Kenya vs. Nigeria
Introduction
Kenya | Nigeria | |
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Background | Founding president and liberation struggle icon Jomo KENYATTA led Kenya from independence in 1963 until his death in 1978, when Vice President Daniel Arap MOI took power in a constitutional succession. The country was a de facto one-party state from 1969 until 1982, after which time the ruling Kenya African National Union (KANU) changed the constitution to make itself the sole legal party in Kenya. MOI acceded to internal and external pressure for political liberalization in late 1991. The ethnically fractured opposition failed to dislodge KANU from power in elections in 1992 and 1997, which were marred by violence and fraud. President MOI stepped down in December 2002 following fair and peaceful elections. Mwai KIBAKI, running as the candidate of the multiethnic, united opposition group, the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC), defeated KANU candidate Uhuru KENYATTA, the son of founding president Jomo KENYATTA, and assumed the presidency following a campaign centered on an anticorruption platform. KIBAKI's reelection in December 2007 brought charges of vote rigging from Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) candidate Raila ODINGA and unleashed two months of violence in which approximately 1,100 people died. African Union-sponsored mediation led by former UN Secretary General Kofi ANNAN in late February 2008 resulted in a power-sharing accord bringing ODINGA into the government in the restored position of prime minister. The power sharing accord included a broad reform agenda, the centerpiece of which was constitutional reform. In August 2010, Kenyans overwhelmingly adopted a new constitution in a national referendum. The new constitution introduced additional checks and balances to executive power and devolved power and resources to 47 newly created counties. It also eliminated the position of prime minister. Uhuru KENYATTA won the first presidential election under the new constitution in March 2013, and was sworn into office the following month; he began a second term in November 2017 following a contentious, repeat election. | In ancient and pre-colonial times, the area of present-day Nigeria was occupied by a great diversity of ethnic groups with very different languages and traditions. British influence and control over what would become Nigeria and Africa's most populous country grew through the 19th century. A series of constitutions after World War II granted Nigeria greater autonomy. After independence in 1960, politics were marked by coups and mostly military rule, until the death of a military head of state in 1998 allowed for a political transition. In 1999, a new constitution was adopted and a peaceful transition to civilian government was completed. The government continues to face the daunting task of institutionalizing democracy and reforming a petroleum-based economy, whose revenues have been squandered through decades of corruption and mismanagement. In addition, Nigeria continues to experience longstanding ethnic and religious tensions. Although both the 2003 and 2007 presidential elections were marred by significant irregularities and violence, Nigeria is currently experiencing its longest period of civilian rule since independence. The general elections of 2007 marked the first civilian-to-civilian transfer of power in the country's history. National and state elections in 2011 and 2015 were generally regarded as credible. The 2015 election was also heralded for the fact that the then-umbrella opposition party, the All Progressives Congress, defeated the long-ruling People's Democratic Party that had governed since 1999, and assumed the presidency, marking the first peaceful transfer of power from one party to another. Presidential and legislative elections were held in early 2019 and deemed broadly free and fair despite voting irregularities, intimidation, and violence. |
Geography
Kenya | Nigeria | |
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Location | Eastern Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean, between Somalia and Tanzania | Western Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Benin and Cameroon |
Geographic coordinates | 1 00 N, 38 00 E | 10 00 N, 8 00 E |
Map references | Africa | Africa |
Area | total: 580,367 sq km land: 569,140 sq km water: 11,227 sq km | total: 923,768 sq km land: 910,768 sq km water: 13,000 sq km |
Area - comparative | five times the size of Ohio; slightly more than twice the size of Nevada | about six times the size of Georgia; slightly more than twice the size of California |
Land boundaries | total: 3,457 km border countries (5): Ethiopia 867 km, Somalia 684 km, South Sudan 317 km, Tanzania 775 km, Uganda 814 km | total: 4,477 km border countries (4): Benin 809 km, Cameroon 1975 km, Chad 85 km, Niger 1608 km |
Coastline | 536 km | 853 km |
Maritime claims | territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation | territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation |
Climate | varies from tropical along coast to arid in interior | varies; equatorial in south, tropical in center, arid in north |
Terrain | low plains rise to central highlands bisected by Great Rift Valley; fertile plateau in west | southern lowlands merge into central hills and plateaus; mountains in southeast, plains in north |
Elevation extremes | highest point: Mount Kenya 5,199 m lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 762 m | highest point: Chappal Waddi 2,419 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 380 m |
Natural resources | limestone, soda ash, salt, gemstones, fluorspar, zinc, diatomite, gypsum, wildlife, hydropower | natural gas, petroleum, tin, iron ore, coal, limestone, niobium, lead, zinc, arable land |
Land use | agricultural land: 48.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 9.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.9% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 37.4% (2018 est.) forest: 6.1% (2018 est.) other: 45.8% (2018 est.) | agricultural land: 78% (2018 est.) arable land: 37.3% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 7.4% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 33.3% (2018 est.) forest: 9.5% (2018 est.) other: 12.5% (2018 est.) |
Irrigated land | 1,030 sq km (2012) | 2,930 sq km (2012) |
Natural hazards | recurring drought; flooding during rainy seasons volcanism: limited volcanic activity; the Barrier (1,032 m) last erupted in 1921; South Island is the only other historically active volcano | periodic droughts; flooding |
Environment - current issues | water pollution from urban and industrial wastes; water shortage and degraded water quality from increased use of pesticides and fertilizers; flooding; water hyacinth infestation in Lake Victoria; deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; poaching | serious overpopulation and rapid urbanization have led to numerous environmental problems; urban air and water pollution; rapid deforestation; soil degradation; loss of arable land; oil pollution - water, air, and soil have suffered serious damage from oil spills |
Environment - international agreements | party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements | party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Tropical Timber 2006 |
Geography - note | the Kenyan Highlands comprise one of the most successful agricultural production regions in Africa; glaciers are found on Mount Kenya, Africa's second highest peak; unique physiography supports abundant and varied wildlife of scientific and economic value; Lake Victoria, the world's largest tropical lake and the second largest fresh water lake, is shared among three countries: Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda | the Niger River enters the country in the northwest and flows southward through tropical rain forests and swamps to its delta in the Gulf of Guinea |
Total renewable water resources | 30.7 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) | 286.2 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) |
Population distribution | population heavily concentrated in the west along the shore of Lake Victoria; other areas of high density include the capital of Nairobi, and in the southeast along the Indian Ocean coast as shown in this population distribution map | largest population of any African nation; significant population clusters are scattered throughout the country, with the highest density areas being in the south and southwest as shown in this population distribution map |
Demographics
Kenya | Nigeria | |
