What language do Kenyans speak

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What Language Do Kenyans Speak? The goal of this blogpost is to unravel the languages spoken in Kenya and make you learn and understand for effective communication, cultural understanding, travel, business, education, diplomacy, social integration, and fostering a sense of connection with a Kenya’s identity.

Nestled on the eastern coast of Africa, Kenya is a diverse and vibrant nation, rich in culture and home to various ethnic communities. One of the most intriguing aspects of this East African country is its linguistic diversity.

What language do Kenyans speak

  • English(Official)
  • Swahili(Official)
  • Kikuyu
  • Kalenjin
  • Luhya
  • Luo
  • Kamba
  • Maasai
  • Mjikenda
  • Kisii
  • Turkana
  • Somali
  • Sheng(slang)

Total number of Kenyans by tribe/subtribes or ethnicity:

Source: The 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census (KPHC)

No.Tribe/EthnicityTotal Number
1Kikuyu8,148,668
2Luhya6,823,842
3Kalenjin6,358,113
4Luo5,066,966
5Kamba4,663,910
6Somali2,780,502
7Kisii2,703,325
8Mijikenda2,488,691
9Meru1,975,869
10Maasai1,189,522
11Turkana1,016,174
12Teso417,670
13Embu404,801
14Taita344,415
15Samburu333,471
16Kuria313,854
17Borana276,236
18Tharaka220,015
19Mbeere195,250
20Kenyan so stated183,023
21Orma158,993
22Suba157,787
23Gabra141,200
24Pokomo112,075
25Rendile96,313
26Bajuni91,422
27Kenyan Arabs59,021
28Swahili56,074
29Kenyan Asians47,555
30Burji36,938
31Njemps32,949
32Sakuye27,006
33Taveta26,590
34Dorobo23,171
35Walwana21,774
36Nubi21,319
37Aweer20,103
38Dasenach19,337
39Makonde3,764
40Wayyu3,761
41Kenyan European1,738
42Konso1,299
43El Molo1,104
44Gosha685
45Kenyan American596
46Dahalo575

Official Languages Swahili and English

Kenya, like many former British colonies, is officially bilingual. English, inherited from colonial rule, holds the status of an official language. It serves as the medium of instruction in schools, the language of government, and a crucial tool for communication across different ethnic groups.

Additionally, Swahili, a language with deep historical roots in the region, shares the spotlight as another official language. Swahili, known for its influence along the coast of East Africa, has evolved into a lingua franca that unites people from diverse linguistic backgrounds. The language dates from the contacts of Arabian traders with the inhabitants of the east coast of Africa over many centuries. Under Arab influence, Swahili originated as a lingua franca used by several closely related Bantu-speaking tribal groups.

Swahili’s significance is further highlighted by its inclusion in the school curriculum, making it a subject of study for Kenyan students. This intentional promotion of Swahili reflects its role as a unifying force in a nation that celebrates its diversity.

Here are some Swahili words for you;

Hello: jambo/ hujambo/ ​salama
How are you?: habari yako
Fine (response): nzuri
Goodbye: kwa heri/ kwa herini (more than one peson)
See you later: tutaonana
Thank you: Asante
Goodnight: lala salama
White person: Mzungu(common word)

Ethnic Languages

Kenya boasts a mosaic of ethnic groups, each with its distinct language and cultural heritage. Among the prominent ethnic languages are Kikuyu, Kalenjin, Luo, Luhya, Kamba, and Maasai, to name just a few. These languages are an integral part of the identity of the respective communities, and they are passed down through generations. The preservation of ethnic languages is vital for maintaining cultural diversity, and many Kenyan families continue to speak their native languages at home. However, with the increasing interconnectedness of communities, the influence of Swahili and English is undeniable.

Since I am a Kalenjin let me give you some of the Kalenjin words you can use when you visit my area;

Chamgei – Hello
Chamgei mising – Hello (a response to Chamgei)
Chumbindet or Mzungu -white person
Yamonei – How are you?
Achamegei – I am fine
Kongoi – thank you
Saisere – Goodbye
Mutyo – sorry
Achamin – I love you
Chepyoset – Old woman
Boiyot – old man
Muren – man/moran

The map below shows how ethnic communities are spread in the country;

LANGUAGECOUNTIES
KALENJINUasin Gishu, Kericho, Bomet, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Baringo
KIKUYUMuranga, Kiambu, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Nakuru, Laikipia
LUOSiaya, Kisumu, Migori, Homa Bay
LUHYAKakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, Trans Nzoia
KAMBAMakueni, Machakos, Kitui
KISIIKisii, Nyamira
MERUMeru, Tharaka, Nithi
EMBUEmbu
MAASAISamburu, Narok, Kajiado
SOMALIGarissa, Wajir, Mandera
TURKANATurkana
BORANAMarsabit, Isiolo
(Waswahili, Durma, Giriama, Rabai, Boni, Digo)Mombasa

Kenya Ethnic Map Counties

The Sheng Connection

Sheng is a Swahili and English-based cant, perhaps a mixed language or creole, originating among the urban youth of Nairobi, Kenya, and influenced by many of the languages spoken.

Here is one example of a sequence in Sheng:

Q: Niaje (How is you?)

A: Poa sana(Very good)

Q: Form ni gani leo? (What is the plan today? Or What’s happening today?)

A: Toa form my guy (Give me the plan my guy”

This example shows language mixing in sheng. It is a conversation between two buddies:

Language Evolution in Urban Centers

In urban areas like Nairobi and Mombasa, where diverse communities coexist, a unique linguistic blend emerges. Here, you might hear people seamlessly switching between English, Swahili, and their native languages, creating a dynamic linguistic environment that reflects the cosmopolitan nature of these cities.

In answering the question, “What language do Kenyans speak?” the reality is beautifully complex. Kenyans are multilingual, embracing a rich tapestry of languages that reflects their history, culture, and interconnectedness. English and Swahili serve as bridges that connect people across ethnic lines, while ethnic languages remain cherished vessels of cultural heritage. It is this linguistic diversity that adds depth and color to the vibrant mosaic that is Kenya.

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