By Yvonne Kageha

On July 7, Swahili-speaking communities across Africa and beyond marked the World Kiswahili Language Day, an annual celebration of Kiswahili’s heritage, cultural diversity, and role in fostering dialogue. This date stems from the adoption of Swahili as a unifying language during the independence movement, a decisive moment in pan-African solidarity, in July 7, 1954 by Julius Nyerere, the then leader of Tanganyika African National Union.

As one of the official languages of the African Union (AU), Southern African Development Community (SADC), and East African Community (EAC), Kiswahili is the first African language to be honored with its own international day by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

For many people, Kiswahili is not just a language but is a reminder of home, heritage, and belonging. According to UNESCO, Kiswahili is one of the 10 most spoken languages in the world with more than 200 million speakers, majority of whom are from the African continent especially from Sub-Saharan Africa. Used in education, governance and everyday life, the Kiswahili language has helped to shape poetry, music, storytelling, and other forms of arts.

Kiswahili is a tool for unity that allows people cross boarder to connect, reflect and celebrate their cultural identity. Just like other languages, it is a tool for understanding oneself and others. The spirit of umoja (unity) and ushirikiano (collaboration) is embodied in the interactions through the Kiswahili language, from the greetings exchanged on the roads, boardrooms and social media pages, to conversations over shared meals to traditional songs and proverbs to Swahili cuisines and clothing.

World Kiswahili Language Day allows individuals to slow down and appreciate the beauty of cultural identity, celebrate each other and embrace one another’s heritage. In line with this day, the university believes in cultivating a sense of belonging within the community and nurturing global citizens who are proud of their roots and remains committed to enabling students gain awareness, knowledge and appreciation of both the diversity and commonality of cultures through formal study of languages, history, literature, and the arts.