The language of East Africa is Swahili. It is spoken by more than 40 million people in Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya. Although it stems from the 'Bantu' group of languages, Swahili was influenced by the tides of Arab slavers and sultans who plundered the rich African coasts. Mombasa, a main seaport on the Indian Ocean founded by traders in the 11th century, probably gets its name from Oman, and 'Swahili' is dervied from the Arabic word for coasts.
The Portugese, who built Fort Jesus a gloomy fortress stronghold in 1593, were the first Europeans to settle the shores. But Mombasa, had great strategic importance and was too precious a pearl to loose. Years of bitter conflict between Turks, Arabs , Portugese and Persians ensued, the control of the region changing hands many times. The unfortunate native people reluctantly obeying each incumbent ruler in turn. Finally, in 1840 the Sultan of Zanzibar gained control and modern Swahili has its origins from the dialect spoken on that island.
Fortune hunters, farmers, traders men at arms and missionaries were among the next invasion fleet. In 1895 the region became part of the East Africa Protectorate under British rule, and more exciting words entered the vocabulary.
Not feeling well? Bad Tummy - Tumbo. Nervous tension - Wasi-Wasi? A quick visit to the Doctor - Daktari will help. Take two asprin - Sprini. You need a trip - Safari. Shall we go by motorbike - Pikipiki? No - I'll take a taxi - Teksi. Drive slowly - Pole-pole please. Let's have a nice cup of tea - Chai and a slice of cake - Keki.
Thankyou - Asante. Swahili is as colourful and vibrant as the people themselves.
If you as a Kenyan where his home is, he will answer Kazkazini - North. The washing powder on the supermarket shelf can be found at Kusini - South.
The child - Toto, attends school at Mashariki - East and his Father - Baba, works in Magharibi - West The points of the compass are the road maps of East Africa.
The word for the most precious commodity in Africa is Maji - Water - magic I wonder?
Swahili describes African animals with grace, charm and wit. The mischievous, acrobatic tribe of vervet monkeys are known as Tumbili. The small, shy secret bat is Popo. The most volatile animal on Safari is Kiboko, the
hippopotamus. Even the sly, sneaky crocodile - Mamba keeps its distance.
Thousands of zebra - Punda Milia roam the vast plains of the Serengiti and Masia reserves. The big cats Chui and Duma, leopard and cheetah, eke out their solitary, hungry existense among the delightful dainty Swala, gazelle. All fear the approaching Nyani host, enormous males guarding their mates and offspring. The ferocious baboon army is marching to the shade of the trees in the heat of late morning - and no one, man nor beast, gets in their way. But we Mzungu - white folk fear being eaten alive by Wadudu and spend alot of time avoiding contact - Tiresome, nasty bugs.
On the horizon a small family of giraffe are outlined against an evening sky - Twiga graceful giants.
Suddenly, a stone age family are caught unawares. Kifaru na toto, captured in enchanting space and time.
Rhinoceros and baby, the rarest of them all.
Tutuonana Mungu Akipenda - A farewell to Africa - See you again when God wishes.