According to the 2019 Kenya census, approximately 2,780,502 ethnic Somalis live in Kenya. This figure includes both Kenyan citizens of Somali descent and Somali refugees or migrants.
Here’s a closer look:
- Historical presence: Somalis have historically inhabited Kenya’s North Eastern Province (present-day counties like Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Tana River). These areas were traditionally Somali grazing lands, and Somali clans like the Darod, Hawiye and Ajuran settled there centuries ago.
- Refugee influx: The Somali Civil War (1991–present) drove many Somalis to seek asylum in Kenya, particularly in the North Eastern Province and Nairobi’s Eastleigh suburb. As of April 2017, Kenya hosted around 313,000 Somali refugees.
- Entrepreneurial hub: Somalis in Kenya are known for their business contributions, especially in Eastleigh, where they’ve invested over $1.5 billion, creating a vibrant commercial enclave. However, some faced harassment, leading to a reported exodus starting in 2012.
The 2.78 million figure is the most recent and reliable estimate, though exact numbers can vary due to migration, repatriation and underreporting.
Somalis remain Kenya’s sixth-largest ethnic group, according to official data.
- How many Somalis live in the world?
Estimating the global Somali population is tricky due to the widespread diaspora and varying definitions of “Somali” (ethnic vs. national).
Based on available data, the ethnic Somali population worldwide is approximately 20–25 million.