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Population | 54,685,051 (July 2021 est.) note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected | 219,463,862 (July 2021 est.) note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected |
Age structure | 0-14 years: 38.71% (male 10,412,321/female 10,310,908) 15-24 years: 20.45% (male 5,486,641/female 5,460,372) 25-54 years: 33.75% (male 9,046,946/female 9,021,207) 55-64 years: 4.01% (male 1,053,202/female 1,093,305) 65 years and over: 3.07% (male 750,988/female 892,046) (2020 est.) | 0-14 years: 41.7% (male 45,571,738/female 43,674,769) 15-24 years: 20.27% (male 22,022,660/female 21,358,753) 25-54 years: 30.6% (male 32,808,913/female 32,686,474) 55-64 years: 4.13% (male 4,327,847/female 4,514,264) 65 years and over: 3.3% (male 3,329,083/female 3,733,801) (2020 est.) |
Median age | total: 20 years male: 19.9 years female: 20.1 years (2020 est.) | total: 18.6 years male: 18.4 years female: 18.9 years (2020 est.) |
Population growth rate | 2.15% (2021 est.) | 2.53% (2021 est.) |
Birth rate | 26.78 births/1,000 population (2021 est.) | 34.38 births/1,000 population (2021 est.) |
Death rate | 5.09 deaths/1,000 population (2021 est.) | 8.89 deaths/1,000 population (2021 est.) |
Net migration rate | -0.2 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2021 est.) | -0.21 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2021 est.) |
Sex ratio | at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.84 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2020 est.) | at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/female total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2020 est.) |
Infant mortality rate | total: 28.81 deaths/1,000 live births male: 31.93 deaths/1,000 live births female: 25.63 deaths/1,000 live births (2021 est.) | total: 58.23 deaths/1,000 live births male: 63.67 deaths/1,000 live births female: 52.46 deaths/1,000 live births (2021 est.) |
Life expectancy at birth | total population: 69.32 years male: 67.65 years female: 71.03 years (2021 est.) | total population: 60.87 years male: 59.07 years female: 62.78 years (2021 est.) |
Total fertility rate | 3.36 children born/woman (2021 est.) | 4.67 children born/woman (2021 est.) |
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate | 4.2% (2020 est.) | 1.3% (2020 est.) |
Nationality | noun: Kenyan(s) adjective: Kenyan | noun: Nigerian(s) adjective: Nigerian |
Ethnic groups | Kikuyu 17.1%, Luhya 14.3%, Kalenjin 13.4%, Luo 10.7%, Kamba 9.8%, Somali 5.8%, Kisii 5.7%, Mijikenda 5.2%, Meru 4.2%, Maasai 2.5%, Turkana 2.1%, non-Kenyan 1%, other 8.2% (2019 est.) | Hausa 30%, Yoruba 15.5%, Igbo (Ibo) 15.2%, Fulani 6%, Tiv 2.4%, Kanuri/Beriberi 2.4%, Ibibio 1.8%, Ijaw/Izon 1.8%, other 24.7% (2018 est.) note: Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, is composed of more than 250 ethnic groups |
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS | 1.4 million (2020 est.) | 1.7 million (2020 est.) |
Religions | Christian 85.5% (Protestant 33.4%, Catholic 20.6%, Evangelical 20.4%, African Instituted Churches 7%, other Christian 4.1%), Muslim 10.9%, other 1.8%, none 1.6%, don't know/no answer 0.2% (2019 est.) | Muslim 53.5%, Roman Catholic 10.6%, other Christian 35.3%, other .6% (2018 est.) |
HIV/AIDS - deaths | 29,000 (2020 est.) | 49,000 (2020 est.) |
Languages | English (official), Kiswahili (official), numerous indigenous languages major-language sample(s): The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. (English) The World Factbook, Chanzo cha Lazima Kuhusu Habari ya Msingi. (Kiswahili) | English (official), Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo (Ibo), Fulani, over 500 additional indigenous languages |
Literacy | definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 81.5% male: 85% female: 78.2% (2018) | definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 62% male: 71.3% female: 52.7% (2018) |
Major infectious diseases | degree of risk: very high (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever vectorborne diseases: malaria, dengue fever, and Rift Valley fever water contact diseases: schistosomiasis animal contact diseases: rabies | degree of risk: very high (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever vectorborne diseases: malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever water contact diseases: leptospirosis and schistosomiasis animal contact diseases: rabies respiratory diseases: meningococcal meningitis aerosolized dust or soil contact diseases: Lassa fever note: on 7 October 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a Travel Health Notice for a Yellow Fever outbreak in Nigeria; a large, ongoing outbreak of yellow fever in Nigeria began in September 2017; the outbreak is now spread throughout the country with the Nigerian Ministry of Health reporting cases of the disease in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory; the CDC recommends travelers going to Nigeria should receive vaccination against yellow fever at least 10 days before travel and should take steps to prevent mosquito bites while there; those never vaccinated against yellow fever should avoid travel to Nigeria during the outbreak note: widespread ongoing transmission of a respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is occurring throughout Nigeria; as of 19 July 2021, Nigeria has reported a total of 169,678 cases of COVID-19 or 82.31 cumulative cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 population with 1.03 cumulative death per 100,000 population; as of 19 July 2021, 1.23% of the population has received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine |
Food insecurity | exceptional shortfall in aggregate food production/supplies: due to poor seasonal rains, and desert locusts - about 2 million people were estimated to be severely food insecure in the March-May 2021 period, reflecting the poor performance of both the October-December 2020 "short-rains" and the March-May 2021 "long-rains" that affected crop and livestock production in northern and eastern pastoral, agro-pastoral and marginal agriculture areas; other limiting factors include the measures implemented to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic which affected off-farm income earning opportunities, including petty trade, charcoal and firewood sales, and to localized but significant locust-induced pasture losses (2021) | widespread lack of access: due to persistent civil conflict in the northern areas - according to the latest analysis, about 12.8 million people are assessed to be in need of humanitarian assistance in the June-August 2021 period as a result of worsening conflict that is driving new population displacements; over 2.8 million people are estimated to be internally displaced in northeastern states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe, due to communal clashes in northwestern/northcentral zones and natural disasters; the areas inaccessible to humanitarian interventions are facing the worst food insecurity conditions (2021) |
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) | total: 11 years male: 11 years female: 11 years (2009) | total: 9 years male: 9 years female: 8 years (2011) |
Education expenditures | 5.3% of GDP (2018) | NA |
Urbanization | urban population: 28.5% of total population (2021) rate of urbanization: 4.09% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) | urban population: 52.7% of total population (2021) rate of urbanization: 3.92% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) |
Drinking water source | improved: urban: 89% of population rural: 60.4% of population total: 68% of population unimproved: urban: 11% of population rural: 39.6% of population total: 32% of population (2017 est.) | improved: urban: 92.6% of population rural: 63.6% of population total: 77.9% of population unimproved: urban: 7.4% of population rural: 36.4% of population total: 22.1% of population (2017 est.) |
Sanitation facility access | improved: urban: 78.8% of population rural: 41.2% of population total: 51.2% of population unimproved: urban: 21.2% of population rural: 58.8% of population total: 48.8% of population (2017 est.) | improved: urban: 80.2% of population rural: 39.5% of population total: 59.7% of population unimproved: urban: 19.8% of population rural: 60.5% of population total: 40.3% of population (2017 est.) |
Major cities - population | 4.922 million NAIROBI (capital), 1.341 million Mombassa (2021) | 14.862 million Lagos, 4.103 million Kano, 3.649 million Ibadan, 3.464 million ABUJA (capital), 3.171 million Port Harcourt, 1.782 million Benin City (2021) |
Maternal mortality rate | 342 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) | 917 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) |
Children under the age of 5 years underweight | 11.2% (2014) | 18.4% (2019/20) |
Health expenditures | 5.2% (2018) | 3.9% (2018) |
