Top 15 Poorest Counties In Kenya 2024

Poorest Counties In Kenya

Did you know that there are pockets of poverty all over the world? Despite Kenya’s thriving economy, there are still many counties where people live in extreme poverty.

In this blog post, we will take a look at the top poorest counties in Kenya.

Poorest Counties In Kenya

1. Mandera county

Mandera county is located in the north-eastern part of Kenya and it is one of the poorest counties in the country. The majority of the residents here are pastoralists who depend on livestock for their livelihoods.

The county has been plagued by insecurity which has led to displacement of residents and loss of lives.

This has greatly affected the economy of the county and as a result, many residents live in poverty.

2. Wajir county

Wajir county is also located in the north-eastern part of Kenya. Like Mandera county, it is also prone to insecurity due to its proximity to Somalia.

This has led to displacement of residents and loss of livelihoods hence ranking among the top poorest countries.

3. Turkana county

Turkana county is one of the most sparsely populated counties in the country. The majority of the residents here are pastoralists who depend on livestock for their livelihoods.

The county has been affected by drought for many years which has led to loss of lives and livelihoods. This has further exacerbated poverty levels in Turkana county.

All hopes are on the oil discovery to boost business productivity.

4. Garissa county

It is one of the most populous counties in the country. The majority of the residents here are pastoralists but the county has been plagued by insecurity which has led to displacement of residents and loss of lives.

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This has greatly affected the economy of the county and as a result, many residents live in poverty.

5. Busia County

Busia County is located in the Western part of Kenya. The county has a high population density with most of the residents being small-scale farmers.

The county has been greatly affected by floods in recent years which has further exacerbated poverty levels in Busia county. 

6. West Pokot County

West Pokot county is located in the north-western part of Kenya. Drought being the major reason behind poverty,it has affected both livelihood and livestock.

7. Wajir County

 Like Mandera county, it is also prone to insecurity due to its proximity to Somalia. This has led to displacement of residents and loss of livelihoods.

Vegetation deficit an and low production of milk in households due to livestock diseases such as FMP and CCPP is still common

8. Kitui County

Kitui county is located in the Eastern part of Kenya. The county has a high population density and drought has affected most of their farming practices.

Food poverty estimating at a rate of 39.4 percent and lack of improved water sources is the major cause of poverty in the county. 

9. Homa Bay County

Homa Bay county is located in the Western part of Kenya. The county has a large household density with most of the residents being small-scale farmers.

The county has been greatly affected by frequent floods; this has further exacerbated poverty lines in Homa Bay county.  

10. Tana River County

Tana River county is located in the Eastern part of Kenya. The county has a high population density and an estimate of around 76.9 percent live in poverty.

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Climate change is the major threat  in the county.

11. Lamu County

 The county is a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful beaches and pristine marine life.

However, the county has also been affected by insecurity which has led to displacement of residents and loss of livelihoods.

Food  insecurities and poor water supply and undeveloped infrastructure increase poverty.

12. Laikipia county

 The county has a relatively low population density. The most disadvantaged group is in the rural part of the county.

Forest destruction was found to be more external than internal.Most families depend on forest resources for a living and this has led to mounting poverty in the region

13. Marsabit County

Poverty in this county strikes the hardest.Water is a scarce commodity leading to poor hygiene.

In addition insecurity ,drought and shortage of food has really affected Marsabit County.

14. Uasin Gishu county

The county has densely populated slums which lead to lack of property rights,critical infrastructure such as water and sanitation.

15. Kajiado county

Kajiado county is located in the south-eastern part of Kenya.It is affected by recurrent drought,land fragmentation,and shortage of food supply.This had led to increase in poverty levels .

Conclusion:

The list of the poorest counties in Kenya is a sobering reminder that we still have a lot of work to do before everyone has access to basic needs like clean water and education.

It’s also clear that many rural communities are being left behind as the country continues to develop.

While it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by these statistics, we must remember that every small action makes a difference. What have you done recently to help

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