Kenya

Languages

Arabic, Hadrami Spoken ayh

Indian Ocean area. Users: 13,000 in Kenya (2020 Joshua Project). , based on ethnicity. Status: Unestablished. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Semitic, Central, South, Arabic

Arabic, Omani Spoken acx

Scattered. Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu, and Tana River counties. Users: 27,000 in Kenya (2020 Joshua Project), increasing. , based on ethnicity. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Semitic, Central, South, Arabic

Arabic, Ta’izzi-Adeni Spoken acq

Indian Ocean area. Users: 35,000 in Kenya (2020 Joshua Project). , based on ethnicity. Status: Unestablished. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Semitic, Central, South, Arabic

Ateso teo

Busia county: north of Mambara. Users: 418,000 in Kenya (2019 census), increasing. , based on ethnicity. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Atεsᴐ, Iteso, Teso Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Core, Eastern Sudanic, Southern (n languages), Nilotic, Eastern, Lotuxo-Teso, Teso-Turkana, Teso

Aweer bob

Garissa county: north and west of Mundane range; Lamu county: Indian Ocean area inland north of Lamu city; Tana River county: forests inland from Kipini city; 11 villages or more. Users: 7,600 (2009 census), increasing. 1,600 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 20,100 (2019 census). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Aweera, Bon, Ogoda, Waboni, Wata-Bala, “Boni” (pej.), “Sanye” (pej.) Autonym: Af Aweera Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Cushitic, East, Rendille-Boni

Borana gax

Isiolo, Laikipia, Mandera, Marsabit, and Wajir counties: Lake Turkana east to Ethiopia-Somalia border, and south toward Nairobi. Users: 627,000 in Kenya (2019 census), increasing. , based on ethnicity. Ajuran 182,000, Borana 276,000, Gabra 141,000, Sakuye 27,000 (2019 census). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Afaani Borana, Booran, Boraan, Boraana, Boran, Oromo, Southern Oromo, “Galla” (pej.) Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Cushitic, East, Oromo

Bukusu bxk

Bungoma, Kakamega, and Trans Nzoia counties: south of Kitale. Users: 1,190,000 in Kenya (2019 census), increasing. , based on ethnicity. Total users in all countries: 1,227,100. Status: 4 (Educational). Autonym: Lubukusu Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Masaba-Luhya (E.31)

Burji bji

Marsabit county: Moyale township area. Users: 36,900 in Kenya (2019 census). , based on ethnicity. Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Bambala Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Cushitic, East, Highland

Chichonyi-Chidzihana-Chikauma coh

Kilifi county: Indian Ocean area northeast of Mombasa. Users: 309,000 (2019 census), increasing. , based on ethnicity. Chonyi 199,000; Jibana 38,500; Kauma 71,100 (2019 census). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Chonyi, Conyi, Kichonyi Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, E, Nyika-Taita (E.72)

Chidigo dig

Kwale county: south of Mombasa. Users: 410,000 in Kenya (2019 census), increasing. , based on ethnicity. Total users in all countries: 576,000. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Digo, Kidigo Autonym: Chidigo Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, E, Nyika-Taita (E.73)

Chiduruma dug

Kwale county: inland, south of Mombasa to Tanzania border. Users: 555,000 (2019 census), increasing. , based on ethnicity. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Duruma, “Wanyika” (pej.) Autonym: Chiduruma Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, E, Nyika-Taita (E.72)

Chinese, Mandarin cmn

Users: 34,000 in Kenya (2019 Joshua Project). , based on ethnicity. Status: Unestablished. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Chinese

Daasanach dsh

Marsabit and Turkana counties: north Lake Turkana, both shores. Users: 18,400 in Kenya (2019 census), increasing. , based on ethnicity. Population varies as people freely cross the Ethiopian border. 6,250 monolinguals. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Daasanech, Dama, Dasenech, Dathanaik, Dhaasanac, Geleb, Geleba, Gheleba, Marille, Reshiat, “Shangilla” (pej.) Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Cushitic, East, Western Omo-Tana

