Top 10 Largest Rivers In Kenya
- BeyondForest
- Jun 27
- 10 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Image of the Gura Falls, Nyandarua Ranges. Flowing into Gura River by AndreyJosephs
Kenya has both perennial and seasonal rivers, with some draining into the Indian Ocean, others into Lake Victoria, Lake Turkana, Lake Naivasha, or disappearing into inland basins like the Lorian Swamp.
Gura River is widely regarded as Kenya’s fastest flowing river, thanks to its steep gradient from the Aberdare Ranges.
The Tana River is Kenya’s longest and most important river, stretching over 1,000 km and supporting hydroelectric dams, irrigation schemes, and rich biodiversity. The Athi-Galana-Sabaki River system, originating near Nairobi, travels southeast to the Indian Ocean, sustaining wildlife and agricultural zones along its course.
Ewaso Nyiro and Ewaso Ng'iro are the same river, just spelled differently.Ewaso” means “river” or “water” in the Samburu/Maa languages.Ng’iro” or “Nyiro” means “brown” — so Ewaso Ng’iro/Nyiro literally translates to “brown river
In western Kenya, rivers like Nzoia, Yala, Mara, and Sondu-Miriu feed into Lake Victoria, playing vital roles in fishing and farming communities. Northern rivers such as Ewaso Ng’iro flow through semi-arid regions like Isiolo and Wajir, providing water for pastoralists and wildlife in Samburu and Buffalo Springs reserves. In contrast, rivers like Kerio, Turkwel, and Suguta drain into Lake Turkana, supporting life in Kenya’s northern frontier.
List of Top 10 Largest Rivers in Kenya
River | Source | Counties Passed |
Tana River | Aberdare Mountains & Mount Kenya | Nyeri, Garissa, Tana River |
Athi-Galana-Sabaki River | Gatamaiyo Forest/Aberdares | Nairobi, Machakos, Makueni, Kilifi |
Ewaso Nyiro River | Mount Kenya | Laikipia, Isiolo, Samburu, Wajir |
Nzoia River | Cherangani Hills | Bungoma, Kakamega, Siaya |
Yala River | Nandi Escarpment | Uasin Gishu, Vihiga, Kakamega, Kisumu, Siaya |
Sondu-Miriu River | Mau Forest | Kericho, Kisumu |
Mara River | Narok, Kajiado | |
Turkwel River | Mount Elgon | West Pokot, Turkana |
Kerio River | Amasya Hills/Tugen Hills | Baringo, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Turkana |
Gucha-Migori River | Kiabonyoru Hills (Nyamira) | Kisii, Migori |
Aerial View of Tana River by Margot Kiser
The Tana River is the longest river in Kenya, stretching approximately 1,000 kilometers from its source in the Aberdare Mountains and Mount Kenya, flowing southeast to empty into the Indian Ocean near Kipini. It passes through several counties including Nyeri, Embu, Garissa, and Tana River County. The river is vital for Kenya’s economy, supporting hydroelectric power generation through dams like Kindaruma, Masinga, and Gitaru, and providing irrigation for large-scale farming such as the Bura and Hola irrigation schemes. It also sustains wildlife habitats like the Tana River Primate Reserve, home to rare species like the red colobus and mangabey monkeys.
Tributaries of Tana River system include Kathita, Sagana, Ragati, Kururu,and Muhuhi
2. Athi-Galana-Sabaki River
🌍 Discover Kenya’s Mighty Rivers Up Close!
Ready to explore the breathtaking beauty of Kenya’s permanent rivers — from the iconic Tana to the scenic Mara? Let us help you plan your adventure. Whether it’s river hikes, photography tours, or cultural experiences, we’ll create a memorable trip for you.
The Athi-Galana-Sabaki River is Kenya’s second-longest river system, originating as the Athi River in the Gatamaiyo Forest near Nairobi. +390 km It flows southeast through Machakos, Makueni, and Kajiado, then becomes the Galana River after merging with the Tsavo River in Tsavo East National Park. +300 km .As it nears the coast, it’s called the Sabaki River, emptying into the Indian Ocean near Malindi. The river supports urban areas like Athi River Town, provides critical water for agriculture, and sustains biodiversity in Tsavo East.
