The National Bureau of Statistics has released detailed 2019 Census analysis showing drops in Kikuyu, Luo and Kamba numbers, increases in Maasai, Somali and Kalenjin. In 1969 Kenya’s population stood at 10.8 million, with five major communities — the Kikuyu, the Luo, the Luhya, the Kalenjin and the Kamba — constituting 69.7 per cent of the total population. Interestingly, this drop in the major ethnic groups is usurped by the minor ethnic groups such as the Maasai, the Turkana and Kenya Somalis. Among the small ethnic communities, exponential population growth for Kenya Somali and Maasai requires thoughtful consideration and open debate. Although there are always issues with the quality of data regarding the Kenya Somali count, the official data provides a shocking revelation.

Source: The Star March 15, 2020 02:03 UTC