1

Raphael W. Kareri
Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya

SOME ASPECTS OF THE GEOGRAPHY OF KENYA
LOCATION.
Kenya is located approximately between latitudes 5
o
N (i.e. at Ilemi triangle) and 4
o
40 south( i.e
at the small islands including Ras J imbo to the south of Shimoni village in Kwale district). It is
almost bisected by the Equator horizontally and vertically by 38
o
East longitude. Longitudinally
it extends from longitude 33
o
53 East of Greenwich Meridian (i.e from Suba, Mfangano,
Ilemba and the pyramid islands on Lake Victoria) to 41
o
55.5 East (- i.e the location of Mandera
town).
It has a total area of 582646 km
2
of which 2.3% of the total area is occupied by water surface.
An important part of the inland water surface is covered by a portion of L. Victoria( an area of
3,755km
2
) Other inland waters located on the Rift Valley floor extending from the northern tip
of L. Natron to the Northern end of L. Turkana.
Kenya has a coastline of approximately 402 km, and a territorial sea extending to 21.2km
offshore. To its south-east lies the Indian Ocean- this serves the Republic as an important outlet
and means of international maritime contact. It shares boundaries with the Republic of Uganda to
the west, the Sudan and Ethiopia in the north, Tanzania to the south and Somalia in the East.
Kenya is divided into eight administrative provinces. Out of the eight units the largest is the Rift
Valley (173,868km
2
), followed in order of size by Eastern (159, 891km
2
), North- Eastern
(126,902km
2
), Coast (83,603km
2
),Nyanza(16,162km2), Central(13,176km
2
), Western(8,360km
2
)
and Nairobi(684km
2
).
Kenya is about 2.5 times the size of Uganda and can fit 1.5 times into Tanzania. The present map
of Kenya is a result many years of negotiations between the various superpowers that had
colonized the East African region.





2




MAP 1. LOCATION OF KENYA IN AFRICA



3
MAP 2. PROVINCIAL ADMINISTRATIVE BOUNDARIES


GEOLOGY
In geological terms Africa is the oldest of all the continents. It has been emergent for over 250
million years. All the other continents are relatively recent.
4
The continental drift in Africa has not been very intense, and one can note that since Mesozoic
times Kenya has been part of an African continent occupying tropical latitudes and bordered by
an eastern ocean.
Marine transgressions occurred during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods of the Mesozoic era,
but the sea did not extend more than 150km inland from the present coastline.
The Tertiary period that followed, and that marked the beginning of the present Cenozoic era,
was associated first with a regional uplift of up to 600m in Central Kenya. This was followed by
great volcanic activities, which continued into the Quaternary period.
The Rift Valley was formed and extensive areas of the Pre-Cambrian Shield were overlaid by
lava and by Quaternary sediments. In the earlier period of the quaternary period (Pleistocene),
the giraffe and immediate ancestors of other modern ungulates developed and became acquainted
with hunting man.
Over these millions of years, Kenya has borne many landscapes. Where a landscape has not been
superseded or rejuvenated by volcanism or uplift and faulting, it has been reduced by weathering
and erosion.
The Pre-Cambrian geological formation in Kenya fall in what we call the Nyanzian system. The
Nyanzian shield and the metamorphism involved are found in the early Pre-Cambrian with ages
about 3,000 million years. The rocks of the Nyanzian system are well-developed around L.
Victoria where they are associated with intrusive gold-bearing granites.
Typically the Nyanzian system contains banded ironstones with quartzite, which are mainly
developed east of the lake. All have suffered slight metamorphism as a result of intense folding
and granitic batholithic intrusions.
The only record of Paleozoic and lower Mesozoic times in Kenya are rocks of the Karroo
system, noted for their fossil beds and coal-bearing strata. They are most extensive in southern
Kenya (e.g. the Mariakani sandstones). They are also to be found in the arid N/E Kenya, where
Mandera district lies almost exclusively on Jurassic and Cretaceous sediments.
Quaternary sediments are mostly of terrestrial origin and include lake and river deposits from
Pleistocene times and more recent alluvial and swamp deposits. They are well distributed in the
lowlands of Eastern Kenya.
A large sector of Northern and Central Kenya, extending into Tanzania is covered by volcanic of
Tertiary to Recent origin- the product of some of the tectonic disturbances that have so greatly
affected the topography and drainage of Kenya. The Great Rift Valley is only one feature of
these disturbances.
5
Associated with the formation of the Rift Valleys was an upwarping of large plateau surface
which, with additional lava flows and ash deposits formed much of the Kenya Highlands. The
Lake Victoria basin also owes its development to warping of a plateau surface, which resulted in
a reversal of much of the original drainage system.
MAP 3. The Geology of Kenya


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RELIEF AND DRAINAGE
Kenyas relief stretches from sea level to 5,199metres at the peak of Mt. Kenya. This combined
with its tropical latitudinal location creates a varied physical environment with characteristics
that are almost equatorial proper contrasting with semi-arid and arid environments. These wide
ranging conditions facilitate the cultivation of a wide variety of crops and animal husbandry.
Topography is described as both simple and diverse. Its simplistic form is shown by the fact that
the relief can easily be separated into lowlands and uplands along the 915metres contour line.
Diversity is told by the fact that every landform type of the physical geography textbook is found
in Kenya-Equatorial, Savannah, Aeolian, Glacial, and Volcanic, Tectonic etc. Kenya has often
been described as the WORLD IN ONE COUNTRY.
The Kenyan landscape, with its wide variety of forms, is closely linked with such factors as
climate, micro-climate, water supply, soils, vegetation and agricultural potential. Some of the
sharp contrasts in Kenyas landscape result from the considerable differences in age of the
component landforms. The widespread plains and plateau typical of large parts of the African
continent are remnants of old erosion surfaces formed during the Tertiary period.
These are now warped and broken by faults in many areas while elsewhere volcanic activity has
produced further modifications. Earth movements which have been important in late Tertiary,
Pleistocene and Recent times have resulted in the formation of the major mountain blocks and
Rift Valley systems. These were accompanied by extensive volcanic lava emissions which
covered over 30% of the country.
As a consequence of volcanism and earth movements the drainage has been dislocated,
interrupted and modified, and there is hardly a river which has not been affected. Many lakes
have been formed in down warped of faulted areas. In coastal regions the history has been
further complicated by Pleistocene changes of sea level.