Dahalo dal

Lamu and Tana River counties: near Tana river mouth. Users: 580 (2019 census). , based on ethnicity. Ethnic population: 3,000 (Dimmendaal and Voeltz 2007). Status: 8a (Moribund). Alternate Names: Guo Garimani, Numma guhoni, Sanye Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Cushitic, South

Dawida dav

Taita-Taveta county: Taita hills. Users: 344,000 (2019 census), increasing. , based on ethnicity. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Dabida, Davida, Kidabida, Kitaita, Taita, Teita Autonym: Kidawida Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, E, Nyika-Taita (E.74)

Dholuo luo

Homa Bay, Kisumu, Migori, and Siaya counties; north Kisii and Nyamira counties; Busia and Kakamega counties: border areas. Kavirondo Gulf area. Users: 5,070,000 in Kenya (2019 census), increasing. , based on ethnicity. Total users in all countries: 5,255,000. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Luo, “Kavirondo Luo” (pej.), “Nilotic Kavirondo” (pej.) Autonym: Dholuo Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Core, Eastern Sudanic, Southern (n languages), Nilotic, Western, Luo, Southern, Luo-Acholi, Luo

Ekegusii guz

Kisii, north Migori, and Nyamira counties; Narok county: Thimjope area; south of Kavirondo Gulf. Users: 3,200,000 in Kenya, all users. L1 users: 2,700,000 in Kenya (2019 census), increasing. , based on ethnicity. L2 users: 500,000. Total users in all countries: 3,201,470 (as L1: 2,701,470; as L2: 500,000). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Gusii, Guzii, Kisii, Kosova Autonym: Ekegusii Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Logooli-Kuria (E.42)

El Molo elo

Marsabit county: Lake Turkana southeast shore, west of Mount Kulal. Users: No known L1 speakers. Last fluent speaker, Kaayo, died in 1999 (2012 M. Tosco). Ethnic population: 1,100 (2019 census). Status: 9 (Dormant). Alternate Names: Dehes, Elmolo, Fura-Pawa, Ldes, “Ndorobo” (pej.) Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Cushitic, East, Western Omo-Tana

English eng

Widespread. Users: 4,244,000 in Kenya, all users. L1 users: 54,000 in Kenya (2020 Joshua Project), increasing. , based on ethnicity. L2 users: 4,190,000 (2019). Status: 1 (National). Statutory national language (2010, Constitution, Article 7(2)). Classification: Indo-European, Germanic, West, English

French fra

Users: 2,100 in Kenya (2021 Joshua Project). , based on ethnicity. Status: Unestablished. Classification: Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Italo-Western, Western, Gallo-Iberian, Gallo-Romance, Gallo-Rhaetian, Oïl, French

Ganda lug

Users: 50,000 in Kenya (2020 Joshua Project). , based on ethnicity. Status: Unestablished. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Nyoro-Ganda (E.15)

Garre gex

Mandera county. Users: 602,000 in Kenya (2019 census). , based on ethnicity. Total users in all countries: 685,600. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Garreh, Gurreh Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Cushitic, East, Somali

Gichuka cuh

Tharaka-Nithi county: south of Meru city. Users: 70,000 (1980 SIL), increasing. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Chuka, Chuku, Cuka, Suka Autonym: Gĩchuka Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, E, Kikuyu-Kamba (E.541)

Gikuyu kik

Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Meru, Murang’a, and Nyeri counties; Nakuru county: Lake Naivasha area; Nairobi. Users: 8,150,000 (2019 census), increasing. , based on ethnicity. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Gĩkũyũ, Gekoyo, Kikuyu Autonym: Gĩgĩkũyũ Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, E, Kikuyu-Kamba (E.51)