Physicians density | 0.16 physicians/1,000 population (2018) | 0.38 physicians/1,000 population (2018) |
Obesity - adult prevalence rate | 7.1% (2016) | 8.9% (2016) |
Mother's mean age at first birth | 20.3 years (2014 est.) note: median age at first birth among women 25-49 | 20.4 years (2018 est.) note: median age at first birth among women 25-49 |
Demographic profile | Kenya has experienced dramatic population growth since the mid-20th century as a result of its high birth rate and its declining mortality rate. More than 40% of Kenyans are under the age of 15 because of sustained high fertility, early marriage and childbearing, and an unmet need for family planning. Kenya's persistent rapid population growth strains the labor market, social services, arable land, and natural resources. Although Kenya in 1967 was the first Sub-Saharan country to launch a nationwide family planning program, progress in reducing the birth rate has largely stalled since the late 1990s, when the government decreased its support for family planning to focus on the HIV epidemic. Government commitment and international technical support spurred Kenyan contraceptive use, decreasing the fertility rate (children per woman) from about 8 in the late 1970s to less than 5 children twenty years later, but it has plateaued at just over 3 children today. Kenya is a source of emigrants and a host country for refugees. In the 1960s and 1970s, Kenyans pursued higher education in the UK because of colonial ties, but as British immigration rules tightened, the US, the then Soviet Union, and Canada became attractive study destinations. Kenya's stagnant economy and political problems during the 1980s and 1990s led to an outpouring of Kenyan students and professionals seeking permanent opportunities in the West and southern Africa. Nevertheless, Kenya's relative stability since its independence in 1963 has attracted hundreds of thousands of refugees escaping violent conflicts in neighboring countries; Kenya shelters more than 300,000 Somali refugees as of April 2017. | Nigeria's population is projected to grow from more than 186 million people in 2016 to 392 million in 2050, becoming the world's fourth most populous country. Nigeria's sustained high population growth rate will continue for the foreseeable future because of population momentum and its high birth rate. Abuja has not successfully implemented family planning programs to reduce and space births because of a lack of political will, government financing, and the availability and affordability of services and products, as well as a cultural preference for large families. Increased educational attainment, especially among women, and improvements in health care are needed to encourage and to better enable parents to opt for smaller families. Nigeria needs to harness the potential of its burgeoning youth population in order to boost economic development, reduce widespread poverty, and channel large numbers of unemployed youth into productive activities and away from ongoing religious and ethnic violence. While most movement of Nigerians is internal, significant emigration regionally and to the West provides an outlet for Nigerians looking for economic opportunities, seeking asylum, and increasingly pursuing higher education. Immigration largely of West Africans continues to be insufficient to offset emigration and the loss of highly skilled workers. Nigeria also is a major source, transit, and destination country for forced labor and sex trafficking. |
Contraceptive prevalence rate | 59.7% (2019) | 16.6% (2018) |
Dependency ratios | total dependency ratio: 69.8 youth dependency ratio: 65.5 elderly dependency ratio: 4.3 potential support ratio: 23.5 (2020 est.) | total dependency ratio: 86 youth dependency ratio: 80.9 elderly dependency ratio: 5.1 potential support ratio: 19.6 (2020 est.) |
Government
Kenya | Nigeria | |
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Country name | conventional long form: Republic of Kenya conventional short form: Kenya local long form: Republic of Kenya/Jamhuri ya Kenya local short form: Kenya former: British East Africa etymology: named for Mount Kenya; the meaning of the name is unclear but may derive from the Kikuyu, Embu, and Kamba words "kirinyaga," "kirenyaa," and "kiinyaa" - all of which mean "God's resting place" | conventional long form: Federal Republic of Nigeria conventional short form: Nigeria etymology: named for the Niger River that flows through the west of the country to the Atlantic Ocean; from a native term "Ni Gir" meaning "River Gir" |
Government type | presidential republic | federal presidential republic |
Capital | name: Nairobi geographic coordinates: 1 17 S, 36 49 E time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: the name derives from the Maasai expression meaning "cool waters" and refers to a cold water stream that flowed through the area in the late 19th century | name: Abuja geographic coordinates: 9 05 N, 7 32 E time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: Abuja is a planned capital city, it replaced Lagos in 1991; situated in the center of the country, Abuja takes its name from a nearby town, now renamed Suleja |
Administrative divisions | 47 counties; Baringo, Bomet, Bungoma, Busia, Elgeyo/Marakwet, Embu, Garissa, Homa Bay, Isiolo, Kajiado, Kakamega, Kericho, Kiambu, Kilifi, Kirinyaga, Kisii, Kisumu, Kitui, Kwale, Laikipia, Lamu, Machakos, Makueni, Mandera, Marsabit, Meru, Migori, Mombasa, Murang'a, Nairobi City, Nakuru, Nandi, Narok, Nyamira, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Samburu, Siaya, Taita/Taveta, Tana River, Tharaka-Nithi, Trans Nzoia, Turkana, Uasin Gishu, Vihiga, Wajir, West Pokot | 36 states and 1 territory*; Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Federal Capital Territory*, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara |
Independence | 12 December 1963 (from the UK) | 1 October 1960 (from the UK) |
National holiday | Jamhuri Day (Independence Day), 12 December (1963); note - Madaraka Day, 1 June (1963) marks the day Kenya attained internal self-rule | Independence Day (National Day), 1 October (1960) |
Constitution | history: previous 1963, 1969; latest drafted 6 May 2010, passed by referendum 4 August 2010, promulgated 27 August 2010 amendments: proposed by either house of Parliament or by petition of at least one million eligible voters; passage of amendments by Parliament requires approval by at least two-thirds majority vote of both houses in each of two readings, approval in a referendum by majority of votes cast by at least 20% of eligible voters in at least one half of Kenya's counties, and approval by the president; passage of amendments introduced by petition requires approval by a majority of county assemblies, approval by majority vote of both houses, and approval by the president | history: several previous; latest adopted 5 May 1999, effective 29 May 1999 amendments: proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of both houses and approval by the Houses of Assembly of at least two thirds of the states; amendments to constitutional articles on the creation of a new state, fundamental constitutional rights, or constitution-amending procedures requires at least four-fifths majority vote by both houses of the National Assembly and approval by the Houses of Assembly in at least two thirds of the states; passage of amendments limited to the creation of a new state require at least two-thirds majority vote by the proposing National Assembly house and approval by the Houses of Assembly in two thirds of the states; amended several times, last in 2018 |
Legal system | mixed legal system of English common law, Islamic law, and customary law; judicial review in the new Supreme Court established by the new constitution | mixed legal system of English common law, Islamic law (in 12 northern states), and traditional law |
Suffrage | 18 years of age; universal | 18 years of age; universal |
