Kenya: general information about country, happiness index 2024

World Happiness Report for Kenya 2024

  • Overall Happiness Rank Kenya: 114
  • Happiness Score Kenya:4.470

Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.

What is the Happiness Index?

The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.

How is the Happiness Index Calculated?

The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.

In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:

  1. GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
  2. Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
  3. Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
  4. Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
  5. Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
  6. Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.

These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.

What Does the Happiness Index Affect?

The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:

  1. Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
  2. Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
  3. Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
  4. Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.

By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

Short information

  • Abbreviation of Kenya. KE.

    Kenya is a country located in East Africa with a presidential representative democratic republic political structure.

  • Kenya is known for its diverse cultural heritage, with over 40 different ethnic groups and a rich tradition of music, dance, and art.
  • The country’s economy is largely based on agriculture, with tea and coffee being significant exports.
  • Kenya is home to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, known for its wildlife and annual wildebeest migration, making it a popular destination for safari tours.
  • Kenya – A Comprehensive Overview

    Early History:

    The earliest inhabitants of the region now known as Kenya were hunter-gatherer communities. The Cushitic people, ancestors of modern-day Somali and Oromo groups, settled in the area around the 3rd century AD. They were followed by Bantu communities who migrated from West Africa in the first millennium AD.

    Kingdoms and Empires:

    Several powerful kingdoms and city-states emerged, including the Shona kingdoms in the west, the Lamu Archipelago in the east, and the Gedi ruins along the Swahili Coast. The Maasai and Samburu pastoralist communities also established their presence in the region.

    Colonial Period:

    In the late 19th century, the British East Africa Company established control over the region, leading to the formation of the British East Africa Protectorate in 1895. The construction of the Kenya-Uganda Railway further solidified British influence, paving the way for the establishment of the Colony and Protectorate of Kenya in 1920.

    Independence and Modern Era:

    Kenya gained independence from Britain on December 12, 1963, with Jomo Kenyatta as its first prime minister. Post-independence, Kenya faced political upheavals, including a failed coup attempt in 1982 and the introduction of multi-party democracy in 1991. The 2007 elections were marred by violence, leading to reforms and the adoption of a new constitution in 2010.

    Current Political Situation:

    Kenya is a multi-party democracy with a presidential system of government. The current president is William Ruto, elected in 2022. The country has a bicameral parliament consisting of the National Assembly and the Senate.

    International Relations:

    Kenya has close ties with neighboring countries and is a member of the East African Community (EAC) and the African Union (AU). It maintains friendly relations with major powers like the United States and China. However, it faces security challenges from terrorist groups like Al-Shabaab operating in the region.

    Human Development and Economy:

    Kenya’s economy is the largest in East and Central Africa, with agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing as major sectors. The country has made progress in reducing poverty and improving access to education and healthcare but still faces income inequality and high unemployment.

    Cultural Highlights:

    Kenya is a culturally diverse nation with over 40 ethnic groups, including the Kikuyu, Luhya, Kalenjin, and Luo communities. The country is known for its rich wildlife, scenic landscapes, and vibrant arts and music scene. Swahili and English are the official languages, with numerous indigenous languages also spoken.

    Challenges and Opportunities:

    Kenya faces challenges such as poverty, corruption, environmental degradation, and ethnic tensions. However, it also has opportunities in sectors like renewable energy, technology, and regional economic integration. Addressing issues like youth unemployment, infrastructure development, and good governance will be crucial for the country’s continued progress.

Main facts

Location

Kenya is located in East Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean between Somalia and Tanzania. It is situated along the equator, with its territory spanning both sides of the equatorial line.

Map References

Kenya is situated in the eastern part of the African continent, within the Horn of Africa region.

Area – Comparative

With an area of 580,367 sq km, Kenya is slightly smaller than the state of Texas in the United States.

Land Boundaries and Border Countries

Kenya has land borders with the following countries:
Ethiopia (861 km)
Somalia (684 km)
South Sudan (317 km)
Tanzania (769 km)
Uganda (933 km)

Coastline

Kenya has a coastline of 536 km along the Indian Ocean, featuring notable coastal cities like Mombasa and Malindi.

