Kenya changed. Back in 2013, the old provincial system—you remember, Central, Coast, Rift Valley—basically evaporated overnight. In its place, we got 47 distinct counties. If you’re looking at a counties of Kenya map today, it’s not just a grid of administrative lines. It’s a map of identities, resources, and, honestly, a bit of political chaos. Understanding this map is the difference between getting lost in the backroads of Narok and actually reaching the Masai Mara on time.
Why the Counties of Kenya Map Looks the Way It Does
The map isn't random. It’s based on the 1992 districts of Kenya. When the 2010 Constitution was being drafted, the experts decided that these districts should be the blueprint for devolution. They wanted to bring the money closer to the people.
Look at the northern part of the map. You’ll see massive blocks like Marsabit, Turkana, and Wajir. These are huge. Marsabit alone covers over 70,000 square kilometers. Compare that to Mombasa County, which is basically a tiny dot on the Indian Ocean. The disparity in size is wild, but it’s all about population density and historical boundaries.
Most people get confused by the numbering. Why is Mombasa County 001 and Nairobi City County 047? It’s alphabetical. The map follows an alphabetical list that starts with Baringo (030) being tucked away in the middle, but the actual official list starts with Mombasa because "M" comes... well, actually, the list was codified in the First Schedule of the Constitution. It’s not strictly alphabetical by the names we use every day, but rather a specific sequence that was agreed upon during the transition.
The Big Five You Need to Know
When you scan a counties of Kenya map, five regions usually grab your attention first. Not just because of their size, but because of their economic weight.
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Nairobi (047) is the smallest but the loudest. It’s the capital. It’s the only county that is entirely urban. You don’t go there for farming; you go there for the hustle. Then you have Kiambu (022), which is basically Nairobi’s bedroom. Most people who work in the city live in Kiambu. It’s wealthy, green, and incredibly crowded.
Further west, Nakuru (032) is the powerhouse. It was recently elevated to city status. If you’re driving from Nairobi to the west, you can't miss it. It sits right in the Great Rift Valley. Then there’s Mombasa (001), the gateway to the sea. It’s an island, mostly, and it’s the oldest city in the country. Finally, Kisumu (042) sits on the shores of Lake Victoria. It’s the heartbeat of Western Kenya.
The Geography of Devolution
Devolution changed everything. Before 2013, if you wanted a passport or a major permit, you usually had to bus it all the way to Nairobi. Now, each of these 47 spots on the map has its own Governor, its own budget, and its own "capital" town.
Take a county like Turkana (023). It’s in the far northwest. On a map, it looks isolated, bordering South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Uganda. For decades, it was forgotten. But with the new map and the discovery of oil in the Lokichar Basin, Turkana is suddenly a major player. The map tells a story of shifting power.
Understanding the Regions
While the 8 provinces are dead, people still use them as mental shortcuts.
- The Coast: Includes Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu, and Taita Taveta.
- The North: Think Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera. Dry, vast, and culturally distinct.
- The Highlands: This is the green stuff. Nyeri, Murang'a, Kirinyaga. Coffee and tea country.
- The Lake Basin: Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, and Migori.
Common Misconceptions About the Map
One huge mistake people make is thinking that county boundaries are also tribal boundaries. They aren't. While many counties have a dominant ethnic group—like Kakamega being largely Luhya or Nyeri being largely Kikuyu—most are melting pots.
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Nairobi is the obvious example, but look at Nakuru or Laikipia. These are "cosmopolitan" counties. If you’re using a counties of Kenya map to plan a business move, don’t assume the culture is monolithic.
Another weird thing? Enclaves. Or things that look like them. Some boundaries follow rivers, like the Tana River or the Athi-Galana-Sabaki. Others are just straight lines drawn in the sand during the colonial era. If you’re hiking in the Aberdares, you might cross through three different counties in a single afternoon without even knowing it.
How to Read a County Map for Travel
If you’re a tourist or a local traveler, the map is your best friend for avoiding "The Nairobi Trap." Most people land at JKIA and stay in the city. Big mistake.
Look at the map south of Nairobi. You see Kajiado and Makueni. Kajiado is where you find Amboseli National Park. You can see Kilimanjaro from there. To the east is Machakos, which has some of the best hilly terrain for weekend drives.
The Western Circuit is the most underrated part of the map. If you follow the map past Kericho (the tea capital), you hit the rolling hills of Nandi and then drop down into the tropical heat of Kisumu. From there, you can head north to Vihiga and Kakamega to see the only tropical rainforest left in Kenya.
The Digital Shift: Maps in 2026
We don't just use paper maps anymore. GIS (Geographic Information Systems) has mapped every inch of these counties. You can now find high-resolution layers that show you soil acidity in Uasin Gishu or school locations in Maringo.
But honestly? Google Maps still struggles with some of the smaller rural roads in counties like Tharaka Nithi or Elgeyo Marakwet. If you’re exploring the "rim" of the Kerio Valley, the digital map might tell you a road exists when it's actually just a goat path. Always cross-reference the official government maps with satellite imagery.
Realities of the 47
It hasn't been all sunshine. Some counties are struggling. Samburu and Isiolo have incredible tourism potential but face challenges with infrastructure. When you look at the counties of Kenya map, you’re looking at 47 different experiments in governance. Some, like Makueni, became famous for their high-quality healthcare systems. Others have struggled with corruption and "pending bills."
The map is also a map of resources.
- Narok: Wheat and tourism.
- Nyandarua: Potatoes for the whole country.
- Kericho/Bomet: Tea.
- Kitui: Charcoal and minerals.
- Kilifi: Cashews and beach resorts.
Actionable Steps for Using the Map
If you're trying to navigate or invest in Kenya, here is how you actually use this information:
- Get the Official List: Don't rely on random blog images. Use the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) website for the most accurate, up-to-date boundaries.
- Check the "County Headquarters": Just because a county is named "Kiambu" doesn't mean the main office is in Kiambu town (though it often is). In some cases, like Tana River, the headquarters is in Hola. Always verify the administrative capital before traveling for business.
- Understand the Codes: Those numbers (001-047) are used on your ID, your KRA Pin, and your car's registration hints. Memorize the ones you frequent.
- Watch the Weather: The map is a climate guide. The "Lower Eastern" counties (Kitui, Machakos, Makueni) are semi-arid. If the map shows you're heading there, pack for heat. If you're heading to the "Central Highlands," bring a jacket.
- Use Offline Maps: If you're heading to the vast northern counties like Marsabit or Wajir, download your maps for offline use. Data signal is patchy once you leave the main towns.
The counties of Kenya map is a living document. It represents the decentralization of power from a single office in Nairobi to 47 different corners of this country. Whether you're a backpacker looking for the next hidden gem in West Pokot or an entrepreneur eyeing land in Laikipia, the map is the first tool you need to master.
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Know your county, know your code, and you'll never truly be lost.