History Made at the Hills of Chuka: The Launch of the Gichuka New Testament
On October 18, 2025, the history of the Chuka community was rewritten. In a vibrant display of faith and heritage, the Chuka Picnic Grounds (Kwa DC) played host to a momentous occasion: the official dedication and launch of the Gichuka New Testament.
A Day of Pomp and Color The atmosphere was electric as a sea of over 1,000 congregants, community leaders, and dignitaries gathered to witness God "speaking" in the language of the heart. The grounds were alive with the sounds of jubilation, marked by traditional melodies, vibrant attire, and a profound sense of unity. It was not merely a church service; it was a celebration of identity, ensuring that the word of God is preserved for generations to come.
Distinguished Leadership The ceremony was graced by high-ranking clergy who underscored the importance of this spiritual milestone:
- Presiding Minister: The dedication ceremony was solemnly and joyfully presided over by Bishop Dr. Sammy Gitari.
- Chief Guest: We were honored to host the Rt. Rev. Thegu Mutahi, Moderator of the 24th General Assembly of the PCEA Church, whose presence highlighted the national significance of this translation work.
- Keynote Message: The spiritual nourishment for the day was delivered by the Guest Speaker, Rev. Patrick Kirimi of PCEA Magumoni Parish, who delivered a moving sermon on the power of vernacular scripture.
This launch marks a new dawn for the Chuka people, bridging the gap between ancient scripture and local understanding.
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The vision and mission of the Translation Project
Our core mission is to facilitate Bible Translation, Language development and sustainable Literacy programmes among the Chuka People.
We are interdenominational Christian organization, which partners with the Church in order to preach the Good News of Christ through provision of Scriptures.
We believe that people’s lives will be transformed, by the grace of God, when people use the Word of God in the language they understand best.
Gichuka Jesus Film
Launching of the Gichuka Jesus Film on 10th April, 2019 at PCEA Chuka Town Church.
Gichuka Jesus Film
Launching of the Gichuka Jesus Film on 10th April, 2019 at PCEA Chuka Town Church.
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Njĩcũ arũngamia kĩbuubani-English.epub
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Nkoma ageria Njĩcũ-Chuka.epub
From Left, Bishop Sammy Gitari of GCC and our Translation Project Patron Prof. Erastus N. Njoka, during the Dedication Day of the Book of Luke on 28th January 2017.
A woman reading the Scriptures in her own language.
Oral Bible Stories (OBS) Team
This is the team that narrates Bible Stories in Gĩchuka.
Gĩkĩ nĩ gĩkundi kĩa OBS kĩrĩa kĩgonaga ngono cia Kĩrĩkanĩro na rũthiomi rwa Gĩchuka. Kuuma ũmothoː Mercy Kĩthĩnji, Betty Mũtegi, Joseph Mũtuĩri na James Gĩchũrũ.
What is OBS? Watch the video for more information
An elderly man from Ciambaraga, Chuka reading the Gospel of Luke.
Our Past events
Jesus Film Show at Ikuu Market
Dateː Sunday 21st April 2019
Timeː From 6.00 pm
In partnership with KAG Church, Ikuu
Jesus Film Show at PCEA Mũgwe
Dateː Monday 22nd April 2019
Timeː From 6.00 pm
In partnership with PCEA Mũgwe Church
Up to now, the Jesus Film has been shown in the following shopping centresː Mũtũbe, Ndagani, Karandini, Kĩbũgua, Kangũtũ, Kambandi and Werũ.
- About 2,000 people have already watched the film. About 280 souls have received the Lord Jesus Christ as their lord and savior. We give God all the gloryǃ
Launching of the Gichuka Jesus Film
Dedication of the Book of Luke (Saturday 28th January 2017)
International Literacy Day (8th September) every year
This year the International Literacy Day shall be held on Friday 7th September since 8th of September falls on a Saturday.
International Mother Language Day (21st February every year)
To read more about International Mother Language Day, click here.
About Gĩchuka Speakers
The Chuka People are located in Tharaka Nithi County of Kenya. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (2009) Tharaka Nithi County has a total population of 356,330 people (male - 48% and female -52%). Majority of the residents in Tharaka Nithi County comprise the Tharaka, Mwimbi, Muthambi and Chuka. It is not known how many people Speak Gĩchuka language since the National census classified the Chuka among the Meru language cluster. According to ethnologue (1980) the estimated population of the Chuka language speakers was 70,000 and the population was increasing. Today we can project the population of the Chuka People to be about 160,000.
Gĩchuka language is intelligible with the neighbouring languages. Ethnologue places the lexical similarity of Gĩchuka with Embu [ebu] to be 73%, 70% with Gikuyu [kik], 67% with Kimîîru [mer], and 63% with Kikamba [kam].
Location of the Chuka People
Chuka Town is Located on the Eastern slopes Mount Kenya, and it is about 44 Km from Embu Town which is to the South and 54 Km from Meru, which is to the North. The town is mostly an agricultural and business centre hosting several institutions such as Chuka University, and Presbyterian Teachers College – Rubate. Chuka is home to the famous Chuka drummers and dancers troupe.
Map of Chuka
Cultural Heritage
The Chuka community have had a long history of peaceful coexistence with her neighbours namely the Mũthambi to the North, the Tharaka to the East, and the Embu and Mbeere to the South. The myths have it that the Chuka and Tharaka people descended from the same ancestral father called Ciambugi, and his two wives; Ciambandi and Ciangoi. The wives separated and Ciabandi moved eastwards and bore the Tharaka people, while Ciangoi remained behind in Chuka and she bore the Chuka people.
Among the Chuka, male circumcision is still one of the most significant rituals in their culture. This rite of passage transforms a young man into an adult, giving him the right to marry, acquire wealth and property, and make independent decisions. The circumcised men were the ones who were allowed to participate in the Mwĩnjĩro dance.
