low-performing regions, utilising available resources to unlock potential and improve livelihoods for all Kenyans.

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