Kenya Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
Kenya's dependency ratio was 64.44 in 2025, ranked 58th globally. This represents a 2.5% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Kenya's dependency ratio stood at 64.44 in 2025, a decline of +1.67 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 64.44 by 2025. Kenya ranked 58th globally.
Kenya’s dependency ratio has fallen dramatically over the 66‑year series, declining from a post‑colonial high of 108.00 in 1960 to an all‑time trough of 64.44 in 2025, the lowest level recorded for the country and the 58th‑lowest globally (World Bank, 2025). The peak of 117.99 in 1976 reflected the combined weight of a large youth cohort and limited life expectancy, but successive declines in fertility and gains in adult survival have compressed the proportion of dependents. By 2025 Kenya’s ratio of 64.44 is almost identical to that of Ghana (64.52) and only marginally above Guam (64.16), signalling convergence with other middle‑income African economies that have experienced similar demographic transitions. The continued reduction in the share of non‑working age groups suggests a potential demographic dividend, yet the trajectory could reverse if fertility rebounds or health shocks raise mortality among the elderly, underscoring the importance of sustained family‑planning and health‑care policies.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 61.18 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 62.81 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 64.44 | - | - |
| 2025 | 64.44 | −1.67 | #58 |
| 2024 | 66.12 | −1.55 | #164 |
| 2023 | 67.67 | −1.63 | #166 |
| 2022 | 69.31 | −1.65 | #168 |
| 2021 | 70.96 | −1.67 | #172 |
| 2020 | 72.63 | −1.63 | #173 |
| 2019 | 74.26 | −1.47 | #175 |
| 2018 | 75.74 | −1.42 | #177 |
| 2017 | 77.16 | −1.48 | #177 |
| 2016 | 78.64 | −1.36 | #179 |
| 2015 | 79.99 | −1.13 | #180 |
| 2014 | 81.12 | −1.01 | #182 |
| 2013 | 82.13 | −0.88 | #185 |
| 2012 | 83.01 | −0.68 | #184 |
| 2011 | 83.70 | −0.52 | #183 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Kenya matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2008. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw dependency ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Kenya's dependency ratio was 64.44 in 2025. Ranked 58th globally. This represents a 2.5% decrease from the previous year.
Kenya's dependency ratio peaked at 117.99 in 1976.
The lowest dependency ratio in Kenya was 64.44 in 2025.
Kenya ranks 58th globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Kenya's dependency ratio is projected to reach 64.44 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of Kenya in 2025 was 64.44. This ranks 58th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_kenya_dependency-ratio,
title = {Kenya Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/kenya/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}