Population: 5,545,000
Nairobi
ParksThings To DoTransportationMore...
More Topics...

What are the most common languages spoken in Nairobi?

43 local experts
Share
Share

Are residents of Nairobi typically multilingual? What languages are most common? Here's what 43 local experts had to say about language in Nairobi.

Leave a comment

If you’re moving to Nairobi, you will have to embark on a linguistic adventure as you weave through the vibrant tapestry of Nairobi, where the rhythmic cadence of Swahili and the urban poetry of Sheng harmonize to compose the city’s unique symphony of communication. Nairobi beckons, inviting you to unlock the secrets of its linguistic treasure troves.

Yet, as the city breathes with life, it pulsates with the heartbeat of traffic, a daily choreography of motion and standstill that dances through the dawn and dusk. The streets become a theater where cars perform a synchronized ballet, and each intersection is a stage awaiting the grand performance of Nairobi’s vehicular spectacle.

Caution becomes your silent companion as you navigate these bustling streets, where nimble fingers brush against the pulse of urban existence. Guard your possessions as Nairobi’s mischievous sprites, the pickpockets, weave through the crowds, seeking treasures in the pockets of unsuspecting passersby. It’s a delicate dance between vigilance and wonder, where every glance holds the potential for surprise.

In this kinetic city, time is both a fleeting muse and an insistent taskmaster. Learn the art of swift strides, for Nairobi is a realm where everyone moves to the rhythm of urgency. The pace is set by the collective heartbeat, a drumming cadence that echoes through the streets, urging you to keep pace with the city’s perpetual momentum.

So, as you step into Nairobi, let the lilt of Swahili and the pulse of Sheng serenade your senses, the traffic become a rhythmic backdrop, and the ebb and flow of the crowd become a dance of connection. In this city of contrasts, where tradition meets modernity, and chaos converges with harmony, embrace the dynamic spirit that is Nairobi, and let it lead you into a symphony of experiences.

If you are moving to Nairobi, you’ll need to know about:

Diverse culture – Nairobi is a melting pot of diverse cultures, languages, and backgrounds. Be open to embracing the diversity and learning about different cultures.

Local cuisine – Explore the various food scenes in Nairobi, try the local dishes such as Nyama Choma (grilled meat) and Ugali.

Language – English and Swahili are widely spoken, but Nairobi is a multicultural city with many different languages spoken. Learning a few basic Swahili phrases can be helpful and appreciated by locals.

Wildlife and Nature – Nairobi is one of the few cities in the world with a national park in the city. Do not miss the opportunity to visit the Nairobi National Park.

mirriam, says: 2023

Nairobi is a vibrant and diverse city with a mix of cultures and languages, so embracing cultural diversity is essential. Additionally, be prepared for traffic congestion and varying infrastructure, so plan your daily commute accordingly. It’s also advisable to be mindful of safety and security, as with any major city, and to stay informed about local customs, laws, and healthcare options.

Sharon, says: 2023

If you are moving to Nairobi City you should know that it can get very cold at night. You should also be aware of Matatus the common means of transport that are cheap if you want to move around the city. Matatus are buses. You should finally understand that the language best known by Nairobi locals is English and Kiswahili.

The only city with a national park! You are guaranteed to have a good time any day of the week or weekend, alone or as a family. There are lots of eateries with local and international dishes available. Uber works just fine so don’t be afraid to book any exciting thing you find online! Majority of the people in Nairobi speak English.

Delphine, says: 2023

Nairobi offers a diverse cultural experience with its different languages and cultures. However, exploring can come with challenges, such as traffic and varying expenses. 

Nairobi is a vibrant city with beautiful scenery, amazing culture, and endless opportunities for exploration. With its bustling nightlife, diverse communities, and plenty of things to do, it is sure to be a great adventure. As a newcomer, you should be aware of the traffic laws and etiquette, as well as the city’s safety procedures. It’s also important to familiarize yourself with the local language, as English is not widely spoken. Finally, make sure to take advantage of all the incredible restaurants, markets, and attractions that Nairobi has to offer.

martha, says: 2023

Heads up! Nairobi’s traffic involves cows with a better road sense than most GPS, and amidst the linguistic medley (yes, we do speak English too), you’ll feel like you’re at a multicultural carnival of languages and hooves.

Nairobi is the heart and capital city of Kenya and the only one with a national park within the city. We are an English speaking country and are a loving people. We do not have seasons just warm and colder climate. We have a variety of foods and cuisines.

As much as English is the official language, it may be much different than the textbook English you are familiar with. So adopt a few local terms to fit right in. Nairobi is sprawling with university graduates that very literate however the temptation to speak in “sheng” is much stronger for them.

