Leaders and stakeholders in the region are urging the East African Community (EAC) Council of Ministers to expedite the process of amending the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC to allow for the use of Kiswahili as an official language within the bloc.
During the 3rd EAC World Kiswahili Language Day celebration in Mombasa, Kenya, regional leaders and Kiswahili experts emphasized the importance of passing laws and policies to promote the use of Kiswahili, highlighting its role in fostering unity and solidarity across the region.
In her keynote address, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage, Hon. Aisha Jumwa, acknowledged the cultural and economic significance of Kiswahili in East Africa.
She urged all EAC Partner States to advocate for the publication of laws and policies in Kiswahili, recognizing the language’s global reach and commending efforts to promote it, including training initiatives and the establishment of Kiswahili Clubs.
The celebrations followed a conference organized by the East African Kiswahili Commission (EAKC) focusing on “Kiswahili, Multilingual Education, and the Enhancement of Peace,” emphasizing the crucial role of language and education in promoting regional peace.
Uganda’s Minister of State for EAC Affairs, Hon. James Magode Ikuya, reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to adopting Kiswahili as an official language, noting that it is now a compulsory subject in schools.
Justice Nestor Kayobera of the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) highlighted the need to adopt Kiswahili as an official language to enhance citizens’ understanding of court proceedings currently delivered in English.
The EAKC Executive Secretary, Dr. Caroline Asiimwe, highlighted the UN’s recent recognition of Kiswahili and reiterated the Commission’s dedication to promoting the language in East Africa.
At the event, the EAKC unveiled a book containing papers from previous Kiswahili Day celebrations, showcasing the cultural and educational contributions of Kiswahili.
Notable attendees included Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage, Ms. Ummi Bashir; Likoni Constituency Member of Parliament, Hon. Mishi Khamisi Mboko; Mombasa Woman Representative Hon. Zamzam Mohammed; Heads of EAC Institutions; and Members of the Diplomatic Corps.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of East African Community.