Kenya, known for its diverse landscapes and cultures, has a population with notable variations in height. Exploring the average height of Kenyans reveals insights into health, nutrition, genetics, and environmental factors that shape their stature.
What is the average height of Kenyan people?
The average height of Kenyan people varies depending on factors such as region, ethnicity, and socio-economic status. However, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other sources, the average height for adult men in Kenya is around 5 feet 7 inches (170.5 centimeters), while for adult women, it’s approximately 5 feet 2.7 inches (159.4 centimeters). Keep in mind that these are averages and individual heights can vary significantly.
Kenya is home to over 40 different ethnic groups.
Kenyan Height vs. Global Averages
On average, Kenyan men have a height of about 5 feet 7 inches, which is approximately 0.4 inches (1cm) shorter than the global average height for men. Kenyan women, with an average height of around 5 feet 2.5 inches, also fall slightly below the global average height for women, which is about 5 feet 3 inches.
When compared to the average height in Africa, however, Kenyan heights align more closely. The average height across Africa tends to be similar to that of Kenya, with variations depending on factors such as region, ethnicity, and socio-economic status. Overall, Kenyan heights are representative of the broader trends observed across the African continent.
| Male Height | Female Height | |
|---|---|---|
| Kenyan | 5’7″ (170.5cm) | 5’2.7″ (159.4cm) |
| Northern Africa | 5’8″ (173cm) | 5’3″ (161cm) |
| Southern Africa | 5’7″ (169cm) | 5’2.5″ (159cm) |
| Eastern Africa | 5’6″ (167cm) | 5’1.5″ (157cm) |
| Western Africa | 5’7″ (170cm) | 5’2.5″ (159cm) |
| Central Africa | 5’6″ (169cm) | 5’2″ (158cm) |
* Comparing the height of Kenyan people with other regions in Africa.
Kenyan people are getting shorter over time
According to a recent survey, the average height of Kenyan men has decreased by a few centimeters compared to 1962, standing at 172.2cm (5ft 7.7in) and has further declined to 170.5cm (5ft 7in) currently, while Kenyan women have also decreased from 160.6cm (5ft 3in) in 1962 to 159.4cm (5ft 2.7in) at present.
Scientists have warned that changes in height – due to malnutrition and environmental factors – have adverse effects on health, especially the health of mothers and children.
According to a study published in the eLife journal, Kenya ranked 25th in height in 1914 but dropped 95 places to 120th in 2014. Kenyans have become shorter or stagnated over the past 100 years compared to their counterparts globally, especially those in Europe.
Read more: The Average Height of Tanzanian People
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