From right; The Vice Chancellor- Prof. Solomon Shibairo, the Vice-Chancellor (Kibabii University)- Prof. Isaac Ipara, and the Dean (School of Arts and Social Sciences)- Dr. Rose Auma.
Stakeholders at the 24th Chama cha CHAKITA conference have underscored the multi-faceted potential of Kiswahili in the advancement of digitization. This was during a two-day conference held from 7th to 8th March 2024 at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST). The conference-themed was aimed at exploring how Swahili can harness the power of technology to reach wider audiences, promote linguistic diversity, and empower its speakers in this digital age.
The event was flagged off by the Vice Chancellor- Prof. Solomon Shibairo, who was flanked by the Vice-Chancellor (Kibabii University)- Prof. Isaac Ipara together with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs)- Prof. Hussein Golicha. The conference also attracted researchers, stakeholders, and delegates from various countries including Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
The Vice-Chancellor- Prof. Solomon Shibairo, and the Vice-Chancellor (Kibabii University)- Prof. Isaac Ipara.
Speaking during the opening ceremony of the event, Prof. Solomon Shibairo stated that in a bid to promote the digitization of Kiswahili, MMUST has established a Jarida la Kiswahili Sanifu (JAKISA) journal, which is among the five journals started this year.
“Kiswahili is at the center of digital advancement. The growth of this language, its usefulness, and its functionality cannot be gained. This has catapulted the Kiswahili language into the digital space. Therefore, as you deliberate on the theme of this conference, we look forward to publishing high-quality papers from this conference,” said Prof. Shibairo.
Concurring with his counterpart, Prof. Ipara encouraged the participants to team up to form policies that would address the challenges facing the Kiswahili language. “There is a lot of competition in the research field. Let us work to improve our publications,” advised Prof. Ipara.
A section of the conference participants.
Commenting on the potential of the Kiswahili language, Prof. Golicha noted that Kiswahili transcends beyond the classroom into the social and business spaces. Therefore, incorporating ICT, which is crucial to enhancing the digital economy will improve the livelihoods of ordinary citizens through the utilization of Kiswahili.
Similarly, the Director, of Research and Postgraduate Support, Prof. Francis Orata urged the researchers to form multi-disciplinary research teams and work together to promote scholarships and research in the Kiswahili language. He promised that during the next CHAKITA conference, MMUST will launch another Kiswahili journal.
Entertainment by the University Music students during the conference.
Additionally, the Dean- School of Arts and Social Sciences, Dr. Rose Auma appreciated CHAKITA for choosing MMUST to host this year’s conference. “We look forward to working closely with CHAKITA in the future to advance knowledge, particularly in Kiswahili,” she added.
The Chairperson- CHAKITA, Dr. Fred Simiyu noted that the 24th CHAKITA International conference received over a hundred submissions and articles from different countries.
“We aim to discuss in depth about Kiswahili and the digital economy. I invite the members to brainstorm about the role of Swahili in entrepreneurship and deception; native knowledge, native language, mental health, and more in this digital age,” said Dr. Simiyu.
The Chairperson- CHAKITA, Dr. Fred Simiyu speaking at the event.
The Secretary-CHAKITA, Dr. Frida Miruka noted that the conference is an opportunity for enthusiasts and academicians to demonstrate their professionalism and love for the Swahili profession. It also provides a platform to learn, develop, spread, and interact by benefiting stakeholders with knowledge derived from research in the Swahili profession.
The Secretary-CHAKITA, Dr. Frida Miruka making remarks at the conference.
“The success of this conference is due to the concerted efforts and cooperation of various stakeholders, I express gratitude to the University leadership for agreeing to host and sponsor the activities of this conference,” said Dr. Miruka.
The other CHAKITA officials include Dr. Deborah Amukowa- Treasurer, Dr. Tecla Kiwa (Assistant Secretary), Prof. Evans Mbuthia (Vice Chairperson), Dr. John Kobia, Ms. Judy Onyancha, Dr. Alexander Rotich, and Dr. Mark Odawo.
Today, Kiswahili stands as one of Africa’s major languages, spoken by over 100 million people, not only in East Africa but also by diaspora communities globally. This provides a space for sharing cultural expressions, vernacular art, and literary works in Swahili which consequently increases the visibility and appreciation of the language.
By Linet Owuor
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
