The Bible Translation and Literacy (BTL) organization has officially launched the Upper Pokomo New Testament Bible in Hola Sub-County, Tana River County, Kenya.
The translation project, which cost approximately Ksh 45 million and took ten years to complete, involved extensive linguistic surveys and the development of a standardized writing system (orthography). It required careful study to distinguish Upper Pokomo from the closely related Lower Pokomo language. Upper Pokomo is spoken in the upper reaches of the Tana River basin and, while similar to Swahili, remains distinct from other coastal Bantu languages like those of the Mijikenda.
Founded in 1981, BTL is a Christian-based organization dedicated to facilitating Bible translation and literacy development among small language groups in Kenya and beyond.
Speaking during the Bible dedication ceremony at the Africa Inland Church (AIC) Hola, BTL’s National Director, Rev. Peter Munguti, said the Upper Pokomo community is blessed to now have the scriptures in their native language — an opportunity many communities across East Africa are still awaiting.
“I urge the Upper Pokomo people to read and understand the Word of God so that they may fully grasp His will,” said Rev. Munguti. He also called upon clergy to actively use the new translation in their ministry to help transform lives and encouraged the wider church community to support BTL’s mission to reach all communities with the Bible in their native languages.
Rev. Munguti affirmed BTL’s commitment to completing the translation of the entire Bible into Upper Pokomo.
BTL Board Chairperson Kendi Ogamba emphasized the significance of the new translation, saying it would empower Christians to personally understand the foundations of their faith rather than solely relying on religious leaders.
“The Bible plays a crucial role in our lives, and we believe Upper Pokomo speakers will now be able to deepen their understanding of God’s Word,” said Mrs. Ogamba. She further highlighted the dangers of religious misinformation, citing the Shakahola tragedy as a consequence of believers being misled due to a lack of personal engagement with scripture.
Mrs. Ogamba warned that the rise of false prophets could misguide future generations if access to the Bible in native languages is not prioritized.
Bible translation is vital for bridging language and cultural barriers, enabling deeper personal connections with the scriptures.
Currently, BTL is engaged in translation work across 37 languages in Kenya, six in Tanzania, and three in South Sudan. In Kenya’s coastal region, BTL has completed and dedicated full or partial Bible translations for the Duruma, Digo, Giryama, Lower Pokomo, and Chonyi languages.
