Cities in Kenya & Potential Candidates for Future City Status

List of Cities in Kenya, Their City Status Dates, and Potential Candidates for Future City Status

Kenya, a vibrant nation in East Africa, is experiencing rapid urbanization, with its urban centers playing a pivotal role in economic, cultural, and administrative development. As of August 2025, Kenya has five officially recognized cities: Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret. These cities have met the stringent requirements outlined in the Urban Areas and Cities (Amendment) Act, 2019, which include a minimum population of 250,000, an integrated urban development plan, sustainable revenue generation, and robust infrastructure. This article provides a detailed overview of Kenya’s cities, the dates they were conferred city status, and the towns poised to potentially achieve this status in the future, based on available data and trends.

Current Cities in Kenya and Their City Status Dates

1. Nairobi
   Nairobi, the capital and largest city of Kenya, is the economic and political hub of the nation. With a population of approximately 4,828,000 according to the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census, Nairobi has long been recognized as a city, with its status formalized prior to the modern legislative framework due to its historical significance as the capital. Its skyline, bustling financial district, and role as a regional hub for international trade underscore its prominence. Nairobi’s city boundaries align with Nairobi County, making it a unique city-county.
2. Mombasa
   Mombasa, Kenya’s second-largest city and a major coastal port, was granted city status before the current legal framework, reflecting its historical importance as a trade and cultural center. With a population of 1,208,333 as per the 2019 census, Mombasa serves as a gateway for maritime trade and tourism, boasting a rich cultural heritage and vibrant coastal economy. Like Nairobi, its city limits coincide with Mombasa County.
3. Kisumu
   Kisumu, the third-largest city and a key inland port on Lake Victoria, was also recognized as a city prior to the 2019 Act, owing to its strategic economic role in the western region. With a population of 397,957 in 2019, Kisumu is a vital hub for trade, agriculture, and fishing in the Nyanza region, contributing significantly to Kenya’s economic diversity.
4. Nakuru
   Nakuru, located in the Rift Valley, was conferred city status on December 1, 2021, by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, marking it as the fourth city in Kenya. With a population of 570,674 (2019 census), Nakuru’s elevation from a municipality was driven by its robust economic growth, tourism appeal (notably Lake Nakuru and its flamingoes), and adherence to the Urban Areas and Cities Act’s requirements, including infrastructure development and revenue generation.
5. Eldoret
   Eldoret, the fifth and most recent city, was granted city status on August 15, 2024, by President William Ruto. With a population of 475,716 as per the 2019 census, Eldoret, located in Uasin Gishu County, has emerged as a significant economic and agricultural hub in the North Rift region. Its elevation followed a rigorous process involving the Uasin Gishu County Assembly, Senate approval, and presidential conferment, meeting criteria such as an integrated urban development plan and effective waste management systems.

Requirements for City Status in Kenya

The Urban Areas and Cities (Amendment) Act, 2019, outlines stringent criteria for a municipality to achieve city status. These include a minimum population of 250,000, an integrated urban development plan, demonstrated capacity to generate sustainable revenue, prudent management systems, efficient service delivery, active resident participation, and adequate infrastructure (e.g., roads, street lighting, fire stations, and waste management systems). The process involves a resolution by the municipality’s board, approval by the county executive committee, review by an ad hoc committee, county assembly endorsement, Senate approval, and final presidential conferment.

Towns Poised for Future City Status

Several Kenyan towns and municipalities are potential candidates for city status, based on their population size, economic growth, and progress toward meeting the legal requirements. While no official timeline exists for their elevation, the following towns are frequently mentioned in discussions about future city status, supported by their population figures from the 2019 census and reported government plans:

1. Ruiru
   Ruiru, a municipality in Kiambu County, had a population of 490,120 in 2019, surpassing the 250,000 threshold. Part of the Nairobi Metropolitan region, Ruiru’s rapid urbanization, proximity to Nairobi, and industrial growth make it a strong candidate. Its inclusion in the top 10 most populous urban centers suggests potential for future elevation.
2. Kikuyu
   Also in Kiambu County, Kikuyu had a population of 323,881 in 2019. Its strategic location within the Nairobi Metropolitan region and growing infrastructure position it as a contender for city status, provided it meets other criteria like revenue generation and urban planning.
3. Thika
   Thika, straddling Kiambu and Murang’a Counties, had a population of 251,407 in 2019. Known for its industrial base and agricultural productivity, Thika was previously considered for city status in a 2019 Cabinet proposal, indicating its potential.
4. Bungoma
   Bungoma, a municipality in Bungoma County with a population of 68,031 in 2019, has been highlighted for potential city status. President William Ruto announced plans to elevate Bungoma, citing its economic significance in Western Kenya. Its relatively smaller population may require further growth, but political backing strengthens its candidacy.
5. Narok and Kakamega
   Narok (population 65,430) and Kakamega (population 107,227) were proposed for city status in a 2019 Cabinet meeting chaired by President Uhuru Kenyatta. Both municipalities have significant populations and economic activity, with Narok benefiting from tourism and Kakamega from agriculture and education. Their inclusion in earlier proposals suggests they remain strong contenders, pending fulfillment of the Act’s requirements.

Challenges and Considerations

Elevating a municipality to city status is a complex process requiring substantial investment in infrastructure, governance, and public participation. Towns like Ruiru, Kikuyu, and Thika benefit from their proximity to Nairobi, which may accelerate their development, while Bungoma, Narok, and Kakamega face challenges in meeting population thresholds or developing comprehensive urban plans. Additionally, political will and resource allocation play critical roles in determining which towns progress toward city status.

Kenya’s five cities—Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru (conferred December 1, 2021), and Eldoret (conferred August 15, 2024)—represent the pinnacle of the country’s urban development. Towns such as Ruiru, Kikuyu, Thika, Bungoma, Narok, and Kakamega are well-positioned to join this list, driven by population growth, economic potential, and government support. As Kenya continues to urbanize, the conferment of city status will remain a significant milestone, enhancing access to resources, investment, and global recognition for these urban centers.