Gujarati guj

Mostly Nairobi. Users: 208,000 in Kenya (2020 Joshua Project). , based on ethnicity. Status: 5 (Dispersed). Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Intermediate Divisions, Western, Gujarati

Hindi hin

Major towns. Users: 6,700 in Kenya (2020 Joshua Project). , based on ethnicity. Status: Unestablished. Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Western Hindi, Hindustani

Kacchi kfr

Users: 82,000 in Kenya (2021 Joshua Project). , based on ethnicity. Status: Unestablished. Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Outer Languages, Northwestern, Sindhi

Kalenjin kln

Users: Population total all languages: 4,628,550. Status:

Kamba kam

Kajiado, Kitui, Machakos, and Makueni counties; Kwale county: Shimba hills and Lunga Lunga areas; Taita-Taveta county: small border area. Users: 5,260,000 in Kenya, all users. L1 users: 4,660,000 in Kenya (2019 census), increasing. , based on ethnicity. L2 users: 600,000. Total users in all countries: 5,260,000 (as L1: 4,660,000; as L2: 600,000). Status: 4 (Educational). Alternate Names: Akamba, Kĩĩkamba, Kiikamba, Kikamba Autonym: Kĩkamba Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, E, Kikuyu-Kamba (E.55)

Keiyo eyo

Elgeyo-Marakwet and Uasin Gishu counties. Users: 251,000 (2019 census), increasing. , based on ethnicity. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Elgeyo, Keyo Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Core, Eastern Sudanic, Southern (n languages), Nilotic, Southern, Kalenjin, Nandi-Markweta, Nandi

Kenyan Sign Language xki

Scattered. Users: 260,000 (2021 DBS/DOOR/SIL), increasing. Estimated 160,000–320,000 deaf signers, assuming 0.3%–0.6% of total population. Other estimates: 340,000 (2007 DOOR); 600,000 (Wilson and Kakiri 2011). Status: 5 (Developing). Recognized language (2010, Constitution, Article 7(3b) National, official and other languages; and Article 120(1) Official Languages of Parliament). Alternate Names: KSL Classification: Sign language, Deaf community sign language

Kiembu ebu

Embu county: southeast of Mount Kenya. Users: 600,000 (2019 census), increasing. , based on ethnicity. Embu 405,000; Mbeere 195,000 (2019 census). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Embo, Embu Autonym: Kiembu Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, E, Kikuyu-Kamba (E.52)

Kigiryama nyf

Kilifi and Kwale counties: north of Mombasa; Tana River county. Users: 1,160,000 (2019 census), increasing. , based on ethnicity. 1,000,000 Giryama; 31,000 Kambe; 126,000 Rabai; 10,700 Ribe (2019 census). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Agiryama, Giriama, Giryama, Kigiriama, Kinyika, Nika, Nyika Autonym: Kigiryama Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, E, Nyika-Taita (E.72)

Kimîîru mer

Isiolo and Meru counties: northeast of Mount Kenya; Laikipia county: Ewaso Ngiro river north bank. Users: 1,980,000 (2019 census), increasing. , based on ethnicity. Status: 4 (Educational). Alternate Names: Kimeru, Mero, Meru Autonym: Kimîîru Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, E, Kikuyu-Kamba (E.53)

Kinyarwanda kin

Users: 8,730 in Kenya (2019 census). , based on nationality. Status: Unestablished. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Ruanda-Rundi (D.61)

Kipfokomo pkb

Garissa, Lamu, and Tana River counties: upper and lower Tana river between Tulu and Masabubu. Users: 112,000 (2019 census), increasing. , based on ethnicity. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Kipokomo, Lower Pokomo, Malachini, Pfokomo, Pokomo, Upper Pokomo Autonym: Kipfokomo Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, E, Nyika-Taita (E.71)

