Kenya’s Orma community calls for Afaan Oromo language instruction in schools

The Orma community, residing in Kenya’s Tana River County, reports that it has preserved its language and Oromo identity for over 500 years despite being located more than 2,000 kilometers from Oromia. Descendants of the community assert that their ancestors migrated from Oromia over 540 years ago and have maintained their cultural heritage through generations. Despite facing various social pressures, the community has kept its linguistic ties intact. Elders and representatives of the Orma Council are now actively advocating for the Kenyan government to include the Afaan Oromo language within the national education system. This appeal highlights their continued efforts to protect their cultural heritage within a foreign educational context.