Welcome to Kenya! It’s a country of impressive culture and rich history that includes 40+ diverse ethnic groups and 68 spoken languages. As if that weren’t enough, there are also 50 national parks and reserves boasting breathtaking landscapes and wildlife.

Kenya’s global presence is especially pronounced on the track. And the nation’s prowess in long-distance running is legendary. Eliud Kipchoge, for example, is considered one of the greatest marathon runners of all time. In addition to his four Olympic medals and numerous marathon titles, he also covered the marathon distance of 42.1km (26.2mi) in 1:59:40 in Vienna in 2019 as part of his ongoing efforts to prove that “No Human is Limited.” Another Kenyan running star, Kelvin Kiptum, set an official marathon world record in Chicago in 2023 with a time of 2:00:35, before tragically passing away in a car accident in 2024.

Kenya’s national language, Swahili, unifies the country’s diverse ethnic groups. The language is truly a cultural mosaic. To illustrate, Swahili is made up primarily of Bantu languages and Arabic. And approximately 35% of its vocabulary comes from Arabic. The language also features loanwords from English, German, French, and Portuguese. This reflects Kenya’s history of European colonialism as well as trade, migration, and cultural exchange.

One of Kenya’s most treasured cultural assets is its collection of traditional Swahili proverbs, reflecting centuries of wisdom passed down through generations. These Kenyan complex proverbs provoke vivid imagery and represent some pretty sage advice. They are often seen adorning kangas, the fabric wraps worn in Kenya and throughout the African Great Lakes region. Check out these five Kenyan proverbs to bring more wisdom into your life!

1. Haraka, haraka haina baraka. (“Hurry, hurry has no blessings.”)

This Kenyan proverb warns against making haste just to get things done, risking mistakes and missed opportunities. Instead, emphasize patience. Taking time and being thorough brings blessings and success.

2. Usipoziba ufa, utajenga ukuta. (“If you don’t fill the crack, you’ll end up building a wall.”)

Here’s a reminder to address issues or conflicts when they arise. When we ignore initial problems, we risk bigger complications later on. The metaphorical “wall” results from neglecting to fix the initial “crack.”

3. Makali ya jicho yashinda wembe. (“The sharpness of the eye is greater than the razor.”)

Keen observation, insight, and perceptiveness are more powerful than physical strength or force. In essence, this Kenyan proverb emphasizes the importance of mental acuity over mere physical prowess.

4. Wambea hawana shule, huteta popote pale. (“Those who gossip have no school; they discuss anywhere.”)

The message here is that gossiping is often associated with ignorance or a lack of refinement. The well-educated and cultured tend to engage in more meaningful conversations.

5. Nimechoka kutangatanga, hapa taitia nanga. (“I’m tired of wandering; here, I’ll drop anchor.”)

This Kenyan proverb illustrates the concept of finding a place of rest or settling down after a period of aimless searching. “Dropping the anchor” represents the decision to put an end to a restless journey and establish stability or permanence.