Initiating The Kipsigis Translation Project

Friday, 27th February 2026, was a historic moment for the Kipsigis community as community leaders and a team from BTL, led by our Executive Director, Mr. Samuel Kakui, gathered in Bomet town to deliberate on the way forward for the development of the Kipsigis language and the translation of the Bible into Kipsigis.

The meeting was conducted following an initial socio-linguistic survey that had been carried out by BTL in various parts of the community in August 2025. It revealed the need for a Bible for a community that has been largely relying on the Kalenjin Bible. It also brought to light the need for language development, the development of literacy materials, and Scripture Engagement materials that would enable church leaders in the community to localize services, translate hymns, prayers, and liturgical materials exclusively in the Kipsigis language.

During the meeting, the BTL team got the opportunity to present the survey findings to community and church leaders from various institutions who were eager to dissect the findings and share their input to improve the process. BTL Executive Director, Mr. Samuel Kakui, while referring to these findings, emphasized the importance of the translation process and commended the collaboration observed during the initial phase that led to the Project’s launch. 

The leaders drawn from Bomet and Kericho counties, unanimously affirmed the survey findings and acknowledged the need to develop their language and to have the Scriptures translated into their heart language. The consultative forum concluded with the nomination of an Interim Project Advisory Committee to guide the next phase of this vital initiative. We are truly grateful to God for this milestone among the Kipsigis community and ask that you join us in prayer as we begin the initial stages of writing the Kipsigis language and the development of the literacy materials.