Language NameBorana
User Population627,000 in Kenya (2019 census), increasing, based on ethnicity. Ajuran 182,000, Borana 276,000, Gabra 141,000, Sakuye 27,000 (2019 census).
LocationIsiolo, Laikipia, Mandera, Marsabit, and Wajir counties: Lake Turkana east to Ethiopia-Somalia border, and south toward Nairobi.
Alternate NamesAfaani Borana, Booran, Boraan, Boraana, Boran, Oromo, Southern Oromo, “Galla” (pej.)
DialectsBoran, Gabra, Guji, Ajuran, Sakuye.
Language UseGabra and Sakuye (Saguye) ethnic groups use Borana as L1. Also spoken by younger Burji around Marsabit and Moyale. Some Garre and Ajuran speak it as L1, others Somali [som]. Home, community. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Also use English [eng]. Also use Swahili [swh]. Used as L2 by Burji [bji].
