Kenya’s President, William Ruto, has drawn attention to differences in English accents across Africa, noting that certain variations – particularly Nigerian-accented English – can sometimes be difficult for non-native listeners to follow.
Ruto made the remark while addressing members of the Kenyan diaspora in Italy earlier this week. Speaking at the gathering, he emphasized the importance of clear communication, especially for citizens representing Kenya abroad. He pointed to the country’s education system as a key driver of strong English proficiency among Kenyans.
“Our education system has ensured that many of our people can communicate effectively in English wherever they go,” Ruto said, according to remarks reported by Kenyan media outlets.
The comments come amid ongoing conversations about language, identity, and global mobility among African professionals. While English remains a widely spoken lingua franca across the continent, regional accents and expressions often reflect cultural diversity rather than differences in fluency.
Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has not issued any official response to Ruto’s remarks. However, linguistic experts have long noted that Nigerian English – like Kenyan English – has evolved with unique pronunciations, vocabulary, and rhythm shaped by local languages and historical influences.
Analysts caution that such differences should be viewed within the broader context of cultural diversity, rather than as measures of comprehension or educational standards. English, as used across Africa, continues to adapt in ways that reflect the continent’s multilingual heritage.
As of the time of filing this report, there is no verified record of any direct exchange or dispute between the two leaders on the matter.