Ever wondered which city comes second after Nairobi City in Kenya or curious about which cities will be the biggest players in the Economy of Kenya? The biggest cities in Kenya, the most populous settlements!
Urbanisation rate in Kenya is growing at a speed, with cities growing, from the historical inland ports along the Indian Ocean to the inland ports at Lake Victoria, Kenya’s urban population is growing at a rate of over 4% per annum.
Here is the List of Top 10 Biggest Cities in Kenya 2026.
10. Malindi (Population: 180,000).
Malindi is a port located 120 km north of Mombasa in the Indian Ocean. The ancient Swahili town came under the Portuguese influence in the 16th century before Arabs took over the control coastal towns once again. Beach tourism, fishing, real estates and trade are the major economic activities in the area.
9. Kisii (Population: 200,000)
Kiisi is located in South Western Kenya near Lake Victoria. The town is a community town centered around agriculture and trade.
8. Naivasha (Population: 210,000).
Naivasha is located in the Rift Valley about 90 KM northwest of Nairobi. Located on shores of lake Naivasha, the town’s growth was promoted by floriculture and tourism. Tourism, marine wildlife and geothermal energy production are the key economic activities of Naivasha.
7. Thika (Population: 250,000)
Thika is located in Central Kenya about 40 km northeast of Nairobi. It is a major industrial hub with various textiles, food processing, vehicle assemblies and many others. Thika Falls and Chania falls on river Athi are key tourism spot.
6. Ruiru (Population: 490,000)
Ruiru is located in Central Kenya, just north east of Nairobi city in Kiambu County. The town is growing as a suburb of Nairobi and is included in the metro of Nairobi. From farmlands to a booming residential and retail suburb in just two decades!
5. Eldoret 504,000).
Eldoret is located in the Rift Valley about 310 km from the capital Nairobi in Uasin Gishu County. The city is an agricultural heartland with maize and wheat production. University of Eldoret, a public University with over 25,000 students is located in the city.
4. Nakuru (Population: 570,000)
Located in the Rift Valley region, near lake Nakuru, Nakuru is a major regional city. It is an industrial hub, agricultural center and a major tourist town being near Lake Nakuru National Park a lake known for flamingos.
3. Kisumu (Population: 1,155,574)
Located on the shores of Lake Victoria, Kisumu is a major city in Western Kenya known as a major trade and transport hub. The town is key for fishing, agriculture and growing manufacturing sector.
The city is a home to Kisumu Impala Sanctuary and is a centre for Luo cultural heritage and academia.
2. Mombasa (Population: 1,615,000)
Located on South Eastern coast of Indian Ocean, Mombasa is the largest port in Kenya. Alongside Kenya, the port serves land locked countries of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and of recent, South Sudan. Fort Jesus built in 1593 by Portuguese is a UNESCO site.
1. Nairobi (Population: 6,000,000)
Nairobi city is the largest city and capital of Kenya. It is the main financial center for Kenya. Nicknamed the Green City of Africa, Nairobi is located in the southern central part of the country and is the only capital city in the world that has a National Park. Nairobi ranks number 10 in Africa’s largest cities.