Key tributaries of Athi-Galana-Sabaki is Tana, Mutonga, Thiba, Thika Rivers Mbagathi and Ruiru Rivers
3. Ewaso Nyiro River
Northern Ewaso Ng'iro is more famous with a larger basin while Southern Ewaso Ng'iro is lesser-known and ends at Lake Natron
Image of Ewaso Nyiro River besides Elephant Bedroom Camp in Samburu
The Ewaso Nyiro River (also spelled Ewaso Ng’iro) is one of Kenya’s major rivers, originating from the western slopes of Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Ranges. It flows north and east through Laikipia, Isiolo, Samburu, and Wajir counties, finally draining into the Lorian Swamp in northeastern Kenya. The river is a crucial water source for wildlife, livestock, and communities in arid and semi-arid regions. It supports famous ecosystems like the Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserves, attracting elephants, Grevy’s zebras, and lions.
Importance: Water source for wildlife and pastoralists
However, there are actually two distinct rivers commonly called "Ewaso Ng’iro .Ewaso Ng’iro (North) Flows into Lorian Swamp (Wajir) Mt. Kenya / Aberdares .Ewaso Ng’iro (South) Flows into Lake Natron (Tanzania) Mau Escarpment
4. Nzoia River
Image of a canal of the Lower Nzoia Irrigation project in Siaya County by ChinAfrica Magazine
The Nzoia River is a key river in western Kenya, originating from the Cherangani Hills in Trans Nzoia County. It flows through Bungoma, Kakamega, and Siaya counties, eventually draining into Lake Victoria near Port Victoria. Spanning about 257 kilometers, it plays a crucial role in supporting agriculture in Kenya’s sugar belt, including the Mumias Sugar Zone. The Nzoia floodplains are highly fertile but also prone to seasonal flooding, affecting settlements in Budalang’i.
the Lower Nzoia Irrigation project is a national project domiciled in the Ministry of Water and Irrigation. Its implementation started in June 2018, with the goal of mitigating floods and increasing the acreage of land under irrigation in western Kenya.
The project's first phase will be completed in May 2025, putting 10,000 acres under irrigation on the river's left bank and targeting 12,600 farmers as beneficiaries, according to the National Irrigation Authority, a state agency.
5. Yala River
🌍 Discover Kenya’s Mighty Rivers Up Close!
Ready to explore the breathtaking beauty of Kenya’s permanent rivers — from the iconic Tana to the scenic Mara? Let us help you plan your adventure. Whether it’s river hikes, photography tours, or cultural experiences, we’ll create a memorable trip for you.
Image of Yala River at GEM Constituency
The Dominion Farms Project previously utilized part of the swamp for rice farming.
The Yala River is a significant tributary of Lake Victoria, originating from the Nandi Escarpment in western Kenya. It flows through Vihiga, Kakamega, Siaya, and Busia counties, covering a distance of approximately 219 kilometers. One of its key features is the Yala Swamp, a vast wetland near Lake Victoria that supports diverse birdlife and rare aquatic species. The river is essential for irrigation, domestic water use, and biodiversity conservation, although it faces increasing pressure from human settlement and agricultural encroachment.
6. Sondu-Miriu River
The Sondu-Miriu River originates from the Mau Forest Complex in western Kenya and flows westward through Kericho, Nyakach, and Kisumu counties before draining into Lake Victoria. It is one of the key tributaries of the lake and plays a vital role in the region’s ecology and economy.
The river is especially known for the Sondu-Miriu Hydropower Project, which generates electricity for the national grid, enhancing Kenya’s renewable energy capacity. The river supports local irrigation, fishing, and domestic water needs. It also forms part of the Nyando River Basin, an area prone to seasonal flooding but rich in biodiversity and wetland resources.
Image of Sondu Miriu Geothermal Project
7. Mara River
he Mara River is one of East Africa’s most iconic rivers, originating from the Mau Forest in Kenya’s Narok County. It flows southwest through the Maasai Mara National Reserve, crosses into Tanzania, and eventually drains into Lake Victoria. Spanning approximately 395 kilometers, the river is best known for the dramatic wildebeest migration, where thousands of animals cross its crocodile-infested waters annually, drawing global tourism.