Maureen, says: 2020

Nairobi is the capital city of Kenya. Nairobi a word derived from the native Maasai language. It means cool waters. Nairobi is often referred to as the City in the Sun. It experiences a relatively cool climate since it is above sea level. It offers many job opportunities as well as investment opportunities for foreigners.

life in Nairobi can be expensive but it’s a beautiful place to live in. Transport is mainly use of what we call matatus and motorbikes. The town is always full so one needs to be aware of their surroundings because it’s easy to be pick pocketed when walking in the streets. Food is good and the language spoken is mostly kiswahili.

Maureen, says: 2020

It would be an advantage to know the Swahili language as this is the national language our country and most people communicate in this language. Secondly, the cost of living is affordable and you can easily pay for basic necessities such as food, rent, and clothing. Thirdly, the weather is quite moderate and when cold the temperature barely falls below 10 degrees celsius.

Caroline, says: 2020

He or she should be able to speak English or Swahili as it is the main language of communication here. Also, there are National parks that really captivate and attract tourists from foreign countries. Their stay here will be exciting and full of memories. People here are friendly and their stay won’t be a bad experience.

Florence, says: 2020

It is the capital of Kenya and has a national park. Nairobi is home to many politicians. The parliament, senate and statehouse are in this city, and it also hosts the country’s national Museum. It is a home to all the tribes in Kenya. The main used language is Swahili which is also Kenya’s national language. It has several parks including, Uhuru park and Central park.

Zipporah, says: 2020

When someone moves to Nairobi, he/she should prioritize learning the national language, Swahili. This will ease communication barriers and encourage the locals warm up to you. In addition, the understanding of local currency is vital. One can easily be conned when not sure of how much to pay for an item or service.

Sheldon, says: 2020

Most people in my city talk in Kiswahili which is the main language. There are a lot of traders and it’s very busy place. Our currency here is Kenyan shillings. It is the only city with a game park and it has exclusive hotels.

Tabitha, says: 2020

Nairobi is a very busy city. Traffic is overwhelming hence one should be prepared mentally for morning and evenings frustrations. The city is comprised of different people from different tribes and nationalities. Learning kiswahili is essential for ease of communication. kiswahili is the primary language used by everyone in the city.

It’s very friendly and is usually plagued with traffic congestion. It’s the only Capital city in the world with wildlife game reserve. It’s also highly populated with over 45 different indigenous languages. The city has two international airports: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and Wilson Airport.

Know landmarks, geographical map, where to get means of transport, recreational sites. where to get health facilities, what are the government regulations, You must have all government documentations needed. Where to get help if in need and if don’t know language used where to get help., schools, hospitals and all essentials need.

Anyone looking to live in Nairobi should know it is the only city in the world with a national park. Many Nairobians are conversant with the English language therefore one should worry about being misunderstood. To get a spectacular view of the city and its environs, one should visit the Kenyatta International Convention Center as it is the tallest building in Nairobi.

Reuben, says: 2020

it is important for you to learn the basics of the Swahili language. This is because despite English being an official language in Kenya, most people communicate in Swahili. However, do not fret too much since most Kenyans are friendly in nature and will go out of their way to engage with you in English.

Dennis, says: 2020

Nairobi is the capital of Kenya, a country found in East Africa. The name Nairobi comes from a Maasai (one of the languages found in Kenya) word “Enkare Nairobi,” which means “a place of cool waters.” Since independence, the city, which is known for its skyscrapers and friendly people, has grown rapidly; making it a hub for business and culture.

Denise, says: 2020

Nairobi means the city in the sun. It is a very culturally diverse city where the main spoken languages are English and Swahili. Housing is fairly affordable in most parts of the city. The weather is usually warm and the people are hospitable. You can travel across the city using public transport.

Stella, says: 2020

Nairobi is the capital and the largest city in Kenya. Being a microcosm, the fast-paced city hosts people from all over the country and from around the world. The official languages spoken in the city are English and Swahili. Nairobi, fondly called “the city in the sun” is also a very welcoming city.

Winfred, says: 2020

A person with a thought of moving here ought to be flexible in matters language. This is due to that we are a culturally diverse. The city accommodates every single tribe in Kenya, therefore different languages tend to be in action. Although, English and Swahili are the main languages in Kenya, a lot of residents tend to focus on conversing in “Sheng”- A local slang stemming from a combination of English and Swahili. And for you be considered as one of us, “Sheng” must be a sweetheart to your tongue.

