Population Distribution in Kenya

10 Grade 5 Social Studies questions on Population Distribution in Kenya, with worked marking schemes. 10 questions are available on this topic in full.

1. Question 1

   4 marks

   The highlands of Central and Western Kenya are densely populated. Give two reasons why many people settle in these areas.

   (4 marks)

   Marking scheme

   Any 2 (2 mks each, or 1 mk point + 1 mk explanation): fertile soils for farming; reliable/high rainfall supporting crops; cool comfortable climate; availability of jobs and services; good infrastructure; security. Accept well-explained points.

2. Question 2

   4 marks

   Insecurity can affect where people live.

   (a) Explain how insecurity leads to low population in an area.

   (b) State one way the government can encourage people to settle in dry areas.

   (4 marks)

   Marking scheme

   (a) Insecurity (e.g. cattle rustling, conflict) makes people fear for their lives and property, so they move away/avoid settling there, leaving the area with few people (2 mks). (b) Any 1 (2 mks): provide security; supply water/irrigation; build roads, schools and hospitals; create jobs; provide food relief/support. Accept valid points.

3. Question 3

   3 marks

   Population is not evenly distributed in Kenya.

   (a) State the meaning of the term 'sparsely populated'.

   (b) Give one example of a region in Kenya that is sparsely populated.

   (3 marks)

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4. Question 4

   1 mark

   Fewer people live in the arid parts of northern Kenya mainly because of

   A. Presence of many rivers

   B. Low and unreliable rainfall

   C. Cool climate

   D. Fertile soils

   (1 mark)

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5. Question 5

   3 marks

   Give three physical (natural) factors that influence population distribution in Kenya.

   (3 marks)

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6. Question 6

   1 mark

   A region with very steep and rugged mountains usually has a low population because

   A. Land is very fertile

   B. There is too much rainfall

   C. The air is too clean

   D. Building and farming are difficult

   (1 mark)

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7. Question 7

   1 mark

   Which one of the following would attract many people to settle in an area?

   A. Insecurity

   B. Frequent floods

   C. Fertile soil

   D. Steep rocky slopes

   (1 mark)

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8. Question 8

   1 mark

   Nairobi has a very high population compared to many towns. The main reason is that it offers many

   A. Wild animals

   B. Job opportunities

   C. Deserts

   D. Forests

   (1 mark)

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9. Question 9

   1 mark

   Which of the following is a human factor that influences where people settle?

   A. Height of the land

   B. Availability of jobs

   C. Type of soil

   D. Amount of rainfall

   (1 mark)

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10. Question 10

    1 mark

    An area where very many people live close together is described as

    A. Rural

    B. Sparsely populated

    C. Uninhabited

    D. Densely populated

    (1 mark)

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