7
MAP 4. DIVISION OF KENYA INTO LOWLANDS AND HIGHLANDS





8
MAP 5. PHYSIOGRAPHIC REGIONS OF KENYA







9
MAJOR PHYSICAL REGIONS
Kenya can be divided into six major natural geographical regions namely;
1. Coastal belt and plains
2. The Coastal Hinterlands-Duruma-Wajir low belt
3. Foreland plateau
4. The highlands-comprising Eastern and Western
5. Nyanza low plateau-part of the Lake Victoria basin
6. The Northern plain lands.
COASTAL BELT AND PLAINS
The Coastal Margins
There are two main types of coastal areas in Kenya, the deltas of the major rivers and the coral
fringed areas away from the rivers. The deltaic zones are usually marked offshore by shallow
water and low islands or submerged banks formed by alluvial debris. The coastline is low and
dominated by small creeks and inlets and extensive mangrove forests.
Coral reefs and banks are commonly found 10 to 15 km from the main coastline. Near Mombasa
there is a narrow coastal plain one to fifteen km wide formed on old coral platforms or marine
terraces. Locally, coral sand has been washed alongshore to form smooth sweeping beaches. At
other points smaller streams have cut long narrow inlets through the older coral formations and
these were drowned by the post glacial rise in sea level to form the major harbors of
Mombasa/Kilindini. The coastal zone is important because of these harbors and its tourist
potential.
The Coastal Hinterland-(Duruma-Wajir Low Belt)
This zone is often included with the coastal margins in a unit under the general name coastal
plain, which is misleading because there is usually a distinct scarp separating the coastal plain
from it. Behind the scarp the coastal hinterland consists of a dissected plateau which is underlain
by sedimentary rocks ranging in age from Jurassic to Pliocene. Much of the region shows a well-
developed planation surface. In its southern portion a number of residual hills including
Shimba(443m), J ibana(314m), Lali(426m) and Kulalu(443m) are to be found. This does suggest
that these residuals, although partly the product of the porous nature of the Duruma Sandstones,
also record a higher and therefore older erosion surface.
It varies considerably in character but it is unified by the fact that streams have cut deeply into it.
Hence steep sided river valleys contrast with smooth plateau surfaces further inland. Some
limestone areas in southern coast of Kenya provide very distinctive scenery and contain a maze
of cave systems.
10
A number of major rivers- Galana-Sabaki and Tana flow into the Indian ocean and all have well
developed alluvial sections made up of gently sloping, seasonally swampy grounds. The
development potential of these areas includes large scale irrigation projects.
THE LOW FORELAND PLATEAU
This is relatively narrow belt from Mt. Kirimanjaro foothills through the Taita hills northwards
through Kitui to slightly beyond Garba Tula. The monotony of the land is only broken by the
residual hills and masses of broken boulders and inselbergs which jet above the plateau. The area
between the Serengeti plains and the Amboseli Plains is dominated by the imposing Chulu
Range(2,173m).The famous Amboseli Game Reserve and Tsavo National Park are situated here.
THE KENYA HIGHLANDS
The Kenya Highlands provide an interesting example of a high altitude environment in the
tropics with a characteristically diversified agriculture showing both tropical and temperate
feature. All within a fairly compact area.
The geology of the Highlands is complex. Basement rock systems everywhere form the
underlying geological foundation. They include granites, gneisses, schist, granulites and
quartzite, all of which are metamorphic in character and date back to the pre-Cambrian period.
However, outcrops of the basement rocks are not widespread because they have largely been
covered by later volcanic material.
The physical characteristics of the Highlands are closely related to their geological foundation.
The Rift Valley is the obvious focal feature of the area, dividing the highlands into three broad
units namely;
The Highlands to the East of the Rift Valley
Highlands to the West of the Rift Valley
The Rift Valley itself
The Highlands to the East of the Rift Valley
The Highlands to the East of the Rift Valley are dominated by the Tertiary to Recent volcanic
lavas areas-varying in altitude from 1,500-2,300m. Numerous volcanic cones emerge above this
general level.
The Western boundary of this sub-region is marked by the sharp longitudinal fault scarp of the
Aberdares. This scarp shows signs of intensive faulting, especially on the Kinangop Plateau.
To the northeast this longitudinal fault line, the Aberdare range slopes from an altitude of
3,994m to the Laikipia Plateau (2,010m).
11
Eastwards the Aberdares are separated from the great volcanic pile of Mt. Kenya by an area of
relatively rolling land averaging 2,000m and commonly referred to as the Nyeri Col. The soils
on the slopes are, however, well-drained, deeply weathered and fertile having been formed from
parent rock material which consists chiefly of Tertiary to Recent trachytic basalts and phonolites.
Southwards and southeastwards the Aberdare give way to the deeply dissected ridge and valley
country of Kikuyuland; varying in altitude from 2,400m down to 1,500m. It is along these east-
facing slopes that the Aberdares display fantastic signs of dissection into parallel ridges and
valleys by the head waters of the Tana and Athi rivers.
The Laikipia Plateau
This great lava plateau area is hemmed to the West by the Aberdare range, to the south and
south-east by Mt.Kenya and to the east by the Mukogodo basement system area. The plateau
averages an altitude of 2,000m, but rises to over 2,500m on the Aberdare slopes and 2,250m on
the Mt. Kenya slopes.
The Laikipia plateau is very flat and rolls gently where it is cut into by the various rivers-the
Narok and the Ewaso Ngiro and their tributaries which flow down from the Aberdares. These
rivers provide an essential source of perennial water supply for the ranches which occupy most
of this area. The only alternative to this source are natural springs from aquifers fed by the waters
from higher ground to the west and south.
Wildlife conservation and cattle ranching are the mainland use activities-good examples include
Olpejeta and Serena Game conservancies, and the Solio, Suguroi, Chololo ranches. A number
tourist hotels dot the landscape.
The Athi-Kapiti Plains and the Machakos Hills
The Athi-Kapiti plains are formed by flat and low-lying phonolithic lavas and are similar to
those of the Laikipia plateau. The plains vary in altitude from 1,200m to 1,400m in south-east
and the south respectively. This flat area is drained by several tributaries of the river Athi, which
have cut their beds deeply into the lava plain.
The Athi-kapiti is hemmed in the south by the hilly area of Machakos. The plain receives low
rainfall (760mm). The vegetation is dominated by the Acacia-Themeda associations.
The Highlands to the West of the Rift Valley
Although the highlands to the west of the Rift Valley are apparently more complex than those to
the east, they fall into several definable sub-regions, namely;
1. The Uasin-Gishu Plateau;
2. The Trans-Nzoia upland including the Mt. Elgon slopes; and
3. The Kericho-Sotik-Kisii uplands
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The land is deeply dissected by streams which are the headwaters of rivers draining westwards
into Lake Victoria.
The Uasin-Gishu Plateau
The volcanic upland areas of Molo and Mau Narok slope north wards on to the flat lava plateau
of the Uasin-Gishu. The southern parts of this plateau at 2,450-2,750m are higher and more
dissected. They give way northwards and north-westwards to an extremely flat plain with an
altitude varying from 2,100-2,250m. The flatness is most marked in the area in the east locally
referred to as Plateau
Much of the Uasin-Gishu is apparently arable, but many areas are interrupted by sub-surface
