Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba held an inaugural run for the Bibleless in Machakos school for Bible Translation and Literacy (BTL) with the goal of raising funds to support the Bible translation and literacy work among Kenyan communities.
The CS who spoke after flagging off the BTL 5th edition of the run for the Bibleless acknowledged the BTL organization on their determination and focus on developing indigenous languages for small language communities in Kenya and completing six full Bible translations and eleven New Testament chapters.
“There is a pressing need to ensure every tribe in the country receives a copy of the Holy Book in their native language, which is important for cultural preservation and deeper understanding of the Bible,” said Ogamba.
Ogamba highlighted the critical goal of the event, which was to raise at least Sh5 million to aid the translation of the Bible into local dialects such as Ribe, Rabai, Ogiek, Samburu, and Rendilee, noting that translating the entire New Testament can take 10 years and cost approximately Sh35 million.
“It is expensive but a worthy cause because every verse translated brings hope to communities and cultural preservation,” pointed Ogamba.
The CS emphasized on the government’s support for programs that merge education and spiritual empowerment.
“Translation of the Bible into indigenous languages is not just spiritual; it is cultural preservation and a boost to literacy. No community should be left behind in this journey of enlightenment,” he said.
Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti, who was also among the guests who joined the community in the BTL run, reiterated the importance of Bible translation into local languages that is meant to cater to spiritual growth and a sense of purpose.
“It is easier to internalize the Bible when it is translated into the local dialect of every community and this run will help those who have never held a Bible in their own language to finally experience the word of God,” said the Governor.
The BTL Executive Director East Africa, Rev. Peter Munguti, highlighted that when people get to receive the scriptures in their language, they tend to have an in-depth understanding of the word of God, which brings positive changes in communities.
Other counties where the run has already been held include Nairobi, Nakuru, Mombasa, and Eldoret.
The “Run for the Bibleless,” organized by Bible Translation and Literacy (BTL), set a strong precedent for faith-based fundraising, community unity, and inclusive development, proving that the journey to spiritual literacy begins with a single step.
By Purity Mwende and Cate Kinyumu