Executive branch | chief of state: President Uhuru KENYATTA (since 9 April 2013); Deputy President William RUTO (since 9 April 2013); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Uhuru KENYATTA (since 9 April 2013); Deputy President William RUTO (since 9 April 2013); note - position of the prime minister was abolished after the March 2013 elections cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president, subject to confirmation by the National Assembly elections/appointments: president and deputy president directly elected on the same ballot by qualified majority popular vote for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); in addition to receiving an absolute majority popular vote, the presidential candidate must also win at least 25% of the votes cast in at least 24 of the 47 counties to avoid a runoff; election last held on 26 October 2017 (next to be held in 2022) election results: Uhuru KENYATTA reelected president; percent of vote - Uhuru KENYATTA (Jubilee Party) 98.3%, Raila ODINGA (ODM) 1%, other 0.7%; note - Kenya held a previous presidential election on 8 August 2017, but Kenya's Supreme Court on 1 September 2017 nullified the results, citing irregularities; the political opposition boycotted the October vote | chief of state: President Maj. Gen. (ret.) Muhammadu BUHARI (since 29 May 2015); Vice President Oluyemi "Yemi" OSINBAJO (since 29 May 2015); note - the president is both chief of state, head of government, and commander-in-chief of the armed forces head of government: President Maj.Gen. (ret.) Muhammadu BUHARI (since 29 May 2015); Vice President Oluyemi "Yemi" OSINBAJO (since 29 May 2015) cabinet: Federal Executive Council appointed by the president but constrained constitutionally to include at least one member from each of the 36 states elections/appointments: president directly elected by qualified majority popular vote and at least 25% of the votes cast in 24 of Nigeria's 36 states; president elected for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 23 February 2019 (next to be held in February 2023); note: the election was scheduled for 16 February 2019, but postponed on 16 February 2019 election results: Muhammadu BUHARI elected president; percent of vote - Muhammadu BUHARI (APC) 53%, Atiku ABUBAKER (PDP) 39%, other 8% |
Legislative branch | description: bicameral Parliament consists of: Senate (67 seats; 47 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and 20 directly elected by proportional representation vote - 16 women, 2 representing youth, and 2 representing the disabled; members serve 5-year terms) National Assembly (349 seats; 290 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote, 47 women in single-seat constituencies elected by simple majority vote, and 12 members nominated by the National Assembly - 6 representing youth and 6 representing the disabled; members serve 5-year terms) elections: Senate - last held on 8 August 2017 (next to be held in August 2022) National Assembly - last held on 8 August 2017 (next to be held in August 2022) election results: Senate - percent of vote by party/coalition - NA; seats by party/coalition - Jubilee Party 24; National Super Alliance 28, other 14, independent 1; composition - men 46, women 41, percent of women is 31.3% National Assembly - percent of vote by party/coalition - NA; seats by party/coalition - Jubilee Party 165, National Super Alliance 119, other 51, independent 13; composition - men 273, women 76, percent of women 21.8%; note - total Parliament percent of women is 23% | description: bicameral National Assembly consists of: Senate (109 seats - 3 each for the 36 states and 1 for Abuja-Federal Capital Territory; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote to serve 4-year terms) House of Representatives (360 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote to serve 4-year terms) elections: Senate - last held on 23 February 2019 (next to be held on 23 February 2023); note: election was scheduled for 16 February 2019 but was postponed on 15 February 2019 House of Representatives - last held on 23 February 2019 (next to be held on 23 February 2023); note: election was scheduled for 16 February 2019 but was postponed on 15 February 2019 election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - APC 65, PDP 39, YPP 1, TBD 3; composition - men 103, women 6, percent of women 5.5% House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - APC 217, PDP 115, other 20, TBD 8; composition - men 346, women 14, percent of women 3.9%; note - total National Assembly percent of women 4.3% |
Judicial branch | highest courts: Supreme Court (consists of chief and deputy chief justices and 5 judges) judge selection and term of office: chief and deputy chief justices nominated by Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and appointed by the president with approval of the National Assembly; other judges nominated by the JSC and appointed by president; chief justice serves a nonrenewable 10-year term or until age 70, whichever comes first; other judges serve until age 70 subordinate courts: High Court; Court of Appeal; military courts; magistrates' courts; religious courts | highest courts: Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and 15 justices) judge selection and term of office: judges appointed by the president upon the recommendation of the National Judicial Council, a 23-member independent body of federal and state judicial officials; judge appointments confirmed by the Senate; judges serve until age 70 subordinate courts: Court of Appeal; Federal High Court; High Court of the Federal Capital Territory; Sharia Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory; Customary Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory; state court system similar in structure to federal system |
Political parties and leaders | Alliance Party of Kenya or APK [Kiraitu MURUNGI] Amani National Congress or ANC [Musalia MUDAVADI] Federal Party of Kenya or FPK [Cyrus JIRONGA] Forum for the Restoration of Democracy-Kenya or FORD-K [Moses WETANGULA] Forum for the Restoration of Democracy-People or FORD-P [Henry OBWOCHA] Jubilee Party [Uhuru KENYATTA] Kenya African National Union or KANU [Gideon MOI] National Rainbow Coalition or NARC [Charity NGILU] Orange Democratic Movement Party of Kenya or ODM [Raila ODINGA] Wiper Democratic Movement-K or WDM-K (formerly Orange Democratic Movement-Kenya or ODM-K) [Kalonzo MUSYOKA] | Accord Party or ACC [Mohammad Lawal MALADO] All Progressives Congress or APC [Adams OSHIOMHOLE] All Progressives Grand Alliance or APGA [Victor Ike OYE] Democratic Peoples Party or DPP [Biodun OGUNBIYI] Labor Party or LP [Alhai Abdulkadir ABDULSALAM] Peoples Democratic Party or PDP [Uche SECONDUS] Young Progressive Party or YPP [Kingsley MOGHALU] |
International organization participation | ACP, AfDB, AU, C, CD, COMESA, EAC, EADB, FAO, G-15, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINUSMA, MONUSCO, NAM, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WMO, WTO | ACP, AfDB, AU, C, CD, D-8, ECOWAS, EITI (compliant country), FAO, G-15, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSMA, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNISFA, UNITAR, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO |
Diplomatic representation in the US | chief of mission: Ambassador Lazarus Ombai AMAYO (since 17 July 2020) chancery: 1616 P Street NW, Suite 340, Washington, DC 20036 telephone: [1] (202) 387-6101 FAX: [1] (202) 462-3829 email address and website: information@kenyaembassydc.org https://kenyaembassydc.org/# consulate(s) general: Los Angeles consulate(s): New York | chief of mission: Ambassador Uzoma Elizabeth EMENIKE (since 7 July 2021) chancery: 3519 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 800-7201 (ext. 100) FAX: [1] (202) 362-6541 email address and website: info@nigeriaembassyusa.org https://www.nigeriaembassyusa.org/ consulate(s) general: Atlanta, New York |
Diplomatic representation from the US | chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Eric W. Kneedler (since 20 January 2021) embassy: P.O. Box 606 Village Market, 00621 Nairobi mailing address: 8900 Nairobi Place, Washington, DC 20521-8900 telephone: [254] (20) 363-6000 FAX: [254] (20) 363-6157 email address and website: kenya_acs@state.gov https://ke.usembassy.gov/ | chief of mission: Ambassador Mary Beth LEONARD (since 24 December 2019) embassy: Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive, Central District Area, Abuja mailing address: 8320 Abuja Place, Washington DC 20521-8320 telephone: [234] (9) 461-4000 FAX: [234] (9) 461-4036 email address and website: AbujaACS@state.gov https://ng.usembassy.gov/ consulate(s) general: Lagos |
Flag description | three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red, and green; the red band is edged in white; a large Maasai warrior's shield covering crossed spears is superimposed at the center; black symbolizes the majority population, red the blood shed in the struggle for freedom, green stands for natural wealth, and white for peace; the shield and crossed spears symbolize the defense of freedom | three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and green; the color green represents the forests and abundant natural wealth of the country, white stands for peace and unity |
