Where does the slang word Tuma come from?

Tuma is a slang term from Kenya. It is part of the rich slang vocabulary used in Kenya and across Africa.

Tuma

Added Aug 12, 2025 · 1 definition

TOP DEFINITION

Tuma definition 1

In East Africa, 'tuma' means 'send', and in slang it specifically implies sending money. Ugandans say 'tuma airtime' or 'tuma Mobile Money'. In Kenyan campus slang you might hear 'tumia kitu' meaning send me something (usually cash).

"Nitumie thao kwa M-Pesa – tuma sasa hivi please. (Translation: Send me a thousand shillings via M-Pesa – send it right now please.)"

by Khulekani Dladla Elder · Aug 12, 2025

Word Details

Country: 🇰🇪 Kenya
Definitions: 1 community definition
Added: August 2025

↻ Similar Words

Tuma 🇺🇬 Uganda

In Luganda, tuma means “send,” and in youth slang it specifically refers to sending mobile money.

"“Abange, tuma kagendo” (“Guys, send some mobile cash”)"

Tuma 🇿🇲 Zambia

Send (for messages/money)

"Tuma message (Send a message)"

🇰🇪 About Kenya Slang

Kenyan slang is led by Sheng, a vibrant urban creole born in Nairobi's Eastlands that blends Swahili, English, and Kikuyu, spoken by millions of young Kenyans.

KASINARY has 2011 Kenya slang words collected from native speakers.

Browse all Kenya slang (2011 words)

🌍 "Tuma" Across Africa

This word is also used in 2 other countries, sometimes with a different meaning.

Tuma 🇺🇬 Uganda

In East Africa, 'tuma' means 'send', and in slang it specifically implies sending money. Ugandans say 'tuma airtime' or 'tuma Mobile Money'. In Kenyan…

Tuma 🇿🇲 Zambia

Send (for messages/money)