Kenya
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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
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, Rutan Nubi. 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] A macrolanguage. Population total all languages (L1 only): 3,312,200. Alternate Names: Luhia, Luhiya, Luyia. Includes: Bukusu [bxk], Luidakho-Luisukha-Lutirichi [ida], Lukabaras [lkb], Lulogooli [rag], Lutachoni [lts], Nyala [nle], Olukhayo [lko], Olumarachi [lri], Olumarama [lrm], Olunyole [nyd], Olushisa [lks], Olutsotso [lto], Oluwanga [lwg], Saamya-Gwe [lsm] (Uganda).
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.