Sheng is a slang language that borrows it words from English and Swahili. Its main purpose is to enhance hidden communication to a group of targeted people mostly young in age. The language is widely used Kenya especially in urban setups.
Though most people regard it as unofficial way of communication, the language is gradually taking over and its usage slowly being accepted not only to young generation but also the old generation. Did you know Sheng language is nowadays becoming a source of livelihood?
A good grasp of Sheng language can land you a lucrative job like radio presenter or even as an interpreter. For this reason, I’ve decided to bring to your attention commonly used words. Checkout the table below
| Sheng word | Meaning |
| Ndom,Vela | weed |
| Mbwenya | court |
| Mjulubeng | manhood |
| ikus | Private part of a woman |
| jaba | muguka |
| Arif, fafiri | friend |
| Poko,kuro | prostitute |
| Riba,rojo | story |
| tonje | Laptop |
| Mamu,denge,quella,mkoba,keki | Girl |
| mwere | Fool |
| mukuru | An elderly lady |
| ndoko | Girl |
| kae | Sex |
| mbulu | Tv |
| tulutulu | Mulika mwizi phone |
| Gede,maji,tei | booze |
| sonko | Rich person |
| Doh,chapaa,cheddar,mkwanja,ganji,maweng | Money |
| thao | Sh. 1000 |
| panch | Sh. 500 |
| Kinde,ashu | Sh. 10 |
| Chuani, finje | Sh.50 |
| rwabe | Sh. 200 |
| soo | Sh. 100 |
| Kobole, ngovo | Sh. 5 |
| ocha | Rural home |
| ndai | Car |
| mangware | Early morning |
| manga | To eat |
| Mboi | Counterfeit |
| Lamba lolo | Licking ‘lollipop’ |
| mneti | internet |
| nyuria | die |
| njege | Police |
| Ngala,ngem | Cigarette |
| ndondo | Jail |
| Myaka,moda | Mum |
| moshatta | Village |
| empress | Beautiful lady |
| Cheza chini | Ignore or avoid |
| Mless | A son or daughter |
| gwara | fail |
| sogi | Watchman |
| Niko wire | I am broke |
| ngori | problem |
| Majegi | breast |
| kindukulu | weed |
| Ndula | Shoe |
| Tenje, mofa | Mobile phone |
| Rieng | form |
| mbogi | squad |
| pekejeng |