What Language Do They Speak in Kenya?
Facts last checked 9 October 2026.
Kenya has 2 official languages: Swahili, English. Swahili is also an official language in 3 other countries worldwide.
Learn some Swahili before you go
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Swahili Phrasebook & Dictionary
The essentials for ordering food, asking directions and being polite.
Languages of Kenya at a glance
| Official languages | Swahili, English |
|---|---|
| Number of official languages | 2 |
| Countries on this site where Swahili is official | 4 |
| People (demonym) | Kenyan |
| Capital | Nairobi |
| Internet domain | .ke |
Other countries where Swahili is official
Swahili is also an official language in 3 other countries covered here:
Languages of neighbouring countries
| Ethiopia | Amharic |
|---|---|
| Somalia | Somali, Arabic |
| South Sudan | English |
| Tanzania | Swahili, English |
| Uganda | English, Swahili |
Kenya in context
- Kenya covers 580,367 km², making it the 47th largest of the 196 countries on this site.
- Its population density of about 92 people per km² ranks 96th of 196 (1st = most crowded).
- It shares a land border with 5 countries: Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda.
- With 53,330,978 people, Kenya holds about 12.2% of the population of Eastern Africa.
- With 2 official languages, Kenya has more than most countries on this site.
- Traffic drives on the left, and calendars start the week on Monday.
- Kenya is a member state of the United Nations.
Compare Kenya
Useful phrases for visitors to Kenya
Everyday Swahili phrases you will hear and use in Kenya:
| English | Swahili |
|---|---|
| Hello | Habari |
| Thank you | Asante |
| Please | Tafadhali |
| Goodbye | Kwaheri |
| Yes | Ndiyo |
| No | Hapana |
Spellings can vary by region, and some languages use different forms for formal or informal speech. Even a simple greeting in the local language is usually appreciated.
Languages in Kenya — FAQ
What language do they speak in Kenya?
The official languages of Kenya are Swahili and English.
How many official languages does Kenya have?
Kenya has 2 official languages: Swahili, English.
Is Swahili spoken anywhere else?
Swahili is also an official language in 3 other countries.
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