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/Ethnicity | Total Number |
---|---|---|
1 | Kikuyu | 8,148,668 |
2 | Luhya | 6,823,842 |
3 | Kalenjin | 6,358,113 |
4 | Luo | 5,066,966 |
5 | Kamba | 4,663,910 |
6 | Somali | 2,780,502 |
7 | Kisii | 2,703,325 |
8 | Mijikenda | 2,488,691 |
9 | Meru | 1,975,869 |
10 | Maasai | 1,189,522 |
11 | Turkana | 1,016,174 |
12 | Teso | 417,670 |
13 | Embu | 404,801 |
14 | Taita | 344,415 |
15 | Samburu | 333,471 |
16 | Kuria | 313,854 |
17 | Borana | 276,236 |
18 | Tharaka | 220,015 |
19 | Mbeere | 195,250 |
20 | Kenyan so stated | 183,023 |
21 | Orma | 158,993 |
22 | Suba | 157,787 |
23 | Gabra | 141,200 |
24 | Pokomo | 112,075 |
25 | Rendile | 96,313 |
26 | Bajuni | 91,422 |
27 | Kenyan Arabs | 59,021 |
28 | Swahili | 56,074 |
29 | Kenyan Asians | 47,555 |
30 | Burji | 36,938 |
31 | Njemps | 32,949 |
32 | Sakuye | 27,006 |
33 | Taveta | 26,590 |
34 | Dorobo | 23,171 |
35 | Walwana | 21,774 |
36 | Nubi | 21,319 |
37 | Aweer | 20,103 |
38 | Dasenach | 19,337 |
39 | Makonde | 3,764 |
40 | Wayyu | 3,761 |
41 | Kenyan European | 1,738 |
42 | Konso | 1,299 |
43 | El Molo | 1,104 |
44 | Gosha | 685 |
45 | Kenyan American | 596 |
46 | Dahalo | 575 |
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;
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;
The map below shows how ethnic communities are spread in the country;
LANGUAGE | COUNTIES |
---|---|
KALENJIN | Uasin Gishu, Kericho, Bomet, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Baringo |
KIKUYU | Muranga, Kiambu, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Nakuru, Laikipia |
LUO | Siaya, Kisumu, Migori, Homa Bay |
LUHYA | Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, Trans Nzoia |
KAMBA | Makueni, Machakos, Kitui |
KISII | Kisii, Nyamira |
MERU | Meru, Tharaka, Nithi |
EMBU | Embu |
MAASAI | Samburu, Narok, Kajiado |
SOMALI | Garissa, Wajir, Mandera |
TURKANA | Turkana |
BORANA | Marsabit, 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.