duricrust which causes poor drainage-Lelmorok area near Moi University.
Areas in the west and north have been deeply dissected by the head waters of the River Nzoia
which exposes the basement rock system giving rise to undulating or hilly topography.
The Trans-Nzoia upland, including the Mt. Elgon slopes
The Trans-Nzoia is simply a northward continuation of the Uasin-Gishu, beyond the River
Nzoia. The main distinction between the two physiographic units is based on the predominant
geology. Uasin-Gishu plateau stands primarily on Tertiary to Recent phonolitic lavas and the
Trans-Nzoia on the pre-Cambrian gneisses and schists of the basement system.
The Trans-Nzoia upland is hemmed in to the west by the Mt. Elgon and to the east by the
Cherangany hills. The topography is dominated by the tributaries of the Nzoia River.
Large areas which are either swampy or seasonally waterlogged are associated with river valleys
such as the Koitoboss swamp and the Saiwa samp, north of Kitale Township. The Saiwa swamp
is a protected game reserve and a Ramsar site-i.e. wetland of international importance. It is home
to the rare Sitatunga and a variety of bird species and reptiles.
The Kericho-Sotik-kisii uplands
This may be regarded as the south-westward extension of the general upland area which drops in
altitude towards Kericho. Most of the rocks in this region belong to the basement system,
although there are limited areas of Tertiary to Recent volcanics.
The varied geological formation of the region have given rise to equally varied landscapes, with
hilly areas dominating the west, an undulating high plain in the centre(1,800m) and volcanic
ridges to the west. The Kisii highlands provide an example of maturely dissected scenery on
which is preserved some excellent remnants of Gondwana Summit Plain.
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The region supports rich agricultural activities due to its rich volcanic soils and high rainfall.
Cash crops such as tea and sugarcane are grown. Dairy farming is also popular. However,
problems of environmental conservation are posing serious challenges.
THE RIFT VALLEY
One of the most remarkable features of the Earths crust is the Rift Valley of Africa. The valley,
or rather the valleys, forms a more or less continuous scar from Israel and Jordan in S/W Asia all
the way to Mozambique in Southern Africa.
One of the most prominent parts of the Valley system is the so-called the Gregory Rift Valley
in Kenya. Flaked by scarp lines like the Nyandarua Range (Aberdares) on its eastern side and the
Mau Escarpment on its western side, it reaches relative altitude of 1,000m or more. The distance
between E-W escarpments varies from 48-64km.
The evolution of the Rift Valley has been discussed very much over the years, the two most
favoured ideas being the tension theory and the compression theory. In connection with the
breakthrough of the theory of plate tectonics, the former seems to be a more realistic one,
supported particularly by the fact that gravity measurements indicate a higher position of the
astenosphere under the Rift Valley than in the surrounding areas.
The development of the Gregory Rift Valley is strongly linked to the formation of volcanoes and
volcanic eruptions. As the faults occurred in a series of parallel faults, the sides of the main
valley are typically stepped; although lower down into the valley bottom these benches or
platforms mark the former lake levels. In the floor of the valley are a number of younger
volcanic plugs and cones. The more important cones are, from north to south,
Silali(2,355m),Menengai(2,279m), Longonot(2,776m) Suswa(2,3550m) and Shimbole(1,564m).
The tops of these cones have been either partly or wholly blown off to form craters while that of
Menengai is large enough to be classed as a caldera.
NYANZA LOW PLATEAU-PART OF THE LAKE VICTORIA BASIN
This is part of the more obvious down warped Lake Victoria basin. Much of the length is
dominated by an extensive erosion surface at an altitude range from 1,216-1,520m. Above this
plain, is the higher much dissected, granitic tor and bare-rock inselberg landscape of the
Maragoli Hills.
A series of three parallel stepped faults occurs below Maseno towards the lake and their effect is
well marked on the landscape.
Along the southern slope in particular, volcanic cones such as Gwasi Hills( 2,271m), Gembe
Hills, Ruri Hills and Homa Hills, stand out and dominate the skyline.
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The region is dominated by the Kano Rift Valley, which runs west-east with its western part
(The WinamGulf) still part of the lake. The Kano plain is near perfect flat Rift floor that is suited
for irrigation crop-cultivation. To the north is the well-watered Kakamega and parts of Siaya
districts with their markedly high rural population.
Towards the lake, the soils are poorer and are being colonized by a weed (-lantana camara,
L.Trifolia). the shrub grows to a height of about 2-4 metres forming a 100% canopywith no
undergrowth, but with the lower one metre of sheltered space providing an excellent habitat for
the deadly tsetse fly.
THE NORTHERN PLAINLANDS.
This region covers practically the whole of Northern Kenya. Its unity is by its endless aridity and
low human population. It is dominated by extensive low lying interior plains that range in height
between 366m and 912m. It is a natural continuation of the low foreland Plateau. The plains have
had different origins. The Marsabit area is a lava plateau, the Moyale area has been carved by
erosion out of the basement rocks, and the Mandera plain is of Mesozoic sediments. A number of
volcanic cones interrupt the monotony of the landscape-these are:Marsabit(1,428m),
Kulal(2,294m)Hurri Hills(1,479m) and other smaller ones.
In most places, the edges of the lava plateau form prominent scarps which add diversity to the
landscape. The dunes and the extensive sand plains are formed by the mantle from these
volcanics. There is a true desert environment in the Chalbi area where Aeolian processes are
dominant.
Due to overgrazing the whole region is threatened with desertification. Cases of long dry spells
that desiccate the land are common. The pastoral economy is no longer sustainable and people
have to depend on government relief supplies most of the time.
Notable infrastructure development in the region include; the Kapenguria-lodwar-Sudan road,
Isiolo-Marsabit-Moyale road and Isiol-Wajir road. These efforts have eased transportation in the
region making it accessible from other parts of Kenya.
THE DRAINAGE PATTERNS
The drainage system in a Kenya is largely determined by the Great Rift Valley and can be
divided into:
1. Lake Victoria basin. Comprises the whole of the area west of the RiftValley draining
into L.Victoria. Main rivers are the Nzioa, Yala,Nyando, Sio, and Sondu-Miriu.
2. Rift Valley Basin. Is an area of internal drainage discharging into L. Turkana in the north
and L. Natron in the south. Within this area are several sub-drainage areas discharging
into a number of smaller lakes.
15
3. Athi RiverBasin. Comprises of the southern part of the country east of the Rift Valley,
draining the southern slopes of the Nyandarua (Aberdare) range to form the Athi River
which in its lower reaches is known as Sabaki or Galana and discharges into the Indian
ocean.
4. The Tana River Basin. Comprises the northern slopes of the Aberdare range, the
southern slopes of Mt. Kenya and the Nyambene range, and discharge into the Indian
Ocean. It is the largest river in Kenya
5. Ewaso Ngiro Basin. Comprises the northern slopes of the Aberdare range and Mt.
Kenya. The river continues to the Lorian swamp, which marks the end of its normal flood
flow.
6. Table 1. Showing the Percentage Area drained by the respective drainage area
Basin Percentage of total land Area
Lake Victoria 8.0%
RiftValley Inland Drainage 22.4%
Athi River and Coast 11.55
Tana River 21.7%
Ewaso Ngiro North 36.3%

