LangMedia

Swahili and English are both official languages in Kenya and the medium of instruction in the schools. English is widely used for many business and government activities, especially in urban areas. Swahili is considered the national language and is a mandatory subject in primary and secondary school. Most Kenyans are comfortable using Swahili in both business and social settings. Most people speak one or more regional languages as well. The video refers to a highly colloquial or 'street' Swahili called 'sheng' that can be heard among young people and among taxi drivers on the streets of Nairobi. This colloquial Swahili is far removed from the standard Swahili learned in school.