National anthem | name: "Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu" (Oh God of All Creation) lyrics/music: Graham HYSLOP, Thomas KALUME, Peter KIBUKOSYA, Washington OMONDI, and George W. SENOGA-ZAKE/traditional, adapted by Graham HYSLOP, Thomas KALUME, Peter KIBUKOSYA, Washington OMONDI, and George W. SENOGA-ZAKE note: adopted 1963; based on a traditional Kenyan folk song | name: Arise Oh Compatriots, Nigeria's Call Obey lyrics/music: John A. ILECHUKWU, Eme Etim AKPAN, B.A. OGUNNAIKE, Sotu OMOIGUI and P.O. ADERIBIGBE/Benedict Elide ODIASE note: adopted 1978; lyrics are a mixture of the five top entries in a national contest |
International law organization participation | accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction | accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction |
National symbol(s) | lion; national colors: black, red, green, white | eagle; national colors: green, white |
Citizenship | citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Kenya dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 4 out of the previous 7 years | citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Nigeria dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 15 years |
Economy
Kenya | Nigeria | |
---|---|---|
Economy - overview | Kenya is the economic, financial, and transport hub of East Africa. Kenya's real GDP growth has averaged over 5% for the last decade. Since 2014, Kenya has been ranked as a lower middle income country because its per capita GDP crossed a World Bank threshold. While Kenya has a growing entrepreneurial middle class and steady growth, its economic development has been impaired by weak governance and corruption. Although reliable numbers are hard to find, unemployment and under-employment are extremely high, and could be near 40% of the population. In 2013, the country adopted a devolved system of government with the creation of 47 counties, and is in the process of devolving state revenues and responsibilities to the counties. Agriculture remains the backbone of the Kenyan economy, contributing one-third of GDP. About 75% of Kenya's population of roughly 48.5 million work at least part-time in the agricultural sector, including livestock and pastoral activities. Over 75% of agricultural output is from small-scale, rain-fed farming or livestock production. Tourism also holds a significant place in Kenya's economy. In spite of political turmoil throughout the second half of 2017, tourism was up 20%, showcasing the strength of this sector. Kenya has long been a target of terrorist activity and has struggled with instability along its northeastern borders. Some high visibility terrorist attacks during 2013-2015 (e.g., at Nairobi's Westgate Mall and Garissa University) affected the tourism industry severely, but the sector rebounded strongly in 2016-2017 and appears poised to continue growing. Inadequate infrastructure continues to hamper Kenya's efforts to improve its annual growth so that it can meaningfully address poverty and unemployment. The KENYATTA administration has been successful in courting external investment for infrastructure development. International financial institutions and donors remain important to Kenya's growth and development, but Kenya has also successfully raised capital in the global bond market issuing its first sovereign bond offering in mid-2014, with a second occurring in February 2018. The first phase of a Chinese-financed and constructed standard gauge railway connecting Mombasa and Nairobi opened in May 2017. In 2016 the government was forced to take over three small and undercapitalized banks when underlying weaknesses were exposed. The government also enacted legislation that limits interest rates banks can charge on loans and set a rate that banks must pay their depositors. This measure led to a sharp shrinkage of credit in the economy. A prolonged election cycle in 2017 hurt the economy, drained government resources, and slowed GDP growth. Drought-like conditions in parts of the country pushed 2017 inflation above 8%, but the rate had fallen to 4.5% in February 2018. The economy, however, is well placed to resume its decade-long 5%-6% growth rate. While fiscal deficits continue to pose risks in the medium term, other economic indicators, including foreign exchange reserves, interest rates, current account deficits, remittances and FDI are positive. The credit and drought-related impediments were temporary. Now In his second term, President KENYATTA has pledged to make economic growth and development a centerpiece of his second administration, focusing on his "Big Four" initiatives of universal healthcare, food security, affordable housing, and expansion of manufacturing. | Nigeria is Sub Saharan Africa's largest economy and relies heavily on oil as its main source of foreign exchange earnings and government revenues. Following the 2008-09 global financial crises, the banking sector was effectively recapitalized and regulation enhanced. Since then, Nigeria's economic growth has been driven by growth in agriculture, telecommunications, and services. Economic diversification and strong growth have not translated into a significant decline in poverty levels; over 62% of Nigeria's over 180 million people still live in extreme poverty. Despite its strong fundamentals, oil-rich Nigeria has been hobbled by inadequate power supply, lack of infrastructure, delays in the passage of legislative reforms, an inefficient property registration system, restrictive trade policies, an inconsistent regulatory environment, a slow and ineffective judicial system, unreliable dispute resolution mechanisms, insecurity, and pervasive corruption. Regulatory constraints and security risks have limited new investment in oil and natural gas, and Nigeria's oil production had been contracting every year since 2012 until a slight rebound in 2017. President BUHARI, elected in March 2015, has established a cabinet of economic ministers that includes several technocrats, and he has announced plans to increase transparency, diversify the economy away from oil, and improve fiscal management, but has taken a primarily protectionist approach that favors domestic producers at the expense of consumers. President BUHARI ran on an anti-corruption platform, and has made some headway in alleviating corruption, such as implementation of a Treasury Single Account that allows the government to better manage its resources and a more transparent government payroll and personnel system that eliminated duplicate and "ghost workers." The government also is working to develop stronger public-private partnerships for roads, agriculture, and power. Nigeria entered recession in 2016 as a result of lower oil prices and production, exacerbated by militant attacks on oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta region, coupled with detrimental economic policies, including foreign exchange restrictions. GDP growth turned positive in 2017 as oil prices recovered and output stabilized. |
GDP (purchasing power parity) | $227.638 billion (2019 est.) $216.046 billion (2018 est.) $203.206 billion (2017 est.) note: data are in 2010 dollars | $1,032,048,000,000 (2019 est.) $1,009,748,000,000 (2018 est.) $990.7 billion (2017 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars |
GDP - real growth rate | 5.39% (2019 est.) 6.32% (2018 est.) 4.79% (2017 est.) | 0.8% (2017 est.) -1.6% (2016 est.) 2.7% (2015 est.) |
GDP - per capita (PPP) | $4,330 (2019 est.) $4,204 (2018 est.) $4,046 (2017 est.) note: data are in 2010 dollars | $5,136 (2019 est.) $5,155 (2018 est.) $5,190 (2017 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars |
GDP - composition by sector | agriculture: 34.5% (2017 est.) industry: 17.8% (2017 est.) services: 47.5% (2017 est.) | agriculture: 21.1% (2016 est.) industry: 22.5% (2016 est.) services: 56.4% (2017 est.) |
Population below poverty line | 36.1% (2015 est.) | 40.1% (2018 est.) |
Household income or consumption by percentage share | lowest 10%: 1.8% highest 10%: 37.8% (2005) | lowest 10%: 1.8% highest 10%: 38.2% (2010 est.) |
Inflation rate (consumer prices) | 5.1% (2019 est.) 4.6% (2018 est.) 8% (2017 est.) | 11.3% (2019 est.) 12.1% (2018 est.) 16.5% (2017 est.) |
Labor force | 19.6 million (2017 est.) | 60.08 million (2017 est.) |
Labor force - by occupation | agriculture: 61.1% industry: 6.7% services: 32.2% (2005 est.) | agriculture: 70% industry: 10% services: 20% (1999 est.) |
Unemployment rate | 40% (2013 est.) 40% (2001 est.) | 16.5% (2017 est.) 13.9% (2016 est.) |
Distribution of family income - Gini index | 40.8 (2015 est.) 42.5 (2008 est.) | 35.1 (2018 est.) 50.6 (1997) |
Budget | revenues: 13.95 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 19.24 billion (2017 est.) | revenues: 12.92 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 19.54 billion (2017 est.) |