It is important to note that Kenya has five water towers which form the sources of all the rivers
draining the above basins. These are:
The Mt. Kenya
The Aberdare Range
The Mau Complex
The Mt. Elgon
The Cherangany Hills
These valuable ecosystems are, however, under continuous threat from human encroachment.
The result of which is manifested in the drying up of rivers and streams.





16
MAP 6: PRESENT DRAINAGE PATTERN


CLIMATE AND AGRO-CLIMATIC ZONES OF KENYA
Climate is the average weather. It describes the condition of different weather variables for a
specified area during a specified time interval. Many natural factors influence the climate and
have the potential to change it.
The climatic factor of greatest economic and social significance in Kenya is rainfall.
Evaporation, radiation, temperature wind speed, sunshine hours and humidity add detail to our
understanding of the impact of climate on society.
About 80% of the total land area of Kenya is occupied by the arid and semi-arid lands. Here, the
rainfall is not only sparse but is also characterized by high variability between years and seasons.
It is also extremely unpredictable. In addition, the rain often occurs as very localized and intense
17
storms which cause flooding and heavy run-offs. Sometimes massive soil erosion results due to
the scant vegetation cover.
In the more humid areas, in Kenya Highlands, the rain is concentrated into definite seasons.
Rainfall in the Highlands is very seasonal and this is important from the agricultural point of
view. Precipitation commonly comes in two seasons in a year, and this has given rise to the
popular terminology of the long rains and the short rains. Areas to the East of the Rift
Valley display a strongly bimodal pattern; others still are more complex and show three peaks
(eg. Nyahururu).
Areas to the West of the Rift Valley which receives higher and better spread rainfall, but it is
often accompanied by thunderstorms which encourage rapid run-off. Hail damage is often
severe. The year is consequently divided into two distinctive seasons, so that crops grown must
either be able to fit into one or the other of the season, or else withstand the prolonged period of
no rain.
.The dominant controls of the weather and climate of Kenya are:
(a) The Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)
(b) Topography and aspect, which influence the intensity of ITCZ
(c) Latitude which affects the timing of rainfall minima and maxima
(d) Inland lakes, e.g. L. Victoria, which provide local sources of moisture
The ITCZ is also known as the equatorial trough. It is the area of convergence between the dry
continental air mass (N/E trade winds) and the moist, tropical S/E trade winds. The pattern of
rainfall results from the annual north-south shift of the ITCZ. Over the oceans the ITCZ
characterizes an area of doldrums winds which are generally calm. However, over the land the
ITCZ is a zone of converging winds and instability. The ITCZ lies about 5
0
S in the northern
winter and about 15
0
N in the southern winter. The annual mean position is 5
0
N.

