MAGARINI – A major milestone in Kenya’s linguistic and spiritual history unfolded in Magarini, Kilifi County, with the unveiling of the New Testament Bible translated into the Waata language. The launch marks a significant step for the Waata people, providing access to scripture in their native tongue for the first time.
The project was spearheaded by Bible Translation & Literacy (BTL), a Christian-based organization focused on translating the Bible for minority language groups. The Waata New Testament translation began in 2015 following a sociolinguistic study and orthography development. The initiative cost Ksh 50 million.
The Waata are an Indigenous East African community traditionally known for their hunting and archery. Though many live in Tana River County, Waata-speaking groups also reside in Kilifi, Taita Taveta, Mombasa, Lamu, Kwale, and other parts of the Coast Region. The estimated number of Waata speakers in Kenya stands at 35,000.
At the launch ceremony, BTL National Director Rev. Peter Munguti applauded the commitment of translators, linguists, and local community members.
“When the word of God reaches a people in their language, it lights up lives,” Munguti said. “It also helps preserve their identity and supports education by nurturing a reading culture among both adults and children.”
Munguti noted that BTL has completed six full Bible translations and 29 New Testament translations across the country. Recent efforts have produced Bibles in local languages including Duruma, Digo, and Giriama. Work is ongoing in other regional languages such as Ribe, Jibana, Kauma, Kambe, and Rabai.
BTL Board Chair Kendi Ogamba urged the local church to take ownership of Bible translation efforts, which are largely funded by international donors.
“This launch is just the beginning. We are committed to ensuring the Waata community gets the complete Bible Old and New Testaments,” Ogamba said. “The church in Kenya must step up. Blessings come from giving, and supporting this work is a divine responsibility.”
She added that access to scripture in the Waata language will guard communities against manipulation by false religious leaders.
The Chairperson of the Association of Churches in the Coast Region, Bishop Peter Mwero, echoed that concern, referencing past incidents of deception by religious cults.
“I’ve answered many questions about Shakahola. This Bible will give Christians the truth and shield them from such dangers,” Mwero said.
He called on churches to support BTL’s fundraising efforts, particularly through its “Run for the Bibleless” charity race held in major towns including Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, Nakuru, and Machakos.
The Waata New Testament is now in circulation, offering both spiritual guidance and cultural pride to one of Kenya’s least-reached language communities. The full Bible translation remains underway.
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