English as spoken in Kenya has received a major boost after several locally used words and expressions were officially included in the latest edition of the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary.
Oxford University Press East Africa has unveiled the new edition, which features about 2,000 additional words and meanings reflecting the evolving nature of the English language.
Among the newly recognised Kenyan terms are matatu, boda boda, chang'aa, biting, butchery and sub-county, highlighting the growing influence of local language on global English.
The updated dictionary also incorporates internationally recognised terms shaped by technology and modern culture, including content creator, anti-vaccine, self-care, live streamer and unmute.
The new edition was launched in Mombasa on Wednesday during the 49th annual Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) conference. According to Oxford University Press East Africa, the additions are based on continuous language research and corpus analysis by lexicographers who monitor how English is used in everyday life.
“We recognise that strong English proficiency underpins success across the curriculum. This new edition is closely aligned to curriculum needs, enabling learners to think critically, express themselves clearly, and succeed in a rapidly changing world,” Beatrice Karanja, chief publishing officer, Oxford University Press East Africa, said.
The update also acknowledges Kenyan food and cultural expressions that have gained wider recognition beyond the country's borders, including nyama choma, ugali and mandazi.
Other African terms such as ubuntu, the Southern African philosophy centred on humanity and shared connections, and Tanzania's music genre Bongo Flava further demonstrate Africa's contribution to the growth of modern English.
KESSHA national chairman Willie Kuria welcomed the revised dictionary, saying it would improve learning across subjects. “The clarity of language and additional learning resources enable students to grasp even complex STEM and mathematical terms with ease,” Kuria said.