AGRO-CLIMATIC ZONES
Agro-climatic zones indicate which areas are climatically suitable for different crops. There have
been several attempts to characterize site potentials in Kenya based on the ecological factors of
climate, soils and vegetation. Pratt, Greenway and Gwynne (1966, 1972) calculated moisture
indices according to the Thornthwaite 91948) system. The moisture indices were used in
conjunction with vegetation to define and delimit eco-climatic zones in Kenya. Wood head
(1970) calculated and mapped the available water Index (AWI) for many stations in Kenya and
equated the AWI with the ecological zones of Pratt et al (1966).

In most ecological classifications in East Africa, the vegetation has been used widely as an
indication of climate and agricultural land potential. This is because in general the vegetation
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cover of any place reflects the sum total of environmental conditions and is therefore regarded as
a fairly reliable indicator of ecological potential. In general the three factors of climate and soils
largely govern the occurrence and distribution of natural vegetation. The influence of climate
can be related to the larger plant formation such as forest, woodland grassland and semi-desert
communities, whereas within these large vegetation units, local differences in topography and
soil account for the existence of particular associations of plant communities.

Using or taxonomic characteristics of the vegetation cover, various systems of classifying
ecological land units in East Africa have thus been derived. These are variously referred to as
eco-climatic vegeto-ecological or agro-ecological zones. In such zones the major combinations
of climate, soil and topography have been isolated and equated with their vegetation types. There
are six eco-climatic zones in Kenya that have been identified and isolated on that basis namely;
Zone 1. Afro-Alpine Moorland and grassland-found at high altitude above the forest line
Zone 11. It has a humid to dry sub-humid climate
Zone111.It has a dry sub-humid to semi-arid climate
Zone 1V. It has a semi-arid climate
Zone V. Climate is arid
Zone V1. Very arid climate
Together zones 1Vto V1 adds up to 72% of Kenyas total land area and are grouped together as
the Arid and Semi-arid lands of Kenya(ASAL).
Plant Geographyof Kenya
Kenyas vegetation can be grouped into four main communities; forest, Grassland, semi-desert,
and mountain summit. The extensive plain lands and plateaus of northern and eastern Kenya are
dominated by the semi-desert communities which have variously been described as wooded and
bushed grasslands or woodland and bush land or bushed grasslands and barren land (desert
shrub and grass).
Forests and mountain communities and highland grasslands occur typically from 1975 to 3040
meters above sea level and along the coastal belt. In the mountain areas aspect and moisture are
critical to types of trees that will grow. Bamboos (Arundinalia alpina) occur up to 3040m. Other
tree species occurring here are include camphor, olives, podo and cedar. At the coast is to be
found extensive mangrove forests along the tidal waves.
The rest of the country is dominated by grassland communities and include the savannah
vegetation. These communities are characterized by various stand of tree-grass combinations-
scattered-tree grasslands, scattered-tree and open grasslands (acacia/Themeda) and scattered- tree
and open grasslands.
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Much of the dry Nyika of the coastal area is under coastal high-grass-bush but acacia/Themeda
is dominant in Central Kenya between 910-1850m. Western and Nyanza provinces are
dominated by scattered tree grasslands.
Animal Geography of Kenya.
Plant and animal (wildlife) geography are naturally closely associated, since the animals feeding
habits and habitats preferences are closely linked to the various plant communities. It is usual to
find wildlife distribution and differentiation being in line with the plant communities in Kenya.
Highland Communities and Forest Grasslands
The Highlands Rainforest especially from 1368-2432m has rich natural vegetation and wildlife is
typified by the largest wildlife. Here buffaloes, elephants, and rhinoceroses are dominant. Within
the mountain can also be found bushbucks, colobus monkeys, and even bush babies and bongo
(rare). The high altitude predators are the lions, the leopards and other wild cats.
High up in the mountain moorland can be found rock hyraxes and even mountain cats. Beyond
3040m are found alpine meadow lizards. Bird life is scanty here.
Grassland Communities
The grasslands support the greatest number of herds of grazing animals. The chief animals here
are the ungulates esp. the wildebeest, the hartebeest, the zebra and the gazelles. Others includes
the waterbucks, the impalas, the elands, the warthogs and buffaloes. A number of carnivorous
families are also found here preying on the grazing members. They include the lion, the spotted
hyena, the leopards, the cheetahs and even wild dogs. Bird life is much richer here with both
predators such as the vultures, kites, the secretary bird and the seed and grain eaters such as
weaverbirds.
In the larger rivers and lakes are found hippopotamus and crocodiles and of course fish. Reptiles
such as the python are found in swampy habitats.
The Rift Valley is a well-known corridor for migratory birds. The high concentration of
carbonates in the lake waters manufacture blue-green algae and diatoms which in turn give the
lake water nutrients on which rift Valley flamingoes flourish.





