Counties in Kenya have codes for identification. Each has a county government led by a governor and is a unit of the devolved government. The counties’ executive powers are provided in Chapter Eleven of the Constitution of Kenya.
Counties in Kenya: full list and codes
There are 47 counties in Kenya, each with a unique government, capital, code, and geographical size. The table below contains the list of counties in Kenya and other key details about them.
| Code | County | Headquarters/capital | Postalabbreviations | Population(2019 census) |
| 001 | Mombasa | Mombasa | MSA | 1,208,333 |
| 002 | Kwale | Kwale | KWL | 866,820 |
| 003 | Kilifi | Kilifi | KLF | 1,453,787 |
| 004 | Tana River | Hola | TRV | 315,943 |
| 005 | Lamu | Lamu | LMU | 143,920 |
| 006 | Taita–Taveta | Mwatate | TVT | 340,671 |
| 007 | Garissa | Garissa | GRS | 841,353 |
| 008 | Wajir | Wajir | WJR | 781,263 |
| 009 | Mandera | Mandera | MDR | 867,457 |
| 010 | Marsabit | Marsabit | MRS | 459,785 |
| 011 | Isiolo | Isiolo | ISL | 268,002 |
| 012 | Meru | Meru | MRU | 1,545,714 |
| 013 | Tharaka-Nithi | Kathwana | TNT | 393,177 |
| 014 | Embu | Embu | EMB | 608,599 |
| 015 | Kitui | Kitui | KTU | 1,136,187 |
| 016 | Machakos | Machakos | MCK | 1,421,932 |
| 017 | Makueni | Wote | MKN | 987,653 |
| 018 | Nyandarua | Ol Karau | NDR | 638,289 |
| 019 | Nyeri | Nyeri | NYR | 759,164 |
| 020 | Kirinyaga | Kerugoya | KRG | 610,411 |
| 021 | Murang’a | Murang’a | MRG | 1,056,640 |
| 022 | Kiambu | Kiambu | KMB | 2,417,735 |
| 023 | Turkana | Lodwar | TRK | 926,976 |
| 024 | West Pokot | Kapenguria | WPK | 621,241 |
| 025 | Samburu | Maralal | SBR | 310,327 |
| 026 | Trans-Nzoia | Kitale | TNZ | 990,341 |
| 027 | Uasin Gishu | Eldoret | UGS | 1,163,186 |
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Below is a continuation of the list of the 47 counties in Kenya.
| Code | County | Headquarters/capital | Postalabbreviations | Population(2019 census) |
| 028 | Elgeyo-Marakwet | Iten | EMK | 454,480 |
| 029 | Nandi | Kapsabet | NDI | 885,711 |
| 030 | Baringo | Kabarnet | BRG | 666,763 |
| 031 | Laikipia | Rumuruti | LKP | 518,560 |
| 032 | Nakuru | Nakuru | NKR | 2,162,202 |
| 033 | Narok | Narok | NRK | 1,157,873 |
| 034 | Kajiado | Kajiado | KJD | 1,117,840 |
| 035 | Kericho | Kericho | KRC | 901,777 |
| 036 | Bomet | Bomet | BMT | 875,689 |
| 037 | Kakamega | Kakamega | KKG | 1,867,579 |
| 038 | Vihiga | Mbale | VHG | 590,013 |
| 039 | Bungoma | Bungoma | BGM | 1,670,570 |
| 040 | Busia | Busia | BSA | 893,681 |
| 041 | Siaya | Siaya | SYA | 993,183 |
| 042 | Kisumu | Kisumu | KSM | 1,155,574 |
| 043 | Homa Bay | Homa Bay | HBY | 1,131,950 |
| 044 | Migori | Migori | MGR | 1,116,436 |
| 045 | Kisii | Kisii | KSI | 1,266,860 |
| 046 | Nyamira | Nyamira | NMR | 605,576 |
| 047 | Nairobi | Nairobi | NBI | 4,397,073 |
Counties in Kenya and their governors
Now that you know the Kenyan county numbers from 1 to 47, below is an exploration of each county, its size, and current leadership.
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Source: Getty Images
001: Mombasa
- Governor: Abdullswamad Nassir
- Former province: Coast
- Area in square kilometres: 212.5
If you look at the map of Kenya, you will realise that Mombasa County is a coastal county in the country’s southeastern side, along the Indian Ocean. It is known for tourism. It has luxurious hotels that rake in revenue from local and international tourists.
