About Nairobi
Nairobi is a major metropolitan area located in Kenya, in the Nairobi County region. According to the latest available data (2026), the population of Nairobi is approximately 5,545,000 residents, making it the largest city in Kenya.
Globally, Nairobi ranks #151 among the world's most populated cities. With over 5 million residents, Nairobi is considered a major metropolitan hub in the region.
As of 2024, it has a population of 4.8 million and a metropolitan population of 5.7 million, making it the 11th most populous city in Africa. Nicknamed the "Green City under the Sun," Nairobi is uniquely notable for being the only capital city in the world that hosts a national park within its boundaries. Its name originates from the Maasai phrase Enkare Nyirobi, meaning "place of cool waters".
Nairobi City Statistics
| City | Nairobi |
| Country |  Kenya |
| Population | 5,545,000 |
| Global Rank | #151 |
| Rank in Kenya | #1 of 29 cities |
| City Category | major metropolitan area |
| Region | Nairobi County |
| Latitude | -1.2864 |
| Longitude | 36.8172 |
| Data Year | 2026 |
Nairobi Overview
Nairobi is a major metropolitan area in Kenya, situated in the Nairobi County area. With a population of 5,545,000 people, it represents approximately 42.9% of the total urban population in Kenya.
As one of the largest cities in the world, Nairobi is a significant hub for commerce, culture, and transportation. The city's metropolitan area extends well beyond its official boundaries, encompassing numerous satellite cities and suburban areas.
Population Comparison
To put Nairobi's population of 5,545,000 into perspective:
- Nairobi's population is comparable to that of small European countries like Norway or Ireland.
- The city has more than 5 million inhabitants, making it a significant urban center globally.
- It ranks #1 among all cities in Kenya.
Where is Nairobi Located?
Nairobi is located in Kenya, in the Nairobi County region, at coordinates -1.2864° latitude and 36.8172° longitude. Nairobi is located in the southern subtropics.
Nearby Cities
Other Cities in Kenya
Largest Cities in Kenya
| # | City | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mombasa | 1,208,333 |
| 2 | Murang'a | 1,056,640 |
| 3 | Nandi | 885,711 |
| 4 | Nandi County | 885,711 |
| 5 | West Pokot County | 621,241 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Nairobi?
The population of Nairobi is approximately 5,545,000 residents according to the latest available data (2026).
Where is Nairobi located?
Nairobi is located in Kenya at approximately -1.2864° latitude and 36.8172° longitude.
Is Nairobi one of the largest cities in Kenya?
With a population of 5,545,000, Nairobi is one of the major urban areas in Kenya. It ranks #1 out of 29 cities in the country.