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MAP 7. VEGETO-ECOLOGICAL ZONES






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POPULATION GEOGRAPHY OF KENYA
Prior to 1948, no population census had been conducted in Kenya. All population parameters
were arrived at on the basis of estimates. Since 1948 five more population censuses have
been conducted after every 10 years. The last census was in 1999 and the next one is due in
August 2009.The population of Kenya increased from 10.9million in 1969 to 28.7 million in
1999. The table below shows basic demographic characteristics for 1969, 1979, 1989, and
1999.
Table 11.Selected Demographic Indicators for Kenya, 1969, 1979, 1989, and 1999
Indicator 1969 1979 1989 1999
Population(millions) 10.9 16.2 23.2 28.7
Density(pers./km
2
) 19.0 27.0 37.0 49.0
Percent urban 9.9 15.1 18.1 19.4
Growth rate 3.3 3.8 3.4 2.9
Infant
mortality(/1000
births)
119 88 66 77.3
Life expectancy at
birth
50 54 60 56.6
Source: CBS 2002.
Examining the above figures, it is evident that Kenyas population doubles in every 20 years. At
3.8% in 1979 Kenyas population growth rate was among the highest in the World. Today the
population growth rate has fallen drastically. This is attributed to efforts contained in the national
population Policy for sustainable Development (2000) and is a result of the decline in fertility
rates in the mid-1980s. In contrast, mortality rates have gone up since the 1980s, presumably due
to increased deaths from HIV/AIDS epidemic, deterioration of health services, and widespread
poverty (KDHS 2003).
According to the 1999 population census the Total Fertility Rate was highest in North-eastern
Kenya at 7.0 births. The lowest was observed in Nairobi and Central Kenya with an average of
3.0 births. District life expectancy varied between the lowest of 38.3 years in Homa Bay to the
highest 66.3 years in Embu district. The average life expectancy stands at 57 years today.
Population Distribution Patterns
Kenya suffers from a highly skewed distribution of population with high and medium potential
agricultural areas of Central, Nyanza, Western, Rift Valley, Coast and Eastern provinces having
very high population densities. The densities range between 2-19 persons /km2 in the sparsely
populated districts of the north and northeastern to 887-3079 persons/km2 in densely populated
areas of Nairobi, Central Kenya and Nyanza.
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The concentration of population in the high and medium potential zones has adversely affected,
not only per capita land availability but also other natural resources and infrastructural facilities.
Fertility Reduction in Kenya.
Signs of fertility decline are beginning to appear. According to the Kenya Contraceptive
prevalence and Kenya Demographic and Health Survey data, the total fertility rate had declined
to 7.7 children by 1984 and 6.7 children by 1989and to 5.4 children by 1993.Kenya experienced
a 32% reduction in the TFR over the 1979-1993 period. This reduction is substantial. Caldwell
(1992) calls it the irreversible fertility transition zone.
KENYAS AGRICULTURAL POTENTIAL KENYAS AGRICULTURAL POTENTIAL

The greatest challenge facing Kenya today is how to reduce poverty and achieve sustained
economic growth for national development. Agriculture in Kenya is the engine for this economic
growth. The agricultural sector dominates the economy:-
Contributes 24% of the GDP
Generates over 60% foreign exchange earnings
Provides employment to over 70% of the population
Provides raw materials to agro-industries, which account for about 70% of all industries.
Provides over 45% of the annual government budget.
Livestock sector contributes about 40% of agricultural GDP and about 10% of the total GDP.
Small scale holders account for 80% of the total milk production (2billion liters) in Kenya.
Besides, sale of milk and small stock (sheep, goats and chicken) contribute significantly to
incomes of the rural households.


But we have already noted that only 17% of the total land area can be classified as having
medium to high agricultural potential (i.e. zones 11 and 111). Zone 1 which takes about 900km2
of the total land area has no agricultural potentiality.
Due to high population growth rate, the per capita availability of land in zone11 and zone11 has
continued to fall having been estimated at 0.88 hectares in 1970 it fell to 0.36 hectares by the
year 2000, when the population was in the range of 32m people.
Since the majority of the populations live in the rural areas every annual increase in population
means more pressure on the available agricultural land. As way back as 1982, the FAO classified
Kenya as one of the countries on the critical list in terms of food self-sufficiency and
environmental conservation, basically because of the noted rapid growth in agricultural
dependent population. The situation has not changed, if for anything it has worsened.

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Agricultural development in Kenya is similarly faced with several other constraints related to the
ever-increasing tendency within the comparatively fertile agricultural areas, towards cultivation
of steep slopes, river-banks and other environmentally sensitive areas such as the arid and semi-
arid lands. There is also widespread destruction of catchment forests for the purposes of
settlement and cultivation.
Besides, there are notable environmental hazards associated with irrigation schemes and
plantation agriculture. Problems of flooding, siltation, salinity, disease and poor water
management have been found to be common in major irrigation schemes. Discharge of industrial
wastes into the aquatic ecosystems has been associated with the processing of plantation crops
such as sugar, coffee and timber.

