Which English is used in Kenya?
British English is primarily used in Kenya. Additionally, a distinct local dialect, Kenyan English, is used by some communities and individuals in the country, and contains features unique to it that were derived from local Bantu languages such as Kiswahili and Kikuyu.
What are the functions of English in Kenya?
Today, English is the official language in Kenya, while Swahili enjoys the status of the national language. Both languages function as lingua francas, yet English enjoys a greater prestige and it serves more functions than Swahili. English is used for administrational and educational purposes and also in the media.
How common is English in Kenya?
The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English Language estimates English-speakers in Kenya to constitute 9 percent of the population of 25 million, or about 2.24 million people, while the BBC World Service estimates 3.4 million adult English speakers there.
How many English speakers are in Kenya?
Kenya was under British rule starting in the late 1800s through the 1960s, when Kenya became a sovereign state. The British managed to leave a lasting legacy through their language; today, it’s estimated that about 2.7 million people speak English to some degree.
Can all Kenyans speak English?
The official languages of Kenya are English and Swahili. English is the language of big business, higher education and government. There is considerable variation in spoken Swahili since seven dialects and three sub-dialects are spoken in the country.
Do they speak French in Kenya?
English is the official language; however, Setswana is the first language. Ghana’s government wants to make French the second official language of the country. Kenya. Official languages are English and Swahili.