Kayode was born in Ibadan, Nigeria, to Pa John Akinleye Soyinka and Mrs Jochebed Olufunmilayo Soyinka (née Akinyele) of Owu, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Kayode acquired his elementary school education in Ibadan at both Christ the King (CKC) at Odo-Ona (1964-1966) and Ibadan City Council (ICC) Practicising School at Apata (1967-69).