Furthermore, neglect and underdevelopment in rural infrastructure, increases marketing costs for
producers.
The leading export crops are coffee, tea, sisal, pyrethrum and horticultural crops. In addition
there is a wide variety of food crops grown led by maize, wheat, rice, white potatoes, pulses and
oilseeds.
Livestock husbandry esp. dairy, beef and sheep farming is also practiced widely. Pastoralism
based on either nomadic practices or group ranches is associated with the semi-arid and arid
lands of Kenya.
In terms of area occupied, dairy farming, maize and beans cultivation, and root crops are the
leading farm enterprises in the Highlands. This is due to the vey large number of smallholder
farmers in these areas. But in terms of value and income-generation, coffee, tea, and maize are
the leading farm enterprises.
Irrigation agriculture has become more appreciate with the phenomenal growth of the
horticultural industry, covering over 70% of Kenyas agricultural exports. The national potential
for irrigation stands at between 360,000-540,000 hectares.
MANUFACTURING AND SERVICE INDUSTRIES
Kenya is not an industrialized economy. The main source of income and employment is the
agricultural sector. Most of the countrys processing and fabricating industries also derive their
raw materials from the agricultural sector as well.
Kenyas manufacturing and service industries may be grouped broadly into four main classes;
1. Agricultural Food processing industries-Dairy products, meat processing, Fruit/vegetable
canning, Bakery and confectionery and tea/coffee/sugarcane processing.
2. Agricultural Non-food Processing industries-Tobacco processing, Foot wear fabrication,
Textile processing, Pulp and paper products manufacture, Fibre processing
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3. Non- Agricultural Manufacturing industries-Chemical products manufacture, Clay and
concrete products manufacture, Motor vehicle assembly, Cement, glass and allied
products manufacture
4. Service industries- Printing and publishing, Metal products servicing, Electrical goods
repair and maintenance services
Industrial Location Patterns
Many of the industries in Kenya are found in Nairobi taking about 40% of all industrial concerns
in the country. Other urban centers with significant industrial presence are Mombasa, Kisumu,
Nakuru, Eldoret, Thika and Nanyuki. Qualitatively, about 60% of Kenya is industrially empty.
Kenyas industrial location pattern is unbalanced. It favours larger urban centres more than the
smaller and medium towns. Only a few agro-based industries are to be found in the rural areas
where majority of Kenyans live. There a number of industrial location factors that tend to create
industrial concentration in the major urban centres including the geographic inertia,
infrastructure development and market accessibility. These favorable industrial location factors
are lacking in most localities of rural Kenya.
Strategies Adopted for enhancing industrialization in Kenya
Three main approaches to industrialization were adopted in Kenya, namely; Import-substitution
(ISI); Agricultural-demand led (ADL) and Export promotion (EP). The first involved local
production of consumer goods that were previously imported, while the second approach sought
to use the agricultural sector as the main source of industrial raw materials as well as the
consuming center of industrial products. Export promotion was meant to substitute traditional
low value exports with processed and semi-processed value-added exports.
The three approaches have not been successful in driving Kenya into an industrial take-off. The
ISI faced continued dependency on imports of technology, manpower, and some basic raw
materials. ADL appeared to concentrate more on the demand side and hence could not deal with
the development of technological capability which is a major constraint to industrialization. EP
had to contend with increased global competition.
Consequently, industrial development in Kenya tends to depend on direct foreign investment
(DFI) through the Multinational corporations (MNCs). MNCs tend to speed up the process of
industrialization through rapid diffusion of production and managerial technology. They provide
a package of capital, technology, management and organization skills. However, MNCs are seen
as major contributors to the factor proportions problem-i.e. they extend and reinforce a labor-
saving in their production process in a labor-surplus country.
However, through aggressive promotion of DFIs Kenyas manufacturing sector has expanded in
terms of its contribution to the National Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as shown in the table
below.
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Table111: Average Sectoral Share of GDP from 1972 -1994
SECTOR 1972-76 1977-80 1981-85 1986-90 1991-94
Agriculture 35 34 33 31 28
Manufacturing 10 12 13 13 14
Others 8 7 7 5 6
Service
industry
47 47 47 50 52
Public service 14 14 15 15 16
100 100 100 100 100
Source: GOK (1997)
The table shows that the contribution of the agricultural sector to the GDP has declined over the
period under investigation. The share of manufacturing to the GDP has remained stable, though
slow in growth. The service sector has contributed the highest percentage to the GDP.
The Service Sector
The service sector in Kenya is dominated by the small scale businesses that fall outside the
formal system of business registration and regulation. This informal sector provides an entry
point for many Kenyan entrepreneurs into a number of economic activities ranging from
manufacturing to small scale hotel businesses. It has become the major employer of labour in the
urban areas. It is characterized by ease of entry, reliance on indigenous resources, family
ownership of enterprises, small scale operations, skills acquired outside the formal school system
and unregulated, competitive market.
The urban informal sector produces a wide range of goods and services. Some artisans are
involved in the fabrication of metal products, electrical goods, timber-based products, and leather
goods. Repair and maintenance of products and items produced in the formal sector is a major
activity. Other services include transport, retail and wholesale businesses, in addition to
personalized services such as shoe shining. In short the diversity of products from the informal
sector is wide and depends much on the consumer tastes and preferences.
These characteristics of the informal sector highlight not only the role it is currently playing in
supplying goods and services for the low-income earners but perhaps more importantly, they
indicate the potential of the sector in generating income and wealth for the majority of Kenyans.


