Dhima ya Kiswahili katika Uimarishaji wa Utamaduni na Mazingira kwa Mujibu wa Katiba ya Kenya

Abstract

The Constitution of the Republic of Kenya recognizes culture and environment as important pillars upon which the identity of its people is anchored. Chapter Two, Section 11 of the Constitution takes cognizant of culture as the foundation of the Nation and as the cumulative civilization of the Kenyan people and nation. The Constitution expressly states that the State shall promote all forms of national and cultural expression through literature, the arts, traditional celebrations, science, communication, information, mass media, publications, libraries and other cultural heritage. It also recognizes the role of science and indigeneuos technologies in national development and also the promotion of the intellectual property rights of the people of Kenya. This paper discusses the role of Kiswahili language and literature in cultural and environmental conservation, which are key indicators of development of any civilized society. Kiswahili is constitutionally recognized as the national and official language in Kenya.