Alternate Names: Kenyi, Lukenhe, Lukenye, Lukenyi
Dialects: Lukenye-Ludebede, Lukenye-Lukooli. Kenye, Lamogi ,, Siginyi ,, and Gwere , are mutually intelligible. Lexical similarity: 81% with Soga ,, 71%–86% with Ganda ,, 64% with Gwere ,, 58% with Saamia ,.
Genealogy:
Demographics: 62,000 (2002 census), increasing.
Language Use: Prefer to use surrounding languages outside the home; seldom identify themselves as BaKenye. They shy away from their true identity for fear of being marginalized and discriminated against (Abdallah 2004). Mostly home. All ages. Mixed attitudes. Also use a Soga [xog] variety. Also use Ganda [lug], Gwere [gwr], Saamia [lsm], Teso [teo].
Language Development: Radio programs.
Writing System: Unwritten
Nation of Origin: Uganda
Other Comments: Politically distinct from Ganda ,. Some Kenye people claim to be a displaced people of Ganda origin.