- Kiswahili has evolved into one of Africa’s most widely spoken languages, promoting regional integration and communication.
- Teachers are urging learners to strengthen their Kiswahili speaking, reading and debating skills.
- The United Nations recognises July 7 as World Kiswahili Language Day.
Over the years, Kiswahili has proved to be a unifying language among many communities and nations across East and Central Africa.
Kiswahili emerged through interaction between Bantu-speaking communities along the East African coast and Arab traders engaged in commerce.
Today, native Kiswahili-speaking communities are found in Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Bajuni Islands and Brava. Kiswahili is also spoken in parts of southern Somalia.
Kenya and Tanzania recognise Kiswahili as an official language, where it plays a vital role in promoting national unity and facilitating communication in business, education and social interactions.
Kiswahili also serves as a lingua franca in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Burundi and Mozambique.
The language draws most of its vocabulary from Bantu languages, which contribute about 35 per cent, while English has also contributed significantly to its vocabulary alongside Arabic and other languages.
In 2022, the United Nations designated July 7 as World Kiswahili Language Day in recognition of Kiswahili’s growing international significance. The date commemorates the adoption of Kiswahili by the late Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere as a unifying language during Tanganyika’s struggle for independence.
Among the most celebrated Kiswahili literary figures is Shaaban Bin Robert (1909–1962), whose works greatly shaped Kiswahili literature.
Kenyan scholar and poet Prof. Kithaka wa Mberia has also made significant contributions to Kiswahili poetry and literature.
Teachers encourage learners
Philemon Losiwareng, a Kiswahili teacher in Lomut Zone, Central Pokot Sub-county, West Pokot County, urged schools to encourage learners to participate in mijadala (debates) to improve their speaking skills and mastery of Kiswahili grammar.
“In our learning institutions, teachers should encourage learners to participate in mijadala to sharpen their language skills and use ngeli correctly,” he said.
Mercy Soita, an English teacher at Totum Comprehensive School in West Pokot Sub-county, also encouraged greater use of Kiswahili in daily life.
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“Let everybody at workplaces, at home, in schools and during social gatherings speak fluent Kiswahili for easier communication,” she said, adding that learners should cultivate the habit of reading both English and Kiswahili storybooks.
By Martin Ruto
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