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Table1V: Number of Persons engaged in the informal sector by activity 2000-2004
Activity 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
Manufacturing 943 1,039 1,119 1,119 1,276
Construction 134 140 150 158 168
Wholesale and
Retail trades
2,428 2,716 2,982 3,248 3,515
Transport and
communication
121 136 150 164 180
Community,
social and
personal
services
373 422 467 513 558
Others 190 211 231 251 271
Totals 4,191 4,667 5,101 5,532 5,970
Source: GOK (2005)
The service sector is definitely expected to create more income earning opportunities for
majority of the urban residents. The sector has great potential for improving the rural economy as
well. But Kenyans need to investigate into the enormous resource base that is resident in the
countrys natural and cultural landscape.
TOWARDS AN ALTERNATIVE PATH FOR DEVELOPMENT
It must be accepted that although many countries have achieved high economic growth rates
through industrialization, Kenyas comparative advantage may be in another sector of the
economy. In view of her tropical latitudinal location and her highly diversified land surface
configuration coupled with a varied eco-climatic condition, Kenyas economic growth can be
accelerated through a policy that would help focus investment in specific locations. These are
locations that have demonstrated greatest ability for accommodating economic activities unique
to that region. For example, in places where suitable clay for brick making is found, this type of
domestic industry should be emphasized. In the arid and semi-arid lands where pastoralism
supports the livelihoods of the majority of the people it should form the core enterprise. The
revival of the Kenya Meat commission abattoirs is therefore a move in the right direction. In
western Kenya sugarcane growing is a major economic activity, it is a major employer of labour
and the chief generator of income. Because all the sugar processing complexes in East Africa
are, fortunately material orientated, being located as they are in the rural areas, they form almost
ideal development points. The sugar industry could perhaps, be planned so that it acts as a trigger
factor in much more comprehensive rural development planning (Ogendo and Obiero 1978:354).
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In addition Kenya should fully exploit her unique and attractive tourist destinations. For instance,
the coastal historic sites, beaches, caves together with the cultural sacred places in the kaya
forests and the diversity of fauna and flora in them are some of the trade marks of the Kenyan
scenic beauty that should be marketed. The rangelands of Kenya house some of the Worlds
most spectacular wildlife that seasonally attracts tourists from many parts of the World. Other
contrasting landscape features may provide sporting facilities and suitable picnic sites. In other
words, some of these regions have a higher comparative advantage in tourism than others and
every effort must be put to ensure that they remain so. Hence, existing supportive infrastructure
should be improved so that the regions may maximize the economic gains from their unique
natural attributes.

The government of Kenya must therefore design projects and programs for information
gathering, analysis and dissemination on the basis of physical geographic factors as well as the
man-made innovative improvements of nature. A superimposition of these attributes through
Geographic Information System may show areas that are likely to give the greatest production-
increasing effects on the basis of a combination of all the resident attributes.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Infrastructure literally means the underneath structure on which manufacturing industry and
primary activities, such as agriculture, fishing, forestry and mining are based. A number of
aspects may be considered under this general heading. Services such as transport,
communication and public utilities (water, electricity) are part of the overall infrastructure of a
country. They are often used as inputs in other sectors and their smooth or bad functioning
affects the economy as a whole.
Transport and Communication
Transport in Kenya can be categorized into ;( 1) Surface transport, which includes road, rail and
pedestrian transport, (2) Air transport and (3) Water transport.
Road Transport
The Kenya road network plays a major role in satisfying the transport needs of the society,
because of its versatility to reach almost every part of Kenya. The Kenya road network is
approximately 197,000kms of which over 64,900 is categorized as classified while the res
remain unclassified. Different classes are defined by their major functions. Roads of the highest
classes, A and B have the major function to provide mobility, while the function of E roads is to
provide access. Roads class C and D provides both access and mobility.
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The trunk roads with considerable traffic are Mombasa-Malaba, Nakuru-Kisumu, Nairobi-
Nanyuki, Nairobi-Mombasa, and Nairobi-Namanga roads.Heavy to moderate traffic are also
experienced in and around Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Thika, Eldoret, and Kericho
Roads construction had for long been polarized around the major urban centres along Mombasa
Kisumu road. Outside this axial road infrastructure was given lesser priority. However, because
of the current emphasis on balanced economic development investments on road infrastructure
have been expanded to serve the wider nation. The Rural access roads prograrmme aims at
improving transportation system in areas that are relatively inaccessible. The construction of
these roads is labour-intensive with a strong element on community participation in decision
making.
Railway Transport
Kenya has a railway line connection between Mombasa and the western region of the country. It
was constructed by the British colonial government which was also instrumental in the road
construction to draw raw materials for European industries from the interior of Kenya and
Uganda. Soja (1972) says that the railway established the general urban pattern in Kenya,
fostering the growth of important canters at key points along the route.
Outside the main railway line from the coast at Mombasa through Nairobi a number of branch
lines have been constructed serving different regions of the country and the neighboring states.
Common with this mode of transport the world over, the sector for many years operated in
excess capacity incurring heavy losses. The government privatized Kenya railways by offering a
unitary concession to a private operator-The Rift Valley Railways. Revitalization of this mode of
transport is likely to divert much of the long distance freight traffic from the road to the rail. This
will reduce road damage and traffic pollution.
Air Transport
Air transport is the main transport mode for tourists, high-value exports and imports; and
perishable goods. The service has the potential to facilitate economic growth particularly high
value agricultural exports. In addition, Kenya occupies a strategic position as an aviation centre
in Eastern African Region, serving as the hub for East, Central, and Indian Ocean areas. There
are three major airports- Jomo Kenyatta International airport in Nairobi, Moi international airport
in Mombasa and Eldoret international airport. Smaller airports are found in Kisumu, Malindi,and
Wilson airport in Nairobi. Airstrips are located inmost urban centers.



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Maritime and Inland Waterways
Marine transport offers low cost means of transporting heavy and bulky items. Mombasa port is
the principal sea port in Kenya. The port also serves the hinterland countries of Uganda, Rwanda,
Burundi, Southern Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo. Steamship service connects the
three East African states through L. Victoria.
The communication infrastructure system in Kenya includes the various channels and modes
available for facilitating the exchange of information. The elements that comprise the integrated
communication system include print and electronic media, postal services, internet etc. Kenya is
expected to contribute enormously within the East and Central African region in this area of
development.
References.
Ojany, F.F and Ogendo,R.B(1988) KENYA: A Study in Physical and Human Geography.
Longman Kenya.
CBS and MOH (Kenya) and ORC Macro(2004) Kenya Demographic and Health Survey.2003.
Calverton, Maryland, CBS, MOH, ORC Macro.
Government of Kenya(1989) National Development Plan 1989-93.nairobi; Government printer
Kenya atlas 2009












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