It is difficult to spend too much time with greetings in East Africa. Beginning a conversation without greeting a person (especially a stranger) will likely be considered rude, and people will usually greet you whenever they see you. Here are some greetings you will likely hear and can use with most people.

Greeting	Response
Hujambo?	Sijambo.
How are you?	I'm fine.
Habari gani?	Nzuri.
What's the news?	Good.
Habari za asubuhi?	Nzuri (or salama, or safi).
How is the morning?	Good (fine, clean).
Habari za leo?	Nzuri, etc.
How is it today?	Good.
Habari za mchana?	Salama, etc.
How is the afternoon?	Fine.
Habari za jioni?	Safi, etc.
How is the evening?	Clean/nice.
Shikamoo.	Marahaba.
I respectfully greet you (from a younger person to an elder).	Your respectful greetings are accepted.