For a long time, the Banyala people of Navakholo held a profound longing — to hear the Word of God in their own mother tongue. On March 6, 2026, that yearning was finally answered!

In a landmark celebration of faith and heritage, the community gathered at Navakholo Satellite Grounds to witness the arrival of the first-ever Banyala New Testament, in both print and audio formats.

The journey to translate the Banyala Bible began due to a struggle the Banyala community faced in understanding the word in other Luhya dialects, as the words were different and not easily comprehensible.

The translation work began in 2018 with three translators and a team of reviewers. It has taken eight years of hard work and dedication from the translators and reviewers to bring this New Testament to fruition.

The launch brought together community members, translators, reviewers, members of the management committee, Church leaders and a team from Bible Society of Kenya, who gathered to celebrate this major milestone.

Claire Wanakuta, a reviewer and happy recipient of the Banyala New Testament, noted that “the Lunyala language is sweeter than English”. She read from Psalm 25, verses 1 and 2 in Lunyala, and it sounded like honey to her lips. “She was excited that the Banyala community had received the Testament and urged her fellow community members to read the Bible.

The Chief Guest Speaker, Bishop Isaakha Wawire, noted that the Word of God is a foundation and a guide, that is a lamp unto our feet and light for our paths. He added that it is important to hide the Word of God in our hearts that we may not sin against Him. Bishop Wawire challenged Church leaders to be good examples to the people they lead. He further prayed for them and committed them to God to guide them as they shepherd the flock.

The Bible Society of Kenya General Secretary, Mrs Elizabeth Muriuki, appreciated the Banyala community for working closely with the Bible Society of Kenya to make the day successful. She implored the community to read the word and teach it to their children so that they may grow knowing God from a young age.

This New Testament is an identity preservation for the Banyala community. The translators are continuing to work on the Old Testament, and we are committed to ensuring the community receives the full Bible soon.

The Banyala New Testament is available on the You Version app, where one can simply download and read. We thank our partners and donors for making this project successful.

We thank our partners and donors for making this project successful.