Vyombo

Vyombo is the Swahili plural of chombo, a noun with several related meanings. The most concrete sense is a vessel or container—a pot, bowl, bottle, or jar—but the word also covers equipment, tools, and instruments used to perform tasks. In nautical or maritime contexts chombo can refer to a ship or boat; in general speech, any object that holds, carries, or enables a function can be described as a chombo, with vyombo for the plural.

Beyond physical objects, vyombo often denotes channels or means by which something is achieved. In Swahili, common compound phrases use vyombo to name institutions or media and transport sectors: vyombo vya habari means the media; vyombo vya usafiri means means of transport. The sense can also extend metaphorically to organizations or mechanisms that implement policy or conduct activities.

Etymology and grammar: chombo belongs to noun class 7/8 in Swahili; its plural form is vyombo. The word is widely used across Swahili-speaking regions, particularly in Tanzania and Kenya, in daily speech, journalism, law, and education. Examples include: vyombo vya nyumbani (household utensils) or vyombo vya chakula (tableware or cooking vessels). See also chombo and vyombo vya habari.