Kenya’s population is largely African but there are minorities: Asians (Indians, Pakistanis and Goans) and Europeans.
Kiswahili has a heavy base in Bantu languages at the Coast with a mixture of Arabic.
Originally spoken at the Coast, the language is now widely spoken throughout Kenya and, indeed, eastern Africa.
Kiswahili aims to create national cohesion and understanding based on communication of values through a common language. As Kenyans intermarry, Kiswahili has taken a new shape as it borrows from local languages and English to create a new language, Sheng.
The official language, English, is used for international trade, education and jurisprudence. Both languages, however, are used in politics, among other situations.
Official language in Kenya
The official language in Kenya is English. Kiswahili is also widely used as the national language.
Other Languages in Kenya are:
- Kiswahili (National)
- Numerous indigenous languages
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