Maritime Claims

Kenya claims the following maritime zones:
– Territorial Sea: 12 nautical miles
– Exclusive Economic Zone: 200 nautical miles
– Continental Shelf: 200 nautical miles or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate

Kenya has a diverse climate, ranging from a warm and humid coastal region to cooler, arid, and semi-arid inland areas. The highlands have a temperate climate, while the northern regions are hot and dry.

Terrain

Kenya’s landscape is varied, consisting of low plains that rise into central highlands bisected by the Great Rift Valley. The western regions feature fertile plateaus, while the east is dominated by arid and semi-arid plains.

Elevation Extremes

The highest point in Kenya is Mount Kenya, at 5,199 meters above sea level, located in central Kenya. The lowest point is the Indian Ocean, at sea level.

Natural Resources

Kenya’s major natural resources include:
– Wildlife (ivory, skins)
– Hydropower
– Geothermal power
– Soda ash, cement, fluoride, salt, limestone, uranium

Major Bodies of Water

The major bodies of water in Kenya include:
– Lake Victoria (shared with Tanzania and Uganda)
– Lake Turkana (formerly known as Lake Rudolf)
– Tana River
– Galana River

Natural Hazards

Kenya is susceptible to the following natural hazards:
– Recurring droughts
– Flooding during rainy seasons
– Occasional volcanic activity (the last major eruption occurred in 1865 at Mount Meru, near Mombasa)

Geography – Notes

Kenya is home to several national parks and game reserves, which are crucial for the conservation of wildlife and the country’s tourism industry. The Great Rift Valley, a prominent geological feature, runs through Kenya, providing a unique landscape and habitat for various plant and animal species.

  • Forest Area (% of land area): 7.80%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
  • Co2 Emissions: 17,91. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
  • Agricultural Land( %). 48.50%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  • Geographic Coordinates:  -0.02355937.906193.
  • Capital: The capital of Kenya is  Nairobi
  • Major Cities:
    CityPopulation
    Nairobi4,397,073
    Mombasa1,200,000
    Nakuru307,990
    Eldoret289,389
    Kisumu250,904
  • Population: 52,573,973
  • Area(Km2): 580367
  • Population Density( P/Km²):94. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
  • Calling Code:254
  • Official Language(s):Kenya is Swahili (official) and English (official). Swahili is spoken by 82.5% of the population.
  • Currency: KES

Main Economic Indicators

Kenya has a market-based economy with a GDP of around $106 billion (2021 est.). The economy is driven mainly by the service sector, followed by agriculture and industry. Key economic challenges include high unemployment, income inequality, corruption, and inadequate infrastructure. Notable economic policies aim to promote inclusive growth, attract foreign investment, and diversify exports.

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5.8% (2021 est.), 5.4% (2020 est.)
Source: CIA World Factbook

Credit Ratings

Fitch: B+ (Stable)
Moody’s: B2 (Stable)
Standard & Poor’s: B+ (Stable)

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin

Agriculture: 34.5%
Industry: 16.4%
Services: 49.1% (2017 est.)

Key Agricultural and Industrial Products

Agricultural Products: tea, coffee, corn, wheat, sugarcane, milk, potatoes, bananas, sorghum, beef

Industrial Products: small-scale consumer goods, agricultural products, horticulture, oil refining, aluminium, cement, commercial ship repair, tourism

Labor Force

Total Labor Force: 20.2 million (2021 est.)
Comparative Ranking: 28th out of 200 countries

Current Account Balance

Current Account Balance: -$5.5 billion (2021 est.)
Comparative Ranking: 178th out of 200 countries

Exports and Imports

Exports: $6.24 billion (2021 est.)
Key Partners: Uganda, Pakistan, Netherlands, United States, United Arab Emirates
Main Commodities: tea, coffee, horticultural products, apparel, soda ash

Imports: $16.92 billion (2021 est.)
Key Partners: China, India, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Japan
Main Commodities: machinery, vehicles, iron and steel, resins and plastics

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold

Foreign Exchange Reserves: $8.8 billion (2021 est.)
Gold Reserves: 27.4 tonnes (2022 est.)

