Discover the Kenyan Village Where Locals Speak French
Mitahato village in Githunguri, Kiambu county has captured the attention of the global community, specifically those who speak French, as they come to immerse themselves in the local culture showcased through the French language.
The origin of this unique language does not date back to the colonial period when its development would be expected. Rather, it is rooted in the ardour of an impassioned community seeking greater knowledge and economic openings. In 2020, a resident named Chris Mburu founded a French-specialized library in Mitahato designed to cater to the Francophone Network of Kenya. This simple gesture sparked a flame that ignited the entire community, young and old, to embark on a collective journey to master the French language.
The library acts as the pulsating centre of the village, a hub upon which French literature, vocabularies, and educational tools reside, where people of all generations can cultivate their command of the language. Young ones delightfully soak French compositions while adults work unfalteringly on language comprehension, accent, and phonetics. Today, the symphony of French conversations has substituted the customary chatter of Kiswahili and English.
Mitahato has now transformed into a haven for Francophone Kenyans. Striking displays of Francophone labels adorn storefronts, while "bonjour" greetings between children are echoed through the area, and the beautiful symphony of French dialogue fills the air. This remarkable development has caught the attention of many, leading to the recognition of Chris Mburu who has been honoured with a Chevalier medal, solidifying his status among illustrious recipients.
Mitahato has experienced a remarkable transformation that has attracted tourists, turning it into a unique cultural hub. The visitors frequently donate French literature to the library and interact with the curious children of the famous Mitahato French Village. During this lively interaction, the children share their traditional Kikuyu songs as they learn French songs from their newfound companions.