62,000 (2002 census), increasing.
Lake Victoria and Lake Kyoga basin, Buyende, Kaliro, Pallisa, Serere, and Mayuge districts; pockets in Kamuli, Kaberamaido, Kayunga, Bugiri, and Busia districts.
Prefer to use surrounding languages outside the home; seldom identify themselves as BaKenye. They shy away from their true identity for fear of being marginalized and discriminated against (Abdallah 2004). Mostly home. All ages. Mixed attitudes. Also use a Soga [xog] variety. Also use Ganda [lug], Gwere [gwr], Saamia [lsm], Teso [teo].
Politically distinct from Ganda [lug]. Some Kenye people claim to be a displaced people of Ganda origin.