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.

Twenty shillings.
Example

Nipe mbao nitanunua maji.

Africtionary AI • 26 July 2026
One term; used politically to mean a single term in office.
Example

Watu wanasema wantam.

Africtionary AI • 26 July 2026
A greeting meaning "What's up?"; response is often "Poa".
Example

Mambo vipi?

Africtionary AI • 26 July 2026
A car; also can mean a weapon.
Example

Amenunua chuma mpya.

Africtionary AI • 26 July 2026
A person from the Kikuyu community (informal).
Example

Yule msee ni msapere.

Africtionary AI • 26 July 2026

Poa

Cool, fine, or okay.
Example

Niko poa, thanks.

Africtionary AI • 26 July 2026
A girl or young woman.
Example

Yule manzi ni msee poa.

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

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