Industries | small-scale consumer goods (plastic, furniture, batteries, textiles, clothing, soap, cigarettes, flour), agricultural products, horticulture, oil refining; aluminum, steel, lead; cement, commercial ship repair, tourism, information technology | crude oil, coal, tin, columbite; rubber products, wood; hides and skins, textiles, cement and other construction materials, food products, footwear, chemicals, fertilizer, printing, ceramics, steel |
Industrial production growth rate | 3.6% (2017 est.) | 2.2% (2017 est.) |
Agriculture - products | sugar cane, milk, maize, potatoes, bananas, camel milk, cassava, sweet potatoes, mangoes/guavas, cabbages | cassava, yams, maize, oil palm fruit, rice, vegetables, sorghum, groundnuts, fruit, sweet potatoes |
Exports | $10.078 billion (2019 est.) $10.1 billion (2018 est.) $9.723 billion (2017 est.) | $34.545 billion (2020 est.) $62.531 billion (2019 est.) $60.547 billion (2018 est.) |
Exports - commodities | tea, cut flowers, refined petroleum, coffee, titanium (2019) | crude petroleum, natural gas, scrap vessels, flexible metal tubing, cocoa beans (2019) |
Exports - partners | Uganda 10%, United States 9%, Netherlands 8%, Pakistan 7%, United Kingdom 6%, United Arab Emirates 6%, Tanzania 5% (2019) | India 16%, Spain 10%, United States 7%, France 7%, Netherlands 6% (2019) |
Imports | $18.729 billion (2019 est.) $19.116 billion (2018 est.) $18.653 billion (2017 est.) | $32.67 billion (2017 est.) $35.24 billion (2016 est.) |
Imports - commodities | refined petroleum, cars, packaged medicines, wheat, iron products (2019) | refined petroleum, cars, wheat, laboratory glassware, packaged medicines (2019) |
Imports - partners | China 24%, United Arab Emirates 10%, India 10%, Saudi Arabia 7%, Japan 5% (2019) | China 30%, Netherlands 11%, United States 6%, Belgium 5% (2019) |
Debt - external | $29.289 billion (2019 est.) $25.706 billion (2018 est.) | $26.847 billion (2019 est.) $22.755 billion (2018 est.) |
Exchange rates | Kenyan shillings (KES) per US dollar - 111.45 (2020 est.) 101.4 (2019 est.) 102.4 (2018 est.) 98.179 (2014 est.) 87.921 (2013 est.) | nairas (NGN) per US dollar - 383.5 (2020 est.) 362.75 (2019 est.) 363 (2018 est.) 192.73 (2014 est.) 158.55 (2013 est.) |
Fiscal year | 1 July - 30 June | calendar year |
Public debt | 54.2% of GDP (2017 est.) 53.2% of GDP (2016 est.) | 21.8% of GDP (2017 est.) 19.6% of GDP (2016 est.) |
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold | $7.354 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $7.256 billion (31 December 2016 est.) | $38.77 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $25.84 billion (31 December 2016 est.) |
Current Account Balance | -$57.594 billion (2019 est.) -$56.194 billion (2018 est.) | $10.38 billion (2017 est.) $2.714 billion (2016 est.) |
GDP (official exchange rate) | $95.52 billion (2019 est.) | $475.062 billion (2019 est.) |
Credit ratings | Fitch rating: B+ (2007) Moody's rating: B2 (2018) Standard & Poors rating: B+ (2010) | Fitch rating: B (2020) Moody's rating: B2 (2017) Standard & Poors rating: B- (2020) |
Ease of Doing Business Index scores | Overall score: 73.2 (2020) Starting a Business score: 82.7 (2020) Trading score: 67.4 (2020) Enforcement score: 58.3 (2020) | Overall score: 56.9 (2020) Starting a Business score: 86.2 (2020) Trading score: 29.2 (2020) Enforcement score: 61.5 (2020) |
Taxes and other revenues | 17.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) | 3.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.) |
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-) | -6.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) | -1.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) |
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24 | total: 7.4% male: 7.3% female: 7.4% (2016) | total: 18.3% male: 18.4% NA female: 18.2% NA (2019 est.) |
GDP - composition, by end use | household consumption: 79.5% (2017 est.) government consumption: 14.3% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 18.9% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: -1% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 13.9% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -25.5% (2017 est.) | household consumption: 80% (2017 est.) government consumption: 5.8% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 14.8% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.7% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 11.9% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -13.2% (2017 est.) |
Gross national saving | 8% of GDP (2019 est.) 8.6% of GDP (2018 est.) 9.2% of GDP (2017 est.) | 23.2% of GDP (2019 est.) 19.3% of GDP (2018 est.) 18.3% of GDP (2017 est.) |
Energy
Kenya | Nigeria | |
---|---|---|
Electricity - production | 9.634 billion kWh (2016 est.) | 29.35 billion kWh (2016 est.) |
Electricity - consumption | 7.863 billion kWh (2016 est.) | 24.72 billion kWh (2016 est.) |
Electricity - exports | 39.1 million kWh (2016 est.) | 0 kWh (2016 est.) |
Electricity - imports | 184 million kWh (2016 est.) | 0 kWh (2016 est.) |
Oil - production | 0 bbl/day (2018 est.) | 1.989 million bbl/day (2018 est.) |
Oil - imports | 12,550 bbl/day (2015 est.) | 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) |
Oil - exports | 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) | 2.096 million bbl/day (2015 est.) |
Oil - proved reserves | 0 bbl (1 January 2018 est.) | 37.45 billion bbl (1 January 2018 est.) |
Natural gas - proved reserves | 0 cu m (1 January 2014 est.) | 5.475 trillion cu m (1 January 2018 est.) |
Natural gas - production | 0 cu m (2017 est.) | 44.48 billion cu m (2017 est.) |
Natural gas - consumption | 0 cu m (2017 est.) | 17.24 billion cu m (2017 est.) |
Natural gas - exports | 0 cu m (2017 est.) | 27.21 billion cu m (2017 est.) |
Natural gas - imports | 0 cu m (2017 est.) | 0 cu m (2017 est.) |
Electricity - installed generating capacity | 2.401 million kW (2016 est.) | 10.52 million kW (2016 est.) |
Electricity - from fossil fuels | 33% of total installed capacity (2016 est.) | 80% of total installed capacity (2016 est.) |
Electricity - from hydroelectric plants | 34% of total installed capacity (2017 est.) | 19% of total installed capacity (2017 est.) |
Electricity - from nuclear fuels | 0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.) | 0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.) |
Electricity - from other renewable sources | 33% of total installed capacity (2017 est.) | 0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.) |
Refined petroleum products - production | 13,960 bbl/day (2015 est.) | 35,010 bbl/day (2017 est.) |
Refined petroleum products - consumption | 109,000 bbl/day (2016 est.) | 325,000 bbl/day (2016 est.) |
Refined petroleum products - exports | 173 bbl/day (2015 est.) | 2,332 bbl/day (2015 est.) |
Refined petroleum products - imports | 90,620 bbl/day (2015 est.) | 223,400 bbl/day (2015 est.) |
Electricity access | electrification - total population: 85% (2019) electrification - urban areas: 99% (2019) electrification - rural areas: 79% (2019) | electrification - total population: 62% (2019) electrification - urban areas: 91% (2019) electrification - rural areas: 30% (2019) |
Telecommunications
Kenya | Nigeria | |
---|---|---|
Telephones - main lines in use | total subscriptions: 70,394 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: less than 1 (2019 est.) | total subscriptions: 107,154 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: less than 1 (2019 est.) |
Telephones - mobile cellular | total subscriptions: 54,555,497 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 104.22 (2019 est.) | total subscriptions: 184,592,255 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 88.47 (2019 est.) |
Internet country code | .ke | .ng |
Internet users | total: 9,129,243 percent of population: 17.83% (July 2018 est.) | total: 85,450,052 percent of population: 42% (July 2018 est.) |