Kipsigis sgc

Bomet, Kericho, Nakuru, and Narok counties. Users: 1,910,000 (2019 census), increasing. , based on ethnicity. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Kalenjin, Kipsiikis, Kipsikiis, Kipsikis Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Core, Eastern Sudanic, Southern (n languages), Nilotic, Southern, Kalenjin, Nandi-Markweta, Kipsigis

Kitharaka thk

Embu, Meru, and Tharaka-Nithi counties. Users: 220,000 (2019 census), increasing. , based on ethnicity. 61,600 monolinguals. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Atharaka, Saraka, Sharoka, Tharaka Autonym: Kîîtharaka Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, E, Kikuyu-Kamba (E.54)

Kiwilwana mlk

Garissa and Tana River counties: Tana River north of Pokomo, between Bura and Garissa. Users: 21,800 (2019 census), increasing. , based on ethnicity. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Elwana, Ilwana, Walwana, “Malakote” (pej.), “Malankote” (pej.) Autonym: Kiwilwana Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, E, Nyika-Taita (E.701)

Konkani, Goan gom

Nairobi. Users: 9,600 in Kenya (2020 Joshua Project). , based on ethnicity. Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Goan, Gomataki, Konknni, “Goanese” (pej.) Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Outer Languages, Southern, Konkani

Konso kxc

Users: 1,300 in Kenya (2019 census). , based on ethnicity. Status: Unestablished. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Cushitic, East, Konso-Gidole

Kuria kuj

Migori and southwest Narok counties. Users: 314,000 in Kenya (2019 census), increasing. , based on ethnicity. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Ekiguria, Gikuria, Igikuria, Kikoria, Kikuria, Koria, Kurya Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Logooli-Kuria (E.43)

Luidakho-Luisukha-Lutirichi ida

Bungoma, Kakamega, and Nandi counties. Users: 156,000 (2019 census), increasing. , based on ethnicity. Idakho 54,700; Isukha 102,000; Tiriki 93,400 (2019 census). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Idakho-Isukha-Tiriki, Idaxo-Isuxa-Tiriki Autonym: Luidakho-Luisukha-Lutirichi Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Logooli-Kuria (E.411)

Lukabaras lkb

Kakamega, Nandi, and Uasin Gishu counties. Users: 137,000 (2019 census). , based on ethnicity. Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Kabarasi, Kabras Autonym: Lukabaras Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Masaba-Luhya (E.32)

Lulogooli rag

Kakamega and Vihiga counties: north of Kisumu. Users: 335,000 in Kenya (2019 census), increasing. , based on ethnicity. Total users in all countries: 335,300. Status: 4 (Educational). Alternate Names: Llogole, Llugule, Logooli, Lugooli, Luragoli, Maragoli, Maragooli, Ragoli, Uluragooli Autonym: Lulogooli Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Logooli-Kuria (E.41)

Lutachoni lts

Bungoma and Kakamega counties: Nzoia river middle reaches. Users: 85,600 (2019 census). , based on ethnicity. Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Tachon, Tachoni, Tatsoni Autonym: Lutachoni Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Masaba-Luhya (E.31)

Maasai mas

Kajiado and Narok counties; Kiambu county: enclave west of Nairobi; Laikipia county: enclave north of Nairobi; Taita-Taveta county: small border area. Users: 1,190,000 in Kenya (2019 census), increasing. , based on ethnicity. Total users in all countries: 1,872,000. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Masai Autonym: Maa, ɔl Maa Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Core, Eastern Sudanic, Southern (n languages), Nilotic, Eastern, Lotuxo-Teso, Lotuxo-Maa, Ongamo-Maa

Maay ymm

Users: 108,000 in Kenya (2020 Joshua Project). , based on ethnicity. Status: Unestablished. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Cushitic, East, Somali

Markweeta enb

Baringo, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Nandi, and West Pokot counties. Users: 129,000 (2019 census). , based on ethnicity, including Cherang’any 8,320 and Endo 400 (2019 census). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Marakuet, Marakwet Autonym: Markweta Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Core, Eastern Sudanic, Southern (n languages), Nilotic, Southern, Kalenjin, Nandi-Markweta, Markweta