002: Kwale
- Governor: Fatuma Achani
- Former province: Coast
- Area in square kilometres: 8,270.3
As explored in the list of the 47 counties in Kenya and their headquarters earlier, Kwale holds code 002. Its capital is Kwale, but its largest town is Ukunda.
003: Kilifi
- Governor: Gideon Mung’aro
- Former province: Coast
- Area in square kilometres: 12,245.9
Kilifi is also located in the former Coast province. Its capital is Kilifi, and it has an area of 12,245.9 square kilometres. It has some of the most breathtaking tourist sites, like Diani Beach.
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004: Tana River
- Governor: Dhadho Godhana
- Former province: Coast
- Area in square kilometres: 35,375.8
Tana River falls under the former Coast province on the Kenyan map. Its headquarters is Hola, and it is famous because the Tana River flows through, connecting to the Indian Ocean.
005: Lamu
- Governor: Issa Timamy
- Former province: Coast
- Area in square kilometres: 6,497.7
Lamu occupies an area of 6,497.7 square kilometres. Lamu is an island with numerous historic features. It is a pretty conservative place, and the population is predominantly Muslim.
006: Taita Taveta
- Governor: Andrew Mwadime
- Former province: Coast
- Area in square kilometres: 17,083.9
Taita Taveta’s capital is Mwatate, and its governor is Andrew Mwadime. It is famous for ranches, sanctuaries, and estates, which boost tourism.
007: Garissa
- Governor: Nathif Jama
- Former province: North Eastern
- Area in square kilometres: 45,720.2
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Garissa has an area of 45,720.2 square kilometres. Garissa is famous for the large number of refugee camps, including Dadaab.
008: Wajir
- Governor: Ahmed Abdullahi
- Former province: North Eastern
- Area in square kilometres: 55,840.6
Wajir is located near Somalia and was formerly part of the North Eastern province. Its capital is Wajir, and Ahmed Abdullahi is the county head.
009: Mandera
- Governor: Mohamed Adan Khalif
- Former province: North Eastern
- Area in square kilometres: 25,797.7
Mandera County is the northeasternmost county in the country. Its capital and largest town is Mandera.
Source: Getty Images
010: Marsabit
- Governor: Mohamud Ali
- Former province: Eastern
- Area in square kilometres: 66,923.1
Marsabit is one of the counties located in the former Eastern province. Marsabit is famous for bordering the eastern shore of Lake Turkana, and it is also home to a massive chunk of the Chalbi desert.
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011: Isiolo
- Governor: Abdi Hassan Guyo
- Former province: Eastern
- Area in square kilometres: 25,336.1
Isiolo is famous because of the Ewaso Nyiro River, which flows through it. It is a dynamic region that is home to people from multiple communities. A list of the counties in Kenya and their numbers shows its code is 011.
012: Meru
- Governor: Kawira Mwangaza
- Former province: Eastern
- Area in square kilometres: 7,003.1
Meru is located in the former Eastern province, and it covers an area of 7,003.1 square kilometres. Meru is famous for khat or miraa, a stimulant drug that speeds up the messages between the brain and the body.
013: Tharaka Nithi
- Governor: Muthomi Njuki
- Former province: Eastern
- Area in square kilometres: 2,609.5
Tharaka Nithi is located in the former Eastern province, and it has an area of 2,409.5 square kilometres. Its capital is Kathwana town, and the county head is Muthomi Njuki.
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014: Embu
- Governor: Cecily Mbarire
- Former province: Eastern
- Area in square kilometres: 2,555.9
Embu sits on 2,555.9 sq. km, and the capital is Embu town. The current governor is Cecily Mbarire, and the county is the largest producer of macadamia in the African Great Lakes.
015: Kitui
- Governor: Julius Malombe
- Former province: Eastern
- Area in square kilometres: 24,385.1
Kitui is famous for the Nzambani rock, a significant tourist attraction. It has an area of 24,385.1 square kilometres, and the headquarters is Kitui town.
016: Machakos
- Governor: Wavinya Ndeti
- Former province: Eastern
- Area in square kilometres: 5,952.9
Machakos is an administrative zone in Kenya. It is made of eight constituencies, i.e., Machakos Town, Mavoko, Masinga, Yatta, Kangundo, Kathiani, Matungulu, and Mwala.
