The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences takes pride in Dr. Fred Simiyu the Chairman of the Department of Kiswahili and Other African Languages who was elected to chair Chama Cha Kiswahili Cha Taifa (CHAKITA). Dr. Simiyu’s election was during the 23rd CHAKITA Conference which was held at Kabianga University between 1st-3rd of March 2023 the theme being Kiswahili na Uchumi wa Kijani (Kiswahili and the green economy). Among those who were elected to the leadership of CHAKITA were; Prof. Evans Mbuthia (UON) as the Vice-Chair, Dr. Frida Miruka (MMUST) as the Secretary General among others. Dr. Simiyu took over the leadership of CHAKITA from Prof. Mosol Kandagor of Moi University.
Chama Cha Kiswahili Cha Taifa was established in 1997 at a conference organised by the department of Kiswahili in Moi University with a goal of bringing together experts, scholars and students from institutions of higher learning in Kenya. Since then CHAKITA has held annual conferences under different themes in various institutions and towns around the country. Kibabii University was privileged to host the 2017 Conference.
Dr. Simiyu who is a distinguished scholar in Kiswahili with over 11 years of teaching this beautiful language holds a PhD in Orality and Cultural Studies. According to him, his election to head the national body is a sign of confidence the stakeholders have in Kibabii University and more specifically in the department of Kiswahili and Other African Languages. This opportunity allows the institution to be at the helm of key discussions and decisions that touch on Kiswahili language which is among the languages recognized by the United Nations (UN) and also one of the fastest growing languages in the world. He looks forward to giving the members of staff and students an opportunity to have a platform to participate in the growth of Kiswahili through both local and international linkages.