Mwimbi-Muthambi mws

Meru county. Users: 70,000 (1980 SIL), increasing. Status: 5 (Developing). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, E, Kikuyu-Kamba (E.531)

Nandi niq

Nandi and Uasin Gishu counties; Kisumu county: some north of Kisumu town. Users: 938,000 (2019 census). , based on ethnicity. Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Cemual, Kalenjin Nandi, Naandi Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Core, Eastern Sudanic, Southern (n languages), Nilotic, Southern, Kalenjin, Nandi-Markweta, Nandi

Nubi kcn

Nairobi; Mombasa. Users: 21,300 in Kenya (2019 census). , based on ethnicity. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ki-Nubi, Kinubi Classification: Creole, Arabic based

Nyala nle

Busia and Siaya counties: Lake Victoria area, Nzoia river mouth to northwest of Luambwa and Busonga; enclave up river; Bungoma and Kakamega counties. Users: 227,000 (2019 census). , based on ethnicity. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Banyala, LuNyala, OluNyala, Olunyala Autonym: Lunyala Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Masaba-Luhya (E.32)

Okiek oki

Nakuru county: east Mau escarpment. Mau forest between Amala and Ewas Ng’iro rivers near Nosogami stream (Sogoo dialect). Users: 50 L1 speakers in Kenya and Tanzania (Austin 2008). Spoken by a small number of people (Dimmendaal and Voeltz 2007). Ethnic population: 52,600 (2019 census). Total users in all countries: 250. Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Akie, Akiek, Kinare, Ogiek, “Ndorobo” (pej.) Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Core, Eastern Sudanic, Southern (n languages), Nilotic, Southern, Kalenjin, Okiek

Olukhayo lko

Busia county: Nambare area. Users: 68,700 (2019 census). , based on ethnicity. Status: 4 (Educational). Alternate Names: Bakhayo, Khayo, Xaayo Autonym: Olukhayo Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Masaba-Luhya (E.341)

Oluluyia luy

Users: Population total all languages: 3,312,200. Status: Alternate Names: Luhia, Luhiya, Luyia

Olumarachi lri

Busia county: northwest of Nzoia river. Users: 65,600 (2019 census). , based on ethnicity. Status: 4 (Educational). Alternate Names: Marachi Autonym: Olumarachi Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Masaba-Luhya (E.342)

Olumarama lrm

Kakamega and Vihiga counties: north of Kisumu town. Users: 43,100 (2019 census). , based on ethnicity. Status: 4 (Educational). Alternate Names: Marama Autonym: Olumarama Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Masaba-Luhya (E.32)

Olunyole nyd

Kakamega and Vihiga counties: above Kavirondo gulf. Users: 155,000 (2019 census), increasing. , based on ethnicity. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Banyole, Banyore, Lunyore, Nyole, Nyoole, Nyore, Olunyore Autonym: Lunyole, Olunyole Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Masaba-Luhya (E.33)

Olusamia lsm

Busia and Siaya counties: west of Ukewala to Lake Victoria. Users: 84,800 in Kenya (2019 census). , based on ethnicity. Status: 4 (Educational). Alternate Names: Lusaamia, Saamia, Samia, Ólusaamya Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Masaba-Luhya (E.34)

Olushisa lks

Kakamega county: Yala town northeastward. Users: 35,100 (2019 census). , based on ethnicity. Status: 4 (Educational). Alternate Names: Kisa Autonym: Olushisa Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Masaba-Luhya (E.32)

Olutsotso lto

Kakamega county: capital area. Users: 72,700 (2019 census). , based on ethnicity. Status: 4 (Educational). Alternate Names: Batsotso, Tsotso Autonym: Olutsotso Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Masaba-Luhya (E.32)