Image of Wildebeest crossing at Mara River
The Mara River sustains both wildlife and local pastoralist communities, providing vital water during dry seasons. It faces growing threats from deforestation, erosion, and agriculture, making it a focus for regional conservation efforts and watershed protection programs.
🌍 Discover Kenya’s Mighty Rivers Up Close!
Ready to explore the breathtaking beauty of Kenya’s permanent rivers — from the iconic Tana to the scenic Mara? Let us help you plan your adventure. Whether it’s river hikes, photography tours, or cultural experiences, we’ll create a memorable trip for you.
The Turkwel River originates from the Mount Elgon and Cherangani Hills region in western Kenya and flows through West Pokot and Turkana counties before draining into Lake Turkana. It is one of the major rivers in Kenya’s arid north and a critical water source for pastoral communities. The river is best known for the Turkwel Gorge Dam, a major hydroelectric power project that also supports irrigation and flood control.
9. Kerio River
Image of An Aerial View of Kerio River meandering through Lake
Kamnarok National Reserve Discover Africa Wildlife
The Kerio River is a prominent river in Kenya’s Rift Valley, originating from the Amasya Hills in Elgeyo-Marakwet County. It flows northward through Baringo and forms a natural boundary between the Elgeyo Escarpment and Tugen Hills, before draining into Lake Turkana. The river spans over 350 kilometers and is vital for local agriculture, livestock, and domestic water use in arid and semi-arid areas. Its scenic valley, known as the Kerio Valley, is rich in biodiversity and is a growing ecotourism destination.
The Gucha-Migori River, also known as the Kuja River, originates from the Kisii Highlands in western Kenya. It flows southwest through Kisii, Nyamira, and Migori counties before draining into Lake Victoria near Muhuru Bay. The river is formed by tributaries such as the Riana and Mogonga rivers, and it supports a densely populated, agriculturally rich region. Its waters are crucial for irrigation, domestic use, and fishing activities along its course. The river’s flow increases significantly during rainy seasons, often causing floods in low-lying areas. Gucha-Migori is essential to both the local economy and the ecology of the Lake Victoria Basin.g
Image of The Gura River by AndreyJoseph
The Gura River, though short in length, is one of Kenya’s most remarkable rivers. It originates from the Aberdare Ranges in Nyeri County and is famously known as the fastest flowing river in Kenya due to its steep gradient and rocky terrain. Despite its size, it plays a vital role in the region's irrigation, small hydropower generation, and supports rich biodiversity along its course. The river also contributes to the Tana River system and is popular among locals for its scenic views, gorges, and clean mountain water.
FAQ About Rivers In Kenya
How Many Rivers are there In Kenya
Kenya has over 50 major rivers, including both perennial (permanent) and seasonal rivers. These rivers flow into major drainage basins such as Lake Victoria, Lake Turkana, the Indian Ocean, inland basins like Lake Baringo, and seasonal swamps like the Lorian Swamp.
Which is the longest river in Kenya?
The Tana River is the longest river in Kenya, stretching approximately 1,000 kilometers from its source in the Aberdare Mountains and Mount Kenya to its mouth at the Indian Ocean near Kipini.
What is the main river in Kenya?
The main river in Kenya is the Tana River, as it is the longest and most economically important. It stretches about 1,000 kilometers
Which rivers in Kenya flow into Lake Victoria?
Several major rivers in Kenya flow into Lake Victoria, supporting agriculture, fishing, and wetlands. These include Nzoia River,Yala River,Nyando River,Sondu-Miriu River,Mara River,Gucha (Kuja) River
Does Kenya have the Nile River?
No, Kenya does not have the Nile River, but it contributes indirectly to it. Some Kenyan rivers, like the Nzoia, Yala, and Mara, flow into Lake Victoria, which is the primary source of the White Nile
while the Nile itself does not pass through Kenya, the country plays a role in feeding the Nile through its Lake Victoria basin rivers.
Which river has 14 falls in Kenya?
The Thika River is the river that features the famous Fourteen Falls in Kenya. Located near Thika town in Kiambu County, the falls are named after the 14 distinct cascades formed as the river plunges over a wide cliff.
The Thika River is a major tributary of the Tana River and originates from the Aberdare Ranges, contributing to Nairobi’s water supply through the Thika Dam.
What is the difference between the Athi River and the Tana River?
