Pokot Bible Translation Project

Pokot is a tribal language spoken by approximately 883,000 people, the majority of whom live in the northern part of Kenya.

The Society has been involved with Bible translation work in the Pokot language since the 1960s, and the TBS Pokot New Testament was published in 1967. That was a pioneering edition prepared by Tom Collins and Lawrence and Annette Totty, who were missionaries to the Pokot people. Despite their best endeavours some of their local helpers back in the 1960s suggested poor translation choices which need correcting. In addition, the language has continued to progress over time. Thus since 2012 the Society has been working on a new edition of the Pokot New Testament.

Our lead translator is using the TBS Greek New Testament as his primary source, with secondary reference to the Authorised (King James) Version. He also refers to the first edition TBS Pokot New Testament published in 1967, as well as the Pokot New Testament published by the Bible Society of Kenya and other extant African language translations. In 2021, just over 5,000 copies of the new Pokot Gospel according to John were distributed in Kenya as the first fruits of the translators’ endeavours and were well received.

The team have been hindered in their work, but recently they completed their team review of Acts and then commenced work in Romans. The Society provides financial support for translation team meetings using incoming funds that are specifically designated for it.