Telecommunication systems | general assessment: through increased competition, Kenya's telecom market has improved international bandwidth and experienced rapid development in mobile sector, including remote regions; four fiber-optic submarine cables reduced costs and increased service to population; government supported LTE and broadband, promising economic support of free WiFi; mobile operators progress with 5G tests; e-commerce interoperability; importer of broadcasting equipment, video displays, and computers from China (2021) (2020)domestic: fixed-line subscriptions stand at less than 1 per 100 persons; multiple providers in the mobile-cellular segment of the market fostering a boom in mobile-cellular telephone usage with teledensity reaching 104 per 100 persons (2019) international: country code - 254; landing point for the EASSy, TEAMS, LION2, DARE1, PEACE Cable, and SEACOM fiber-optic submarine cable systems covering East, North and South Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia; satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat; launched first micro satellites in 2018 (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments | general assessment: one of the larger telecom markets in Africa subject to sporadic access to electricity and vandalism of infrastructure; most Internet connections are via mobile networks; foreign investment presence, particularly from China; market competition with affordable access; LTE technologies available but GSM is dominate; mobile penetration high due to use of multiple SIM cards and phones; government committed to expanding broadband penetration; operators to deploy fiber optic cable in six geopolitical zones and Lagos; operators invested in base stations to deplete network congestion; submarine cable break in 2020 slowed speeds and interrupted connectivity; importer of phones and broadcast equipment from China (2020) (2020)domestic: fixed-line subscribership remains less than 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular services growing rapidly, in part responding to the shortcomings of the fixed-line network; multiple cellular providers operate nationally with subscribership base over 88 per 100 persons (2019) international: country code - 234; landing point for the SAT-3/WASC, NCSCS, MainOne, Glo-1 & 2, ACE, and Equiano fiber-optic submarine cable that provides connectivity to Europe and South and West Africa; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (2 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments |
Broadband - fixed subscriptions | total: 491,183 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 less than 1 (2018 est.) | total: 83,360 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: less than 1 (2018 est.) |
Broadcast media | about a half-dozen large-scale privately owned media companies with TV and radio stations, as well as a state-owned TV broadcaster, provide service nationwide; satellite and cable TV subscription services available; state-owned radio broadcaster operates 2 national radio channels and provides regional and local radio services in multiple languages; many private radio stations broadcast on a national level along with over 100 private and non-profit regional stations broadcasting in local languages; TV transmissions of all major international broadcasters available, mostly via paid subscriptions; direct radio frequency modulation transmissions available for several foreign government-owned broadcasters (2019) | nearly 70 federal government-controlled national and regional TV stations; all 36 states operate TV stations; several private TV stations operational; cable and satellite TV subscription services are available; network of federal government-controlled national, regional, and state radio stations; roughly 40 state government-owned radio stations typically carry their own programs except for news broadcasts; about 20 private radio stations; transmissions of international broadcasters are available; digital broadcasting migration process completed in three states in 2018 (2019) |
Transportation
Kenya | Nigeria | |
---|---|---|
Railways | total: 3,819 km (2018) standard gauge: 485 km 1.435-m gauge (2018) narrow gauge: 3,334 km 1.000-m gauge (2018) | total: 3,798 km (2014) standard gauge: 293 km 1.435-m gauge (2014) narrow gauge: 3,505 km 1.067-m gauge (2014) note: as of the end of 2018, there were only six operational locomotives in Nigeria primarily used for passenger service; the majority of the rail lines are in a severe state of disrepair and need to be replaced |
Roadways | total: 177,800 km (2018) paved: 14,420 km (8,500 km highways, 1,872 urban roads, and 4,048 rural roads) (2017) unpaved: 147,032 km (2017) | total: 195,000 km (2017) paved: 60,000 km (2017) unpaved: 135,000 km (2017) |
Waterways | none specifically; the only significant inland waterway is the part of Lake Victoria within the boundaries of Kenya; Kisumu is the main port and has ferry connections to Uganda and Tanzania (2011) | 8,600 km (Niger and Benue Rivers and smaller rivers and creeks) (2011) |
Pipelines | 4 km oil, 1,432 km refined products (2018) | 124 km condensate, 4045 km gas, 164 km liquid petroleum gas, 4441 km oil, 3940 km refined products (2013) |
Ports and terminals | major seaport(s): Kisumu, Mombasa LNG terminal(s) (import): Mombasa | major seaport(s): Bonny Inshore Terminal, Calabar, Lagos oil terminal(s): Bonny Terminal, Brass Terminal, Escravos Terminal, Forcados Terminal, Pennington Terminal, Qua Iboe Terminal LNG terminal(s) (export): Bonny Island |
Merchant marine | total: 24 by type: oil tanker 2, other 22 (2020) | total: 728 by type: general cargo 15, oil tanker 110, other 603 (2020) |
Airports | total: 197 (2013) | total: 54 (2013) |
Airports - with paved runways | total: 16 (2017) over 3,047 m: 5 (2017) 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 (2017) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 (2017) 914 to 1,523 m: 6 (2017) under 914 m: 1 (2017) | total: 40 (2017) over 3,047 m: 10 (2017) 2,438 to 3,047 m: 12 (2017) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 9 (2017) 914 to 1,523 m: 6 (2017) under 914 m: 3 (2017) |
Airports - with unpaved runways | total: 181 (2013) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 14 (2013) 914 to 1,523 m: 107 (2013) under 914 m: 60 (2013) | total: 14 (2013) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 (2013) 914 to 1,523 m: 9 (2013) under 914 m: 3 (2013) |
National air transport system | number of registered air carriers: 25 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 188 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 5,935,831 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 294.97 million mt-km (2018) | number of registered air carriers: 13 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 104 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 8,169,192 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 19.42 million mt-km (2018) |
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix | 5Y | 5N |
Military
Kenya | Nigeria | |
---|---|---|
Military branches | Kenya Defence Forces: Kenya Army, Kenya Navy, Kenya Air Force (2021) note: the National Police Service includes a paramilitary General Service Unit | Nigerian Armed Forces: Army, Navy (includes Coast Guard), Air Force; Ministry of Interior: Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC, a paramilitary agency commissioned to assist the military in the management of threats to internal security, including attacks and natural disasters) (2021) |
Military service age and obligation | no conscription; 18-26 years of age for male and female voluntary service (under 18 with parental consent; upper limit 30 years of age for specialists, tradesmen, or women with a diploma; 39 years of age for chaplains/imams), with a 9-year obligation (7 years for Kenyan Navy) and subsequent 3-year re-enlistments; applicants must be Kenyan citizens (2020) | 18-26 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2019) |
Military expenditures - percent of GDP | 1.3% of GDP (2019) 1.2% of GDP (2018) 1.3% of GDP (2017) 1.3% of GDP (2016) 1.3% of GDP (2015) | 0.5% of GDP (2019) 0.5% of GDP (2018) 0.4% of GDP (2017) 0.4% of GDP (2016) 0.4% of GDP (2015) |
Military - note | the Kenya Coast Guard Service (established 2018) is under the Ministry of Interior, but led by a military officer and comprised of personnel from the military, as well as the National Police Service, intelligence services, and other government agencies (2020) | the Nigerian Armed Forces are used primarily for internal security operations; in the northeast, the military is conducting counterinsurgency/counter-terrorist operations against the Boko Haram (BH) and Islamic State in West Africa (ISWA) terrorist groups, where it has deployed as many as 70,000 troops at times and jihadist-related violence has killed an estimated 35,000 people, mostly civilians, since 2009 (as of Dec 2020); in the northwest, it faces threats from criminal gangs, bandits, and militants associated with ongoing farmer-herder violence, as well as BH and ISWA terrorists; the military also focuses on the Niger Delta region to protect the oil industry against militants and criminal activity, although the levels of violence there have decreased in recent years; in May 2021, a contingent of military troops and police were deployed to eastern Nigeria to quell renewed agitation for a state of Biafra (Biafra seceded from Nigeria in the late 1960s, sparking a civil war that caused more than 1 million deaths) |
