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{
    "id": 799881,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/799881/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 240,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Pareno",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13180,
        "legal_name": "Judith Ramaita Pareno",
        "slug": "judith-ramaita-pareno"
    },
    "content": "Kiswahili language has a rich history. Since it originated in Zanzibar, we could take advantage of the East African Community (EAC) institution called the Swahili Commission. This institution is domiciled in Zanzibar. This Commission was basically brought up by the EAC integration processes to ensure that Kiswahili is rooted in our partner States. We have, probably realised we, as a country, did a mistake by not embracing Kiswahili language like Tanzania. Burundi and Rwanda and other States are now learning Kiswahili language. Kiswahili language is so advanced in Tanzania. In fact, when you go there, utaona Taasisi za Wizara fulani . Even their ministries are named in Kiswahili. Most learning in Tanzania is conducted in Kiswahili language. I do not think we have done much better than them even though we ignored this language from the beginning our nation. This is a very important Motion. It is saddening to know that there is a part of learners in this country that are not learning Kiswahili language. It is a pity that we want it to be spoken in the EAC and yet some of our people cannot speak it fluently because of our inability to embrace it. This is a language that is widely used by our people in markets, banks, schools and many other places. No business can be transacted without using this language. So, to deny this category of people an opportunity to learn this language, is to lock them out of many opportunities in the region. In fact, a larger community speaks it more than English language, especially in the rural areas. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, it is estimated that over 100 institutions in the United States of America (USA) teach Kiswahili language. It is also taught in major academic institutions in Africa, Europe, America and Asia. Prestigious universities like Harvard, Yale, Stanford and others have found it worth to teach Kiswahili language. Back home here where Kiswahili originated, it is sad that there are people who cannot be taught Kiswahili because they have a hearing disability. This is a disservice to them. We need to address it and make sure they learn this language. We cannot also say that it is one of nation’s languages and yet we deny some people opportunity to learn it. We can only say it is a national language if it can be spoken by majority of our citizens. . Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, Burundi, Rwanda, Somalia, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique are all teaching Kiswahili language. So, why would other States that did not The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}