Esther, says: 2020

Nairobi is Kenya’s capital city. It is the country’s largest city. Nairobi has a national park, and a good chilling spot for children and adults. The National language is English but people prefer Swahili as it is a binding factor and everyone speaks effortlessly. Ugali is the national dish and well it’s not something you will order in a restaurant as people prefer eating it at home unless it’s accompanied by”nyama choma. “

the people in Nairobi prefer speaking English and Swahili. They should also know that they will encounter heavy traffic jam in Nairobi and they should know thieves who might snatch their belongings. In addition to that they will encounter a lot of slums and garbage in some areas.

Patience, says: 2020

Know how to talk in Swahili language since it is the national language, to interact with people. The person should also know how the area location looks like and its neighborhood security.

Caroline, says: 2020

Nairobi city is the capital of Kenya popularly known as the “Green city in the sun”. It has many urban centers and an amazing culture too. Nairobi is known for its absolute natural beauty that will take your breath away. Visitors will learn about the customs of some ethnic groups while here too. Everyone is welcome and as we say in our local Swahili dialect, “karibuni” which also means “welcome all” in English.

Cynthia, says: 2020

Know how to speak and write in Swahili for easy communication but English will get you far. The standards of living are at average. Nairobi is the capital of Kenya and one can live in the city for as little as $100 month.

Mohamed, says: 2020

Nairobi is the capital of Kenya. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the country’s main airport, is in Nairobi. Nairobi has a beautiful national park which has a variety of wildlife. The official languages are English and Swahili. The residents are polite and very welcoming. Therefore, a visitor will have an easy time settling in.

Jacqueline, says: 2020

There are two official languages spoken in Nairobi, Swahili and English, although most people are fluent in both, it would be advantageous for a visitor to have a translator or know basic Swahili especially if they plan on visiting informal settlement areas of the city. Mpesa is a very popular money transfer service and I recommend any visitor to have a Safaricom sim card which will make it possible for them to use the service. It is convenient, easy to use, available to use in most businesses and safe means of money transaction.

The person must follow the city rules like not spitting or smoking publicly, no use of abusive language and must also pay their bills on time. An individual should also be able to speak English fluently and agree to follow the police guidelines. They should be friendly and be kind to the people around.

1) Nairobi the capital of Kenya.
2) The most important thing is know how to speak in English or Swahili because not many people know other languages.
3) Nairobi, well Kenya, is a mobile-first market now. Thus, get used to paying for things via mobile money.
4) As you have Uber for taxis you also have food ordering apps like Jumia Food – so if you don’t wanna face traffic just order home. They also deliver alcohol.
5) The nightlife is good especially if you have local friends.

Esther, says: 2020

A person moving to Nairobi should have a knowledge of the local language. Language is a main form of communication in any community. Kiswahili and English are the two main languages used in Nairobi. Another thing to put into consideration are the politics of the country.

Martin, says: 2020

it is a very beautiful country with beautiful people. There are many wild animals and the tourism here is really adverse. People are very kind and welcoming. Our national language is Kiswahili and most of us also speak English. We have 47 counties in Kenya as well.

Nairobi is the capital of Kenya. The main languages spoken are English and Swahili. The population comprises of immigrants from rural parts of the country. The city also comprises of schools such as, universities, technical colleges and high schools. Most government offices and headquarters are in Nairobi. Such as parliament buildings, state house, etc.

Patience, says: 2020

The tallest building was built in the 1980’s. Most roads are named after great people who contributed to our country’s growth. You can board Nissans to your destination within the city centre. The language spoken is Kiswahili.

not everybody speaks and understands the English Language. This is because English is the official language and not the national language. This being said, I think anybody wanting to move to Nairobi should be able to hold a conversation in Swahili, which is the national language of my country.

Nairobi City may be loud and unconventional in many ways, but it is a great place. Everyone is struggling to make ends meet. Everyone is caring of each other. We all love our country though we do not like the leaders. We speak Swahili more than any other language.

Ashley, says: 2020

Nairobi is a beautiful city. One of the main things Nairobi is well known for is wildlife, we have a lot of foreigners coming into Nairobi just to have an experience of a lifetime by seeing as many wild animals up close as they would like. Other than that, the city is diverse as people from all parts of the world reside here, and you will not have a language barrier problem is you can speak English as most of us here do.

Michelle, says: 2020

Nairobi is the capital of Kenya. It is the only city with a national park in it. It is named Nairobi meaning the land of the cool waters in the Maasai language. It is also the administrative capital of Kenya. It also has a robust nightlife.

ParksThings To DoTransportationMore...
More Nairobi Topics...

Comments are closed.

Names of respondents may have been changed.

Share
Share