Kenya plans to establish a National Kiswahili-Speaking Day. This is part of the effort to promote cultural identity.
Aisha Jumwa, the Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture, the Arts, and Heritage, leads this initiative. The aim is to make Kiswahili-speaking a national event, promoting the language’s use.
Jumwa believes that a National Kiswahili-Speaking Day will strengthen national unity. She also states that it will promote the use of Kiswahili as a national language.
If the bill passes, the day will be set aside for Kiswahili activities. These include poetry, drama, and music. Schools and other institutions will also be encouraged to participate.
Overview
The day, potentially on July 7th, which would precede the national reading day, would see every Kenyan communicate exclusively in Kiswahili. This includes high-ranking officials like the President, judges, civil servants, and teachers.
This initiative aims to elevate Kiswahili’s status and celebrate its cultural significance.
To further promote the language, the country is also in the advanced stages of creating the National Kiswahili Council. This council will be responsible for developing strategies and policies to foster the use and development of Kiswahili nationwide.
By collaborating with both public and private entities, the council seeks to enhance the unifying impact of Kiswahili.
During the recent East African Kiswahili Commission International Conference in Mombasa, Aisha Jumwa delivered a keynote address.
Her speech highlighted the global competitiveness of Kiswahili. Over 200 million people speak Kiswahili, indicating significant progress in promoting the language.
The conference, held before the 3rd EAC World Kiswahili Day on July 7, emphasized the role of Kiswahili and multilingual education in fostering peace and development.
The East African Kiswahili Commission’s Executive Secretary, Caroline Asiimwe, noted that the conference provided a platform for stakeholders to share knowledge and best practices.
She emphasized that Kiswahili is essential for building societies and contributing to the sustainable development of the East African Community (EAC).
The discussions aimed at making recommendations to further integrate Kiswahili into development strategies within the region.
Justice Nestor Kayobera, President of the East African Court of Justice, stressed the importance of adhering to the EAC Treaty. He said this is necessary to prevent legal disputes and ensure efficient use of financial resources.
EALA Speaker Joseph Ntakirutimana expressed optimism about Kiswahili’s potential to enhance regional cooperation, unity, and socioeconomic development. He urged EAC partner states to adopt Kiswahili as an official language, envisioning its spread beyond East African borders.
In preparations for World Kiswahili Day, Kenya formed a National Organizing Committee led by Aisha Jumwa. The committee, comprising 17 members, is tasked with arranging the celebrations. This event will feature activities to highlight Kiswahili’s importance and its contributions to cultural peace.
About Swahili
Kiswahili has a profound cultural heritage that binds the people of East Africa. The promotion of Kiswahili supports multilingual education and is aligned with the goals of UNESCO and other entities supporting African languages.
The collaborative efforts between the government, educators, and national and regional organizations aim to make Kiswahili an integral part of daily life and official communication.
In Zanzibar, similar initiatives have been observed, where President Hussein Ali Mwinyi supports the efforts to promote Kiswahili.
These initiatives complement Kenya’s efforts, fostering a sense of unity and shared cultural identity across the region.
Kenya’s active role in promoting Kiswahili through government policies and celebrations showcases a dedication to preserving and enhancing the language.
Cabinet members, including the Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Heritage, Josephat Mukobe, play a crucial role in these developments.
The involvement of the Office of the Attorney-General in drafting legislation underscores the government’s commitment to these efforts.
The celebration of Kiswahili Day also sees participation from the media, which helps spread awareness and engage the public.
Tanzania, another key player in the region, continues to support Kiswahili through education and media initiatives, further solidifying its role in promoting the language.
The declaration of a National Kiswahili-Speaking Day, coupled with the creation of the National Kiswahili Council, aims to strengthen Kiswahili’s presence both nationally and regionally.
This initiative highlights Kenya’s dedication to cultural preservation, education, and the promotion of Kiswahili as a unifying and developmental tool.
Kenya’s vision for Kiswahili extends beyond national borders, aiming for global recognition and use. This ambitious goal aligns with the broader objectives of enhancing cultural unity and fostering development through linguistic commonality.
