Kenyan Orma community seeks language inclusion after centuries of preservation
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The Orma Oromo community in Kenya’s Tana River County is advocating for the inclusion of Afaan Oromo in the Kenyan education system, after maintaining their language and culture for over 500 years despite living more than 2,000 kilometres from their ancestral homeland of Oromia, Ethiopia.
The community traces its migration from present-day Ethiopia back to the 16th century, initially travelling with Borana communities.
They moved in search of pasture and water for their livestock, a pastoral tradition central to their identity. While other migrating groups have largely assimilated into other communities, the Orma have actively preserved their language, customs, and history through oral tradition and cultural practices. However, members express concern that younger generations are increasingly adopting Swahili, English, and Somali, potentially leading to the loss of Afaan Oromo.
Leaders like Ali Wariyo, a member of Kenya’s National Assembly, and Usman Gutu, a secretary of the Orma Council of Elders, emphasize the importance of strengthening their mother tongue through education. They also worry about land disputes with neighbouring communities and the potential impact of development projects on their traditional way of life.
Researchers note a decline in the traditional Gada system due to the widespread adoption of Islam, but acknowledge the community's remarkable success in preserving their identity over centuries.
