Nairobi - Post Report Question and Answers
How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
answer - Mar 2024
You can get by with English everywhere, but you can take Kiswahili at the embassy for free or from local tutors. Kenyan people really appreciate when you speak a little bit with them, even if it's just the most basic phrases. - Mar 2024
Most people speak English - Aug 2023
None. - Mar 2022
English and Swahili are the two national languages. Learning a little Swahili helps, but you don't need it. I never took classes so I can't help with this one. - Aug 2021
You don't need Kiswahili, but it's nice to learn some phrases. The Embassy teacher is awesome. I've taken other lessons too which were good and affordable. - Apr 2021
English is spoken everywhere. - Nov 2020
As English is truly widely spoken, you don't really need to learn the local language except for pleasantries to be polite/nice. - Dec 2018
None. You don't need Swahili to get around here, but it can't hurt to learn a little. Post's language program is really good. The little I picked up in classes went a long way with the locals. - Dec 2018
The US Embassy offers Kiswahili and you can also take lessons at the National Museum of Kenya. You can get by with English but if you are outside of the city it is great to know some Kiswahili. People are also more willing to negotiate if you speak the language. - Jun 2018
Kiswahili is not strictly necessary, but it is an easy language to get a basic handle on. There are many tutors available. Again, most Kenyans speak British English. - Jul 2016
Not much. English is official langugae - Sep 2015
None, but it helps if you know some. The locals will be happy with you! - Aug 2015
Not much - greetings, thank you, etc. are enough but more is better. There's an excellent Kiswahili teacher in the Embassy offering lunchtime and evening classes or as-needed. - Jul 2015
None, but speaking Swahili to the locals will give you props. - May 2015
Not much but basic greetings and phrases will be appreciated. - Dec 2014
English is common as is Kiswahili. - Jun 2014
None. Locals appreciate a little Kiswahilli, but everyone speaks English. - Jun 2014
None, although a bit of Swahili helps. - Jul 2013
None. Everyone speaks English. But some Swahili is appreciated by locals. - Jun 2013
None. Everyone speaks English. They might not understand your accent, but that can go both ways. - Dec 2012
English is an official language. Kiswahili is widely-spoken but rarely necessary. - Aug 2012
English will get you by just fine. - Dec 2011
English is one of the official languages of Kenya. It's good to know some polite words in Swahili. - Dec 2011
Very little. - Sep 2011
None. - Dec 2010
Not much, but it is good to know some words of Kiswahili. The kids learn it in school which is nice. - Dec 2009
Not really any. - Jul 2009
None. - Jun 2008
English is fine though a smattering of Swahili is always appreciated. - Feb 2008
