The School of Humanities and Social Sciences hosted the 2026 CHAKITA Annual Conference on 12–13 March 2026. Held under the theme Kiswahili na Masuala Mtambuko katika Karne ya 21 (Kiswahili and Cross-Cutting Issues in the 21st Century). The conference brought together leading scholars, students, researchers, publishers and language practitioners from across East Africa to deliberate on the expanding role of Kiswahili in addressing contemporary societal challenges.
The conference was officially opened by Dr. Roselida Awour, Director of Research and Technology in the State Department for Education. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dickson Nyariki, gave an address during the opening ceremony.
Other guests included the Executive Secretary of the East African Kiswahili Commission Dr. Caroline Asiimwe, CHAKITA Chairperson Dr. Fred Simiyu, university management and distinguished scholars from across the region.
The DVC ARSA, Prof. Prisca Tuitoek, in her closing ceremony speech, emphasized the importance of culture and African Languages in socio and economic advancement of the nation.