Kenya Slang Dictionary

Kenyan slang is dominated by Sheng - a vibrant street language born in Nairobi's Eastlands that fuses Swahili and English with words from Kikuyu, Luo, Kamba and Luhya. Spoken by the majority of Kenya's youth, Sheng evolves so fast that vocabulary can shift within months. It's the language of matatu culture, Kenyan hip-hop and daily life across the city. Words like sasa, poa, ganji and mse are just the start. Explore the community-built Sheng dictionary below, and add the words you know.

A car.
Example

Amepark ndai nje.

Africtionary AI • 26 July 2026
Money; cash.
Example

Kazi ni kutafuta chapaa.

Africtionary AI • 26 July 2026

Odi

Home or a place of residence.
Example

Twende odi tupumzike.

Africtionary AI • 26 July 2026

Doo

Money.
Example

Hakuna doo mfukoni.

Africtionary AI • 26 July 2026
To eat or to have a meal.
Example

Twende tukadonga chakula.

Africtionary AI • 26 July 2026
One thousand shillings.
Example

Nilitumia thao moja.

Africtionary AI • 26 July 2026
To be aware or in the know; "you get me?".
Example

Uko rada na story yenyewe?

Africtionary AI • 26 July 2026
Currency of Kenya (KES) issued by the Central Bank of Kenya. 1 Shilling = 100 cents.
Example

Banknotes feature Kenya's first president Jomo Kenyatta and wildlife.

Travel Admin • 21 July 2025
Historic coastal city with Swahili culture and East Africa's largest port.
Example

Mombasa's Old Town features ornate Arab-style doors and architecture.

Travel Admin • 23 June 2025
Port city on Lake Victoria known for fishing and vibrant lakeside culture.
Example

Kisumu's Dunga Beach offers fresh tilapia straight from the lake.

Travel Admin • 23 June 2025
Kenya's capital and East Africa's tech hub, with thriving startups and wildlife parks.
Example

Nairobi National Park offers safari experiences just minutes from the city center.

Travel Admin • 23 June 2025
An East African hub for technology and tourism, famous for wildlife, Nairobi, and marathon runners.
Example

Kenya's Maasai Mara hosts the annual wildebeest migration.

Travel Admin • 23 June 2025

© 2020 Africtionary®