Maritime threats | the International Maritime Bureau reports that shipping in territorial and offshore waters in the Indian Ocean remain at risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships | the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial and offshore waters in the Niger Delta and Gulf of Guinea remain a very high risk for piracy and armed robbery of ships; in 2020, there were 98 reported incidents of piracy and armed robbery at sea in the Gulf of Guinea region; although a 24% decrease from the total number of incidents in 2019, it included all three hijackings and 9 of 11 ships fired upon worldwide; while boarding and attempted boarding to steal valuables from ships and crews are the most common types of incidents, almost a third of all incidents involve a hijacking and/or kidnapping; in 2020, a record 130 crew members were kidnapped in 22 separate incidents in the Gulf of Guinea, representing 95% of kidnappings worldwide; approximately 51% of all incidents of piracy and armed robbery are taking place off Nigeria, which is a decrease from the 71% in 2019 and an indication pirates are traveling further to target vessels; Nigerian pirates are well armed and very aggressive, operating as far as 200 nm offshore; the Maritime Administration of the US Department of Transportation has issued a Maritime Advisory (2021-002 - Gulf of Guinea-Piracy/Armed Robbery/Kidnapping for Ransom) effective 9 January 2021, which states in part, "Piracy, armed robbery, and kidnapping for ransom continue to serve as significant threats to US-flagged vessels transiting or operating in the Gulf of Guinea." |
Military and security service personnel strengths | the Kenyan Defense Forces (KDF) are comprised of approximately 24,000 personnel (20,000 Army; 1,500 Navy; 2,500 Air Force) (2020) | size estimates for the Nigerian Armed Forces vary; approximately 135,000 active personnel (100,000 Army; 20,000 Navy/Coast Guard; 15,000 Air Force); est. 80,000 Security and Civil Defense Corps (2020) |
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions | the KDF's inventory traditionally carried mostly older or second-hand Western weapons systems, particularly from France, the UK, and the US; however, since the 2000s it has sought to modernize and diversify its imports; suppliers since 2010 include China, France, Italy, Jordan, Serbia, South Africa, Spain, and the US (2020) | the Nigerian Armed Forces' inventory consists of a wide variety of imported weapons systems of Chinese, European, Middle Eastern, Russian (including Soviet-era), and US origin; since 2010, Nigeria has undertaken a considerable military modernization program, and has received equipment from some 20 countries with China, Russia, and the US as the leading suppliers; Nigeria has been the largest arms importer in sub-Saharan Africa since 2014; Nigeria is also developing a defense-industry capacity, including small arms, armored personnel vehicles, and small-scale naval production (2020) |
Military deployments | 3,650 Somalia (AMISOM) (2021) | 200 Ghana (ECOMIG); MNJTF (1 brigade or approximately 3,000 troops committed; note - the national MNJTF troop contingents are deployed within their own country territories, although cross-border operations are conducted periodically) (2021) |
Transnational Issues
Kenya | Nigeria | |
---|---|---|
Disputes - international | Kenya served as an important mediator in brokering Sudan's north-south separation in February 2005; as of March 2019, Kenya provides shelter to nearly 475,000 refugees and asylum seekers, including Ugandans who flee across the border periodically to seek protection from Lord's Resistance Army rebels; Kenya works hard to prevent the clan and militia fighting in Somalia from spreading across the border, which has long been open to nomadic pastoralists; the boundary that separates Kenya's and Sudan's sovereignty is unclear in the "Ilemi Triangle," which Kenya has administered since colonial times; in 2018, Kenya signed an MoU with Uganda and South Sudan to help demarcate their borders | Joint Border Commission with Cameroon reviewed 2002 ICJ ruling on the entire boundary and bilaterally resolved differences, including June 2006 Greentree Agreement that immediately cedes sovereignty of the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon with a phaseout of Nigerian control within two years while resolving patriation issues; the ICJ ruled on an equidistance settlement of Cameroon-Equatorial Guinea-Nigeria maritime boundary in the Gulf of Guinea, but imprecisely defined coordinates in the ICJ decision and a sovereignty dispute between Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon over an island at the mouth of the Ntem River all contribute to the delay in implementation; only Nigeria and Cameroon have heeded the Lake Chad Commission's admonition to ratify the delimitation treaty which also includes the Chad-Niger and Niger-Nigeria boundaries; location of Benin-Niger-Nigeria tripoint is unresolved |
Illicit drugs | widespread harvesting of small plots of marijuana; transit country for South Asian heroin destined for Europe and North America; Indian methaqualone also transits on way to South Africa; significant potential for money-laundering activity given the country's status as a regional financial center; massive corruption, and relatively high levels of narcotics-associated activities | a transit point for heroin and cocaine intended for European, East Asian, and North American markets; consumer of amphetamines; safe haven for Nigerian narcotraffickers operating worldwide; major money-laundering center; massive corruption and criminal activity; Nigeria has improved some anti-money-laundering controls, resulting in its removal from the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF's) Noncooperative Countries and Territories List in June 2006; Nigeria's anti-money-laundering regime continues to be monitored by FATF |
Refugees and internally displaced persons | refugees (country of origin): 269,870 (Somalia), 133,320 (South Sudan) (refugees and asylum seekers), 30,081 (Democratic Republic of the Congo) (refugees and asylum seekers), 20,560 (Ethiopia), 7,081 (Burundi) (2021) IDPs: 190,000 (election-related violence, intercommunal violence, resource conflicts, al-Shabaab attacks in 2017 and 2018) (2020) stateless persons: 16,820 (2020); note - the stateless population consists of Nubians, Kenyan Somalis, and coastal Arabs; the Nubians are descendants of Sudanese soldiers recruited by the British to fight for them in East Africa more than a century ago; Nubians did not receive Kenyan citizenship when the country became independent in 1963; only recently have Nubians become a formally recognized tribe and had less trouble obtaining national IDs; Galjeel and other Somalis who have lived in Kenya for decades are included with more recent Somali refugees and denied ID cards | refugees (country of origin): 67,456 (Cameroon) (2021) IDPs: 2,880,168 (northeast Nigeria; Boko Haram attacks and counterinsurgency efforts in northern Nigeria; communal violence between Christians and Muslims in the middle belt region, political violence; flooding; forced evictions; cattle rustling; competition for resources) (2021) |
Terrorism
Kenya | Nigeria | |
---|---|---|
Terrorist Group(s) | al-Shabaab; Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps/Qods Force note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in Appendix-T | Boko Haram; Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham - West Africa; Jama'atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis-Sudan (Ansaru) note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in Appendix-T |
Environment
Kenya | Nigeria | |
---|---|---|
Air pollutants | particulate matter emissions: 25.85 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 17.91 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 37.65 megatons (2020 est.) | particulate matter emissions: 48.73 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 120.37 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 143.99 megatons (2020 est.) |
Total water withdrawal | municipal: 495 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 303 million cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 3.234 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) | municipal: 5 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 1.965 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 5.51 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) |
Revenue from forest resources | forest revenues: 1.3% of GDP (2018 est.) | forest revenues: 1.02% of GDP (2018 est.) |
Revenue from coal | coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) | coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) |
Waste and recycling | municipal solid waste generated annually: 5,595,099 tons (2010 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 447,608 tons (2009 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 8% (2009 est.) | municipal solid waste generated annually: 27,614,830 tons (2009 est.) |
Source: CIA Factbook