Oluwanga lwg

Kakamega county: both banks of Nzoia river. Users: 94,200 (2019 census). , based on ethnicity. Status: 4 (Educational). Alternate Names: Hanga, Kawanga, Luhanga, Luwanga, Oluhanga, Wanga Autonym: Oluwanga Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Masaba-Luhya (E.32)

Omotik omt

Narok county: Lemek area. Users: 50 (1980). Ethnic population: 200 (2020 Joshua Project). Status: 8a (Moribund). Alternate Names: Laamoot, Omotic, “Ndorobo” (pej.) Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Core, Eastern Sudanic, Southern (n languages), Nilotic, Southern, Tatoga

Orma orc

Kilifi, Lamu, and Tana River counties. Users: 92,100 (2019 census), increasing. , based on ethnicity. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Autonym: Orma Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Cushitic, East, Oromo

Pökoot pko

Baringo, Turkana and West Pokot counties; Nakuru and Nyandarua counties: northeast of Nakuru town. Users: 778,000 in Kenya (2019 census), increasing. , based on ethnicity. Total users in all countries: 883,000. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Pakot, Pokot, Pökot, Suk, ng’ala Pokot Autonym: ngala Pökot Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Core, Eastern Sudanic, Southern (n languages), Nilotic, Southern, Kalenjin, Pokot

Punjabi, Eastern pan

Nairobi. Users: 65,000 in Kenya (2020 Joshua Project), increasing. , based on ethnicity. Status: 5 (Dispersed). Alternate Names: Eastern Panjabi, Gurmukhi, Gurumukhi, Punjabi Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Intermediate Divisions, Western, Panjabi

Rendille rel

Marsabit and Samburu counties: between Lake Turkana and Marsabit mountain. Users: 96,300 (2019 census), increasing. , based on ethnicity. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Randile, Rendile Autonym: Afi Renꞌdille Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Cushitic, East, Rendille-Boni

Rundi run

Users: 14,000 in Kenya (2019 census). , based on nationality. Status: Unestablished. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Ruanda-Rundi (D.62)

Sabaot spy

Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties: Mount Elgon southeastern slopes. Users: 296,000 (2019 census), increasing. , based on ethnicity. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Sebei, “Mount Elgon Maasai” (pej.) Autonym: Sābāwōōt Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Core, Eastern Sudanic, Southern (n languages), Nilotic, Southern, Kalenjin, Elgon

Sagalla tga

Taita-Taveta county: Taita hills between Mwatate and Rukanga towns. Users: 100,000 (1992 UBS). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Kisagala, Sagala, Saghala, Teri, kiSaghala Autonym: Kisagalla Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, E, Nyika-Taita (E.741)

Samburu saq

Isiolo, Marsabit, and Samburu counties: Lake Turkana east towards Marsabit. Users: 366,000 (2019 census), increasing. , based on ethnicity, including Ilchamus and Njemps 33,000 (2019 census). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Burkeneji, E Lokop, Lokop, Nkutuk, Sambur Autonym: Sampur Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Core, Eastern Sudanic, Southern (n languages), Nilotic, Eastern, Lotuxo-Teso, Lotuxo-Maa, Ongamo-Maa

Sindhi snd

Users: 3,300 in Kenya (2020 Joshua Project). , based on ethnicity. Status: Unestablished. Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Outer Languages, Northwestern, Sindhi

Singa sgm

Homa Bay county: Rusinga island, Kavirondo gulf entrance. Users: No known L1 speakers. Status: 10 (Extinct). Alternate Names: Cula, Logang, Lusinga Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Logooli-Kuria (E.406)

Somali som

Garissa, Mandera, and Wajir counties: entire eastern border area; northwest Lamu county. Users: 2,240,000 in Kenya (2019 census), increasing. , based on ethnicity, including 516,000 Degodia, 139,000 Murule, 698,000 Ogaden, and 66,000 Wardei (2019 census). Status: 5 (Dispersed). Alternate Names: Standard Somali Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Cushitic, East, Somali

