[5] Mbale's population is estimated at 60,000 people[1] of different races and ethnicities, which include the Luhya, Kikuyu, Kisii, Luo and Asians.

Mbale has over a hundred small businesses such as shops, tailoring, bread distribution, cyber cafe services, healthcare services, construction, real estate, property management and hotels.

It is home to the annual Maragoli Cultural Festival, which is held every 26 December.

The former Vihiga County Governor, Moses Akaranga is an alumnus of Mbale High School.

[7] Mbale, Kenya is home to two hospitals; (a) Mbale Rural Provincial Health & Training Centre, and (b) Vihiga District Hospital[8] There are many places of worship in the town, including The Salvation Army Church, Anglican, Episcopal, African Israel Church Nineveh, Muslim and Roman Catholic[9] and others.