017: Makueni
- Governor: Mutula Kilonzo
- Former province: Eastern
- Area in square kilometres: 8,008.9
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Makueni is a county in the former Eastern Province of Kenya. Its capital and largest town is Wote, and Mutula Kilonzo is the governor.
018: Nyandarua
- Governor: Moses Badilisha Kiarie
- Former province: Central
- Area in square kilometres: 3,107.7
Nyandarua has an area of 3,107.7 square kilometres, and its capital is Ol Kalou town. It is famous for the growing of pyrethrum flowers used in making insecticides.
Source: Getty Images
019: Nyeri
- Governor: Mutahi Kahiga
- Former province: Central
- Area in square kilometres: 2,361.0
Did you know Nyeri hosts the tomb of Robert Baden Powell, the founder of the Scout movement? Located in the fertile highlands, food and water are plentiful and relatively cheap.
020: Kirinyaga
- Governor: Anne Waiguru
- Former province: Central
- Area in square kilometres: 1,205.4
Kirinyaga covers an area of 1,205.4 square kilometres, and its capital is Kerugoya. The governor in charge is Ann Waiguru.
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021: Murang’a
- Governor: Irungu Kang’ata
- Former province: Central
- Area in square kilometres: 2,325.8
Murang’a is county 021 in Kenya, and its head is Irungu Kang’ata. Murang’a has an area of 2,325.8 square kilometres, and its capital is Murang’a town.
022: Kiambu
- Governor: Kimani Wamatangi
- Former province: Central
- Area in square kilometres: 2,449.2
Kiambu is located in the former Central province. It has a population of 2.418 million and covers an area of 2,449.2 square kilometres. Its capital is Kiambu town.
023: Turkana
- Governor: Jeremiah Lomurkai
- Former province: Rift Valley
- Area in square kilometres: 71,597.8
Turkana occupies an area of 71,597.8 square kilometres and is the country’s largest county by size. There were 926,976 people in this county as of 2019.
024: West Pokot
- Governor: Simon Kachapin
- Former province: Rift Valley
- Area in square kilometres: 8,418.2
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West Pokot is located in the former Rift Valley region and it had a population of 621,241 as per the last census. Its headquarters is Kapenguria, and the current governor is Simon Kachapin.
025: Samburu
- Governor: Jonathan Lati Leleliit
- Former province: Rift Valley
- Area in square kilometres: 20,182.5
Samburu occupies an area of 20,182.5 square kilometres. The main crops grown in this administrative area are wheat, maize, millet, and beans. A significant population keeps indigenous cows, camels, goats, donkeys, and sheep.
026: Trans-Nzoia
- Governor: George Natembeya
- Former province: Rift Valley
- Area in square kilometres: 2,469.9
Trans-Nzoia is in the former Rift Valley province, and it covers an area of 2,469.9 square kilometres. Its capital is Kitale, and the governor in charge is George Natembeya.
027: Uasin Gishu
- Governor: Jonathan Bii Chelilim
- Former province: Rift Valley
- Area in square kilometres: 2,955.3
Uasin Gishu is in the former Rift Valley region, and its headquarters is Eldoret. The current governor is Jonathan Bii Chelilim. This region is famous for its maize plantations.
028: Elgeyo Marakwet
- Governor: Wisley Rotich
- Former province: Rift Valley
- Area in square kilometres: 3,049.7
Elgeyo Marakwet lies in the former Rift Valley province. It has a population of 454,480, and its capital is Iten. The current head is Wisley Rotich.
029: Nandi
- Governor: Stephen Sang
- Former province: Rift Valley
- Area in square kilometres: 2,884.5
A look at the 47 counties in Kenya and their headquarters shows that Nandi covers an area of 2,884.5 square kilometres, and its capital is Kapsabet. Stephen Sang is the sitting head.
Source: Getty Images
030: Baringo
- Governor: Benjamin Cheboi
- Former province: Rift Valley
- Area in square kilometres: 11,075.3
Baringo is in the former Rift Valley region, and it has a human population of 666,763. It covers an area of 11,075.3 square kilometres, and its headquarters is Kabarnet.
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031: Laikipia
- Governor: Joshua Irungu
- Former province: Rift Valley
- Area in square kilometres: 8,696.1
Laikipia lies within the former Rift Valley province. It has a population of 518,560, and its capital is Rumuruti. The governor in charge here is Joshua Irungu.
032: Nakuru
- Governor: Susan Kihika
- Former province: Rift Valley
- Area in square kilometres: 7,509.5
Nakuru covers an area of 7,509.5 sq. km, and its capital is Nakuru town. The governor is Susan Kihika, and the county is known for Lake Nakuru and many camping zones.
033: Narok
- Governor: Patrick Ole Ntutu
- Former province: Rift Valley
- Area in square kilometres: 17,921.2
Narok has a population of 1,157,873, and it covers an area of 17,921.2 square kilometres. The governor is Patrick Ole Ntutu.
034: Kajiado
- Governor: Joseph Ole Lenku
- Former province: Rift Valley
- Area in square kilometres: 21,292.7
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The governor of Kajiado is Joseph Ole Lenku. The region is home to the Maasai people, who are known for preserving their culture and traditions.
035: Kericho
- Governor: Erick Kipkoech Mutai
- Former province: Rift Valley
- Area in square kilometres: 2,454.5
Kericho is one of the richest counties in Kenya and lies in the former Rift Valley region. It covers an area of 2,454.5 square kilometres, and its capital is Kericho town. It is famous for its extensive tea plantations.
036: Bomet
- Governor: Hillary Barchok
- Former province: Rift Valley
- Area in square kilometres: 1,997.9
Bomet has a population of 875,689, and it covers an area of 1,997.9 square kilometres. Hillary Barchok is the governor.
037: Kakamega
- Governor: Fernandes Barasa
- Former province: Western
- Area in square kilometres: 3,033.8
Kakamega is situated in the former Western province. The current governor is Fernandes Barasa.
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038: Vihiga
- Governor: Wilber K. Ottichilo.
- Former province: Western
- Area in square kilometres: 531.3
Vihiga lies in the former Western province, and it had a population of 590,013 as of 2019. The governor is Wilber K. Ottichilo, and Mbale is the headquarters.
039: Bungoma
- Governor: Ken Lusaka
- Former province: Western
- Area in square kilometres: 2,206.9
This administrative region lies in the former Western province. Its headquarters are in Bungoma town, and the governor is Ken Lusaka.
040: Busia
- Governor: Paul Otuoma
- Former province: Western
- Area in square kilometres: 1,628.4
Busia’s headquarters are in Busia town, and the governor is Paul Otuoma. It is famous as a border trading centre between Uganda and Kenya.
041: Siaya
- Governor: James Orengo
- Former province: Nyanza
- Area in square kilometres: 2,496.1
Siaya town is the county headquarters of this county. The governor is James Orengo.
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Source: Getty Images
042: Kisumu
- Governor: Anyang’ Nyong’o
- Former province: Nyanza
- Area in square kilometres: 2,009.5
Kisumu is famous for Lake Victoria. The governor in charge is Professor Anyang’ Nyong’o.
043: Homa Bay
- Governor: Gladys Wanga
- Former province: Nyanza
- Area in square kilometres: 3,154.7
Homa Bay is within the former Nyanza region, and it covers an area of 3,154.7 square kilometres. The governor in charge is Gladys Wanga.
044: Migori
- Governor: Ochillo Ayacko
- Former province: Nyanza
- Area in square kilometres: 2,586.4
Migori is found in the former Nyanza province, and its headquarters is Migori town. The governor is Ochillo Ayacko.
045: Kisii
- Governor: Simba Arati
- Former province: Nyanza
- Area in square kilometres: 1,317.9
Kisii is famous for the production of bananas. This county is situated in the former Nyanza region, and it covers an area of 1,317.9 square kilometres.
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046: Nyamira
- Governor: Amos Nyaribo
- Former province: Nyanza
- Area in square kilometres: 912.5
Nyamira is located in the former Nyanza region. It covers an area of 912.5 sq. km, and its capital is Nyamira town. The sitting governor is Amos Nyaribo.
047: Nairobi
- Governor: Johnson Sakaja
- Former province: Nairobi
- Area in square kilometres: 694.9
Nairobi County has a population of over four million people. Its capital is Nairobi city. It is a metropolitan region and the capital city of Kenya.