Suba sxb

Homa Bay county: Lake Victoria east shore, Mfangano and Rusinga islands. Users: 158,000 (2019 census), increasing. , based on ethnicity. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Luo AbaSuba Autonym: Olusuba Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Logooli-Kuria (E.403)

Swahili swh

Garissa and Lamu counties: Somali border to Tana river mouth, along coast and inland. Users: 19,111,000 in Kenya, all users. L1 users: 111,000 in Kenya (2019 census), increasing. , based on ethnicity. 5,140 Amu, 91,400 Bajuni, 320 Chitundi, 1,340 Changamwe, 4,730 Jomvu, 110 Katwa, 690 Kilifi, 640 Kilindini, 240 Mtwapa, 400 Mvita, 1,160 Ngare, 1,120 Pate, 170 Shaka, 1,020 Siu, 530 Tangana, 1,450 Vumba (2019 census). L2 users: 19,000,000 (2019). Status: 1 (National). Statutory national language (2010, Constitution, Article 7(2)). Alternate Names: Arab-Swahili, Kisuahili, Kiswaheli, Kiswahili, Suahili Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, G, Swahili (G.42)

Taveta tvs

Kajiado county: east of Mount Kilimanjaro; Taita-Taveta county. Users: 26,600 (2019 census), increasing. , based on ethnicity. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Dabida, Kitaveta, Kitubeta, Tubeta Autonym: Kitubheta Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, E, Nyika-Taita (E.74)

Terik tec

Nandi and Uasin Gishu counties: west of Eldoret. Users: 23,300 (2019 census), decreasing. , based on ethnicity. Ethnic population: 120,000 (2020 UNESCO). Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Nyang’ori Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Core, Eastern Sudanic, Southern (n languages), Nilotic, Southern, Kalenjin, Nandi-Markweta, Nandi

Toposa toq

Users: 3,000 in Kenya (2020 Joshua Project). , based on ethnicity. Status: Unestablished. Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Core, Eastern Sudanic, Southern (n languages), Nilotic, Eastern, Lotuxo-Teso, Teso-Turkana, Turkana

Tugen tuy

Baringo, Nakuru, and Nyandarua counties: generally north of Nakuru town; some in Laikipia county. Users: 198,000 (2019 census), increasing. , based on ethnicity. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Autonym: Tukēn Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Core, Eastern Sudanic, Southern (n languages), Nilotic, Southern, Kalenjin, Nandi-Markweta, Nandi

Turkana tuv

Samburu and Turkana counties: west and south of Lake Turkana. Users: 1,020,000 (2019 census). , based on ethnicity. 593,000 monolinguals. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Buma, Bume, Turkwana Autonym: Ng’aturkana Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Core, Eastern Sudanic, Southern (n languages), Nilotic, Eastern, Lotuxo-Teso, Teso-Turkana, Turkana

Waata ssn

Isiolo county: north of Meru town; Garissa and Lamu counties: east of Tana river; Kilifi county: Indian Ocean coast and inland from Formosa Bay south to Gongoni town; Tana River county: Garsen area west of Tana river. Users: 20,100 (2019 census), increasing. , based on ethnicity. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ariangulu, Langulo, Sanya, Sanye, Waat, Wasanye Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Cushitic, East, Oromo

Yaaku muu

Isiolo and Laikipia counties: Mukogodo forest west of Doldol, foothills north of Mount Kenya; Samburu and Turkana counties: Lake Turkana south tip. Users: 10 (2016 BBC). Ethnic population: 4,000 (2016 BBC). Status: 8a (Moribund). Alternate Names: Mogogodo, Mukogodo, Mukoquodo, Siegu, Yaakua, Yiaku, Yiakunte, “Ndorobo” (pej.), “Ntorobo” (pej.) Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Cushitic, East, Yaaku