The Tana River is Kenya’s longest river at about 1,000 km, while the Athi River is shorter at around 390 km.
Tana originates from Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Ranges; Athi begins near the Gatamaiyo Forest in Kiambu.
Tana flows through central and eastern Kenya; Athi flows southeast from Nairobi and merges with the Tsavo River to become the Galana/Sabaki River.
Both eventually empty into the Indian Ocean, but at different points along the coast.
What is the role of rivers in Kenya’s economy?
supporting key sectors like agriculture, energy, tourism, and domestic water supply. They provide water for irrigation, enabling the growth of crops in regions like the Tana Delta and Lake Victoria Basin. Rivers such as the Tana and Sondu-Miriu generate hydroelectric power, supplying a significant portion of the country’s electricity. Additionally, rivers sustain wildlife habitats in parks and reserves, boosting tourism. In urban areas, rivers like the Athi and Nairobi River support industries and communities.
Map of Major Rivers in Kenya
Image of a Geographical Map representation of Major Rivers In Kenya
List of all rivers in kenya and their location
Nairobi River Tributaries include Gathara-ini, Githaru, Kiuru, Mathari/Mbagathi, Ngong, Ruiruaka
River | Source | County | Drainage |
Nyando River | Mau Escarpment | Nandi, Kisumu | Lake Victoria |
Awach River | Lake Victoria | ||
Migori River | Lake Victoria | ||
Riana River | Lake Victoria | ||
Mogonga River | Migori, Nyamira | Lake Victoria | |
Suguta River | northern Rift | Lake Turkana | |
Lokichar River (Lomenyangaparat) | Turkana region | Lake Turkana | |
Suam River | Lake Turkana | ||
Omo River | Lake Turkana | ||
Olarabel (Ngusero) River | Lake Baringo | ||
Molo River | Baringo, Nakuru | Lake Baringo | |
Perkerra River | Source Rapids | Baringo | Lake Baringo |
Njoro River | Nakuru/Bomet | Lake Baringo | |
Gilgil River | Gilgil/Nakuru | Lake Naivasha | |
Malewa River | Nyandarua, Nakuru | Lake Naivasha | |
Turasha (Kija) River | Lake Naivasha | ||
Southern Ewaso Ng’iro | Mau Escarpment | Baringo, Nakuru, Narok | Lake Natron |
Seyabei River | Lake Natron | ||
Voi (Goshi) River | Taita Hills | Indian Ocean | |
Umba River | Coast | Indian Ocean | |
Tsavo River | Kilifi, Taita | Indian Ocean | |
Pangani River | Indian Ocean | ||
Nairobi River | Ondiri Swamp | Nairobi, Kiambu ﹑Machakos | Athi River |
Mbagathi River | Ngong Hills | Nairobi | Athi River |
Ruiru River | |||
Karuru River | Nyeri Hills | Nyeri | Tana River |
Ragati River | Mount Kenya | Meru | Tana River |
Kiama River | |||
Thika River | |||
Naromoru River (Tigithi ) | Mount Kenya | Laikipia | Ewaso Nyiro |
Burguret River | Mount Kenya | Nyeri | Ewaso Nyiro |
Sagana River | |||
Ithima River | Embu Hills | Embu | Tana River |
Teleswani River | Embu | Tana River | |
Gatamaiyo River | Gatamaiyo Forest | Kiambu | Athi River |
Maragua River | Aberdare Ranges | Muranga | Tana River |
Nyamindi River | Mount Kenya | Kirinyaga | Tana River |
Munyange River | Aberdare | Nyandarua | Lake Olbolosat |
Sirimon River | Mount Kenya | Laikipia | Ewaso Nyiro |
Likii River | Mount Kenya | Laikipia | Ewaso Nyiro |
Kamuchege River | Aberdare Slopes | Muranga | Thika River |
Chania River | Aberdare Ranges | Kiambu,Muranga | Thika River,Tana River |
Gura River | Aberdares Ranges | Nyeri | Tana River |
Kiama River is a Tributary of Thika River
Importance of Rivers In Kenya
Economic Impact | Irrigation, hydroelectricity, agriculture |
Ecological Role | Wildlife habitats, biodiversity, forest support |
Cultural & Historical Significance | Some Rivers are revered by communities |
Comments