Average Height in Kenya (2026 Data)
The average height in Kenya is approximately 5'7" (170 cm) for men and 5'3" (160 cm) for women, based on NCD-RisC pooled estimates and Kenya Demographic and Health Survey data. Kenya ranks near the global average for men and slightly above for women.
Average Height in Kenya: Men and Women
Adult height in Kenya reflects decades of genetics, childhood nutrition, healthcare access, and living conditions. The most recent national health surveys provide the best estimates for current average stature among adults.
For men, the population mean is about 170 cm (5'7"); for women, about 160 cm (5'3"). These figures represent adults aged 18 and older and are typically measured barefoot in health surveys.
Height varies by region, ethnicity, and birth cohort within Kenya. The averages below describe the national picture; individual heights span a wide range above and below these means.
Average Height by Age Group in Kenya
| Age Group | Men (cm / ft-in) | Women (cm / ft-in) |
|---|---|---|
| 18–25 | 172 cm (5'8") | 161 cm (5'3") |
| 26–35 | 171 cm (5'7") | 161 cm (5'3") |
| 36–50 | 170 cm (5'7") | 160 cm (5'3") |
| 50+ | 169 cm (5'7") | 159 cm (5'3") |
Age-group estimates derived from NCD-RisC pooled estimates and Kenya Demographic and Health Survey data. Younger cohorts typically measure slightly taller than older groups due to secular height trends.
How Kenya Compares to the World and the US
Globally, the approximate mean adult height is about 171 cm (5'7") for men and 159 cm (5'2.5") for women, based on NCD-RisC pooled estimates. Compared to this, Kenyan men are 1 cm shorter and women are 1 cm taller.
The United States averages about 175 cm (5'9") for men and 162 cm (5'4") for women (CDC/NHANES). Kenyan men are 5 cm shorter than US men on average; Kenyan women are 2 cm shorter than US women.
Kenya's position near the global average reflects its diverse ethnic composition, including tall Nilotic peoples such as the Maasai and Kalenjin, alongside Bantu and Cushitic groups, creating significant regional height variation across the country.
Why Heights Differ: Genetics, Nutrition, and Trends
Height is roughly 80% genetic and 20% environmental, but nutrition in the first years of life matters enormously at the population level. Kenya's average stature is shaped by its diverse ethnic groups, including tall Nilotic peoples (Maasai, Kalenjin) and Bantu-speaking populations, creating one of the widest within-country height ranges in Africa.
Regional variation in Kenya is notable: pastoralist communities in the Rift Valley tend to be taller than agricultural communities in other regions. Urbanization and improving childhood nutrition are contributing to height gains among younger Kenyans.
Comparing your personal height to Kenya's average is informative, but percentile rankings depend on which reference population you use. Our calculator compares against US CDC/NHANES data, which may differ from Kenya's national distribution.
Data source: NCD-RisC pooled estimates and Kenya Demographic and Health Survey data. For US percentile comparisons, see our methodology page.
Frequently Asked Questions
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