Maasai
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A language of Kenya
1,190,000 in Kenya (2019 census), increasing, based on ethnicity. Total users in all countries: 1,872,000.
Kajiado and Narok counties; Kiambu county: enclave west of Nairobi; Laikipia county: enclave north of Nairobi; Taita-Taveta county: small border area.
5 (Developing).
Kaputiei, Keekonyokie, Matapo, Laitokitok, Iloodokilani, Damat, Purko, Loitai, Siria, Moitanik (Wuasinkishu), Kore, Arusa (Arusha), Parakuyo (Baraguyu, Ilparakuyo, Kwavi), Kisonko. Arusha is distinct from Bantu Chaga-related variety. Reportedly Arusha, who are pastoralists, dress like Maasai and speak a Maasai-related variety; whereas, agriculturalists intermarry with the Chaga. Other sources say the Arusha originally spoke a Bantu language. Lexical similarity: 82%–86% between Kenya and Tanzania dialects. Purko has 91%–96% lexical similarity with other Kenya dialects, 82% with Baraguyu, 86% with Arusa, 77%–89% with Samburu [saq], 82%–89% with Chamus [saq], 60% with Ngasa [nsg] (Ongamo).
VSO.
Literacy rate in L1: 10%. Literacy rate in L2: 30%. Taught as subject in some primary schools. Literature. Radio. Dictionary. Grammar. Texts. Bible: 1991–2018.


Seminomadic. Purko is the largest dialect in Kenya and centrally located. Traditional religion, Christian.