  • GDP (Current US$):$95,503,088,538. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
  • Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 15.10%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
  • Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 37.20%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
  • Gasoline Price. $0.95. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
  • Minimum wage. $0.25. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
  • Unemployment Rate (%): 2.64%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.

Social Indicators

1. National Identity

Noun: Kenyan
Adjective: Kenyan

2. Ethnic Groups

Major ethnic groups and their percentages:
– Kikuyu (17.1%)
– Luhya (14.5%)
– Kalenjin (13.4%)
– Luo (10.7%)
– Kamba (10.1%)
– Kisii (6.2%)
– Mijikenda (5.1%)
– Meru (4.3%)
– Other indigenous groups (15.4%)
– Non-Africans (1.2%)

3. Religions

Main religious affiliations and their percentages:
– Christianity (85.5%)
– Protestant (33.4%)
– Catholic (20.6%)
– Evangelical (20.4%)
– Others (11.1%)
– Islam (11%)
– Hinduism (1.7%)
– Other religions (1.5%)
– None (0.2%)

4. Age Structure

Distribution of the population across different age groups:
– 0-14 years: 35.7%
– 15-64 years: 61.2%
– 65 years and over: 3.1%

5. Dependency Ratios

Total dependency ratio: 63.4
Youth dependency ratio: 58.3
Elderly dependency ratio: 5.1

6. Median Age

Median age: 20.1 years
Median age for males: 19.7 years
Median age for females: 20.5 years

7. Lifestyle Indicators

Obesity rate: 7.1% of the adult population
Alcohol consumption: 4.3 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year
Tobacco use: 11.6% of adults use tobacco products
HIV/AIDS prevalence: 4.9% of the adult population
Infant mortality rate: 32.6 deaths per 1,000 live births

  • Life Expectancy at Birth: 66.3. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
  • Literacy Rate (% of adults): 78%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
  • Birth Rate:28.75. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
  • Death Rate:8. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
  • Fertility Rate: 3.49. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
  • Internet Users (% of population): 16.7%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
  • Urban Population: 14,461,523. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
  • Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):33.40%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.

Infrastructure and Services

Military and Security Forces

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) consists of the following branches: Kenya Army, Kenya Air Force, and Kenya Navy. The military establishment includes elite units like the 20th Parachute Battalion, Ranger Strike Force, and Special Forces (SF). Internal security is maintained by the National Police Service (NPS), comprising the Kenya Police and Administration Police.

Military Expenditures

Military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:

  • 2022: 1.3%
  • 2021: 1.3%
  • 2020: 1.3%
  • 2019: 1.3%
  • 2018: 1.3%

Kenya ranked 99th globally in military expenditure in 2022.

Personnel Strengths

Total active-duty military personnel: 24,120

  • Kenya Army: 18,000
  • Kenya Air Force: 3,000
  • Kenya Navy: 3,120

Other security services include the National Police Service with approximately 100,000 personnel.

Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions

Kenya’s military hardware includes domestically produced equipment like the Munga armored personnel carrier, as well as imported weapons and vehicles from countries like China, Russia, and the United States. Future acquisitions include fighter jets, naval vessels, and air defense systems to enhance Kenya’s military capabilities.

Military Service Age and Obligation

Military service in Kenya is voluntary, with enlistment ages ranging from 18 to 26 years. There are also short-term commissions available for professionals and technical experts.

Military Deployments

Kenya has troops deployed as part of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), with around 3,600 personnel stationed in the country. Additionally, Kenyan forces are involved in United Nations peacekeeping missions in various regions.

Strategic Military Notes

Kenya’s defense strategy emphasizes counter-terrorism operations and maintaining regional stability, particularly in response to the threat posed by the Somali-based militant group Al-Shabaab. The KDF plays a key role in peacekeeping efforts and supports regional security initiatives through partnerships with organizations like the African Union and United Nations.

  • Armed Forces Size: 24000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
  • Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 0.16
  • Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 74.70%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.

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