Greetings
Jambo / Habari
JAM-boh / ha-BA-ree
Hello / how are you. 'Habari' is what Kenyans actually say; 'jambo' is mostly for tourists.
Social
Karibu
ka-REE-boo
Welcome — and also 'you're welcome'. Used constantly and warmly.
Asante sana
a-SAN-teh SA-na
Thank you very much.
Sawa / sawa sawa
SAH-wah
OK / fine / agreed. The universal acknowledgement.
Poa
POH-ah
Cool, fine. The standard reply to 'mambo?' among younger Kenyans.
Harambee
ha-ram-BEH
'Pulling together' — the national motto and the name for community fundraising, still a live social practice.
Daily life
Sheng
shehng
Nairobi's Swahili-English street slang, constantly evolving. You'll hear it everywhere and understand it slowly.
Matatu
ma-ta-TOO
The decorated shared minibuses that carry most of the city. Loud, painted, and an experience.
M-Pesa
em-PEH-sa
Mobile money. Kenya invented it and runs on it — rent, market stalls, salaries, everything.
Food
Nyama choma
NYA-ma CHO-ma
Grilled meat, eaten socially over hours. The national dish and a genuine social institution.
Ugali
oo-GAH-lee
Stiff maize porridge, the staple starch, eaten by hand with stew or greens.
Emergency
999 / 112
Either works; 911 also connects
Emergency services.
Some of this may be out of date. Spotted something inaccurate? Help us keep it right for the next newcomer.