Kenya Language - Complete safari guide for Kenya safari, travel, holidays & tours in Kenya.
Kenya Vacations

Kenya Language

The official languages in Kenya are Swahili and English, with many other local languages including kikuyu , Luo , Luhya and Maasai spoken. Both Swahili and English are tough in all primary schools and secondary schools in Kenya. Almost all Kenyan can speak English and Swahili so you shouldn't experience too many problems. Most people working in hotels in the Coastal region speak Italian and German. Swahili is widely spoken in Kenya but the language becomes more basic further you move from the Kenyan coast.

While in Kenya, you might also come across another language known as Sheng. Most spoken the youth, Sheng is a mixture of words borrowed from Swahili, English and other local languages such as Kikuyu. While most of the people you will interact with will speak English, basic knowledge of Swahili, especially outside the urban areas will be very helpful.

Common phrases in Swahili

Hello Jambo
How are you Habari yako
Welcome Karibu
I am fine thank you Nzuri
Goodbye Kwaheri
Thank you Asante
Please Tafadhali
Yes Ndio
No Hapana
Sorry Pole
Pardon me Samahani
may i take a picture? Naomba kupiga picha
What's your name Unaitwa nani?
May name is mimi naitwa

Directions

Near Karibu na
East Mashariki
West Magaribi
North Kaskazini
South Kusini

Emergencies

Help! Saidia
I am lost nimepotea
Leave me alone! Niache!
Call the police Ita polisi
Call a doctor Ita daktari
Accident Ajali
Thief! Mwizi!
Health
Hospital Hospitali
Doctor Daktari
Medicine Dawa
Antiseptic Dawa ya kusafisha jeraha
Painkiller Viandoa Maumivua
Condom Kondom
Contraceptive Kingamimba
Pain maumivu
Time & Dates
Time saa
What time is it? Ni saa ngapi
Day siku
Daytime Mchana
Morning Asabuhi
Night Usiku
Evening Jioni
Sunset Magharibi
Sunrise Alfajiri
Sunrise Alfajiri
Today Leo
Yesterday Jana
Tomorrow Kesho
Monday Jumatatu
Tuesday Jumanne
Wednesday Jumatano
Thursday Alhamisi
Friday Ijumaaa
Saturday Jumamosi
Sunday Jumapili
January Mwezi wa kwanza
February Mwezi wa pili
March Mwezi wa tatu
April Mwezi wa nne
May Mwezi wa tano
June Mwezi wa sita
July Mwezi wa saba
August Mwezi wa nane
September Mwezi wa tisa
October Mwezi wa kumi
November Mwezi wa kumi na moja
December Mwezi wa kumi na mbili