In a remarkable transformