Kikamba Bible Translation Project

Kikamba is a major language of the Kamba tribe in Kenya with almost seven million speakers, chiefly found in the Kenyan counties of Machakos, Kitui, and Makueni. In 2021 TBS commenced the Kikamba Bible translation project, beginning with the Gospel according to John. The work is undertaken directly from the Greek Received Text by a suitably qualified native Kikamba speaker, who is assisted by four other Kikamba speaking brothers. The language is widely spoken in east Kenya, particularly on radio and television, and is written in a Latin script.

Historically, the Kamba’s religion involved a high god and ancestral spirits and made use of magic, witchcraft, and sacrifices. Thankfully, Christianity is gradually becoming more prevalent, and it is our hope and prayer that this new translation will bring many Kikamba speakers to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

The Gospel according to John has been approved for publication and will be printed this year, God willing. Further translation work is progressing in the Gospel according to Matthew. A Kikamba translation of the Society’s article The Lord Gave the Word is also being prepared. We are grateful to the Friends of Africa Missionary Endeavour (FAME) mission for their financial support of this project.