The Kikuyu community has recorded the highest increase in population in the past 10 years, new census data shows.

Despite claims of low birth rates in central Kenya, a breakdown of the population census data tells a different story: the community increased by 1.5 million.

The Luhyas increased by 1.49m), Kalenjins (1.4m), Luos (1.07m), Kambas (700,000), Mijikendas (530,000), Kisiis (490,000), Kenya Somalis (400,000), Maasais (350,000) and Merus (330,000).

The tribal ranking remains more or less the same as in 2009, with the data released yesterday retaining the top 10 communities in terms of population, save for the Turkanas, who have been replaced by the Maasai.

The figures are set to spark debate as the protagonists in the national political leadership President Uhuru Kenyatta, ODM leader Raila Odinga, deputy president William Ruto and former vice-presidents Kalonzo Musyoka and Musalia Mudavadi represent the top most populated tribes in the country.

The number of communities they represent totals 31.06 million, a whopping 65 per cent of the Kenyan population.