Kwale County

The brief

About Kwale County

Kwale County is situated in Kenya's southern coastal region, bordering Mombasa, Kilifi, Taita-Taveta, Tanzania, and the Indian Ocean. The county headquarters is Kwale Town, while Ukunda serves as the largest urban and tourism centre. Its landscape includes sandy beaches, coral reefs, coastal forests, rolling hills, and fertile inland plains. The population consists mainly of the Digo, Duruma, and other Mijikenda communities alongside residents from across Kenya. Agriculture remains the backbone of the economy, producing coconuts, cassava, maize, fruits, and vegetables, while livestock keeping supports many rural households. Tourism centred on Diani Beach and mining also contribute significantly. Kwale preserves rich Swahili and Mijikenda traditions and has deep historical links to Indian Ocean trade.

Population

866,820

Male (50%)

434,170

Female (52%)

451,371

Area

8,254 km²

Sub-counties

5

Capital

Kwale