Bible Translation and Literacy (BTL) organisation has launched the Waata language New Testament Bible in Magarini Constituency in Kilifi County, ushering a new chapter of vigorous religious activities by the Waata-speaking community.

The translation project that began in 2015 with a socio-linguistic survey and the development of an orthography course was completed at a cost of Ksh50 million.

The Waata people are an indigenous community of East Africa, historically known for their hunter-gatherer lifestyle and expertise in archery. The community is found in Tana River, parts of Kilifi, Taita Taveta, Kwale, Mombasa and Lamu Counties.

They are closely linked to the Oromo people and their history is marked by interactions with various groups including the Orma, Borana and other Cushitic-speaking communities.

Waata speakers Kenyan coast region are approximated to be 35,000 with those residing in Tana River subscribing to the Islamic religion.

The BTL, a Christian-based organisation established in 1981, focuses on Bible translation and sustainable literacy development programmes for small language groups in Kenya and beyond.

During the unveiling ceremony, BTL’s National Director, Rev Peter Munguti, commended the linguists, consultants and the local community for their dedication to the project. He emphasised the importance of the translation in empowering spiritual growth and more so preserving the identity of the Waata speakers.

‘‘When the word of God comes to a community it brings light and I hope the community will tap its benefit and reform their lives,’’ Munguti said.

He also highlighted the role of the Bible in improving education levels in the community by developing a reading culture for both the parents and children.

Munguti highlighted the exemplary work of his organisation in spreading the word of God through the dedication of 6 full Bibles and 29 New Testament Bibles across the country, including those in the Duruma, Giriama and Digo languages.

The organisation has also begun translating the Bible into the Ribe, Jibana, Kambe, Kauma and Rabai languages. BTL’s Board Chair Kendi Ogamba noted that Waata speakers have an opportunity to know the truth about God by reading His word in their language.

‘‘Waata speakers will know who God is and how He works and keep off from misleading sermons from false preachers,’’ Ogamba said.

The chair noted that BTL will continue with its course to give the Waata community a full Bible.

“What we have done today is just the beginning. We shall not relent until the Waata people have both the Old and New Testaments,” she pledged.

In addition, Ogamba asked the church in Kenya to support the translation work, which has been heavily funded by foreigners.

“The time has come for the local church to support this work. As the Bible says, those who give are blessed, then let everyone tap the blessings of God through this work,’’ she added.

On his part, the chair for the Association of Churches in the Coast Region, Bishop Peter Mwero hailed the good work being done by BTL in the region. He noted that some coastal languages have been saved from extinction by translation work from the organisation.

Further, he said the Bible would prevent Christians from falling victim to false teaching.

“I have been interviewed severally about Shakahola but this Bible will help save Christians from being deceived,” the cleric said.

Bishop Mwero asked the church to support BTL through its charity run dubbed Run for the Bibleless, which is normally held in Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Eldoret and Machakos counties.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Mohamed Hassan

The Bible Translation & Literacy (BTL) Chair Kendi Ogamba unveiling the Waata language New Testament Bible in Magarini Constituency in Kilifi County.