The words of Kenya

Kenya — quotes, proverbs & wisdom

Real words from the people of Kenya, each with a verified source. New quotes are added as each is fact-checked.

“Haste, haste has no blessing.”

Haraka haraka haina baraka.

Source: Traditional Swahili proverb (Kenya), public-domain oral tradition

“Little by little fills the measure.”

Haba na haba hujaza kibaba.

Source: Traditional Swahili proverb (Kenya), public-domain oral tradition

“Where there is a will, there is a way.”

Penye nia pana njia.

Source: Traditional Swahili proverb (Kenya), public-domain oral tradition

“Unity is strength, division is weakness.”

Umoja ni nguvu, utengano ni udhaifu.

Source: Traditional Swahili proverb (Kenya), public-domain oral tradition

“One who is not taught by his mother will be taught by the world.”

Asiyefunzwa na mamaye hufunzwa na ulimwengu.

Source: Traditional Swahili proverb (Kenya), public-domain oral tradition

“Slowly, slowly is indeed the way to go.”

Pole pole ndio mwendo.

Source: Traditional Swahili proverb (Kenya), public-domain oral tradition

“One who wants what is under the bed must bend down for it.”

Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame.

Source: Traditional Swahili proverb (Kenya), public-domain oral tradition

“One finger cannot crush a louse.”

Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa.

Source: Traditional Swahili proverb (Kenya), public-domain oral tradition

“A guest is a white chicken.”

Mgeni ni kuku mweupe.

Source: Traditional Swahili proverb (Kenya), public-domain oral tradition

“The one who is choosy about the hoe is not a real farmer.”

Mchagua jembe si mkulima.

Source: Traditional Swahili proverb (Kenya), public-domain oral tradition