Kenya is one of the most wildlife-rich countries in Africa with beautiful locales and many national parks. It’s also home to the Rift Valley, an area many scientists believe to be where the human species originated from. The country is named after Mount Kenya, one of the highest mountain peaks in the world and the second-highest in Africa. Naturally, the place attracts many tourists as it offers an opportunity to experience the marvel of nature and human life in its purest form. The country is host to a number of cities rich with tradition and their own culture. Some of the largest cities in Kenya are described below
10 Largest Cities in Kenya
1. Nairobi
Nairobi is the capital and the largest city of Kenya. The city is also known as the “Green City in the Sun” and boasts of having a population of around three million. Places of interest in Nairobi include the Nairobi National Park, the Nairobi National Museum, the Solar Ice Rink and the Uhuru Garden among others. Nairobi is also the premier sporting centre of East Africa; you can find six golf courses spread out around the city. One can experience the essence of Kenya in Nairobi.
2. Mombasa
It is the second-largest city in Kenya and a prominent business hub due to the presence of a port on its border along the Indian Ocean. The city is a cultural and industrial centre and boasts a population of around 1 million people. Mombasa has a prominent place among Kenyan cities due to its distinct music and nightlife.
3. Nakuru
The city of Nakuru is the third-largest urban centre in the country and home to Lake Nakuru, a prominent spot to watch Pink Flamingos. The population here is around 300,000 with a sizable number of families with Indian background. Menengai Crater, the world’s second-largest surviving volcano, and Hyrax Hill, a well-known prehistoric site, are easily accessible from Nakuru. The city is also known as an important educational centre boosting of several reputable educational institutions. So one thing you will definitely find here is a lot of erudite persons.
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4. Eldoret
It is the fastest growing city in Kenya, and currently the fourth-largest by population. Eldoret is located south of Cherangani Hills at an elevation of around 2350 feet above sea level. The climate stays relatively cool here throughout the year, and hence it is well suited for carrying out agricultural activities. The city is known for its cheese factories and other industries. The airport in this city is said to be the best in the country.
5. Kisumu
It is a port city and a prominent trading hub located on the west side of the country. Known for its agriculture goods and hotels, the city also has other significant places of interest such as Kibuye Market, Kisumu Museum, Hippo Point and Ndere Island National Park. The city is famous today as former U.S. President Barrack Obama’s father hails from a village close to this city.
6. Thika
Thika is one of the industrial cities in Kenya with about 200,000 people living therein. The city is known for pineapple production, textile and mills industries in addition to some of the amazing tourist destinations in Kenya like the “Fourteen Falls” which is a site used mostly for picnics and corporate recreation.
See Also: 20 Fascinating and Interesting Facts about Kenya
7. Kitale
Kitale is one of the largest cities in Kenya that was established in 1908 by the British on a colonial mission in Kenya. It is known for its large basket of agricultural produce. The city is the administrative centre of Trans Nzoia and among the tourist attractions you can see in Kitale include the National Museum of Western Kenya, Kitale Museum and an agroforestry centre including the Saiwa Swamp National Park which is located close by.
8. Malindi
Malindi (Formerly Melinde) is one of the top 10 most populated cities in Kenya. Its location is very close to the river Galena. Among the economic activities bubbling in Malindi is tourism which is especially common with Italian visitors. Other attractions to see in this area include the Malindi Airport and Broglio Space Centre.
9. Garissa
Garissa has a population of 623,060 according to the 2009 census and is the administrative location of Garissa county which was the former province of North-Eastern Kenya. Taking a tour of this city will leave you fulfilled especially if you are an animal lover because, 5 kilometres to it’s south is where you will find some of the endangered wildlife species including the Rothschild Giraffe, Gerenuk and other herbivores such as the Lesser kudu, Kirk’s dik-dik, Warthog, and Waterbuck.
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10. Kakamega
Kakamega is located in the western part of Kenya and is also Kenya’s second most populous county after Nairobi. Among the top attractions for tourists are the Kakamega Forest and the Crying Stone of Ilesi located along the highway towards Kisumu. The stone measures 40 meters high and resembles a human figure with “eyes” dropping water.
Kenya is a country with a diverse culture and a glorious history. There are other cities in Kenya, apart from the ones mentioned above, which are equally interesting. The best way to experience this beautiful country is through your own eyes.
