Kenyan Swahili scholars call for intentional efforts to grow the language
Kisii University Vice Chancellor Prof Nathan Ogechi speaking during Swahili symposium at the university.
A two-day Swahili symposium closed in Kisii on Tuesday with a call for increased funding towards the development and promotion of the language.
Authors, teachers and Professors meeting at Kisii University said Kiswahili plays a critical role in national unity, regional integration, and cultural identity.
They, however, expressed concern that despite Kiswahili being a national and official language, it continues to receive less attention in policy formulation and funding compared to other sectors.
Vice-Chancellor Nathan Ogechi, also senior linguistic don said Kiswahili is not just a language—it is a symbol of our unity and heritage.
“The government must prioritize its growth by allocating more resources to research, training, and curriculum development,” he said.
He further challenged African leaders to promote African languages to realize the United Nations ( UN) Millennium Development Goals ( MDGs) especially on Education, peace as justice.
“National unity and the Goals can be realized if leaders create awareness on Kiswahili and indigenous languages. We will be slaves without the languages,” Prof. Ogechi observed.
The conference in Kisii was held to celebrate the International Day for Kiswahili.
Ogechi urged Kenyans to embrace indigenous language to avert extinction.
He said Kiswahili and the indigenous languages were easy to understand and therefore key in creating awareness on various topical issues to members of the public.
Speaker after the other called for the establishment of a well-funded national Kiswahili council to oversee the language’s standardization, promote local content, and support translation of official documents.
They especially urged the Ministry of Education to enhance Kiswahili programs in schools and universities, promote its use in government communication, and support local authors and publishers who produce Kiswahili literature.
“With Kiswahili now gaining prominence across East and Central Africa, t Kenya stands to benefit economically and diplomatically if it positions itself as a leader in the language’s development,” added Ogechi.