ENGLISH
REFERENCE

kenya

n. uncountable
A2 Elementary US //ˈkɛnjə// kenya

n. a country in East Africa known for its diverse wildlife, beautiful coastlines, and high mountains. It is a popular place for people to go on safari.

n. a sovereign republic in East Africa, bordered by the Indian Ocean to the southeast and Lake Victoria to the west. It is a member of the Commonwealth and is historically significant for its diverse ecosystems and role in human evolutionary research.


SIMPLE

We are planning a trip to Kenya to see the lions.

CONTEXTUAL

The capital city of Kenya is Nairobi, which serves as a major regional hub for business and international diplomacy.

COMPLEX

Kenya's diverse geography ranges from the humid coastal plains to the cool highlands, supporting a wide array of agricultural exports including tea and coffee.

Origin

From the name of Mount Kenya, about which several theories exist, including * from Kikuyu kere nyaga (“white mountain”) (because it is snow-capped) * from Kamba kii nyaa (“ostrich mountain”) * from Kikuyu kĩrĩma (“mountain”)

Usage

As a proper noun referring to a specific country, it is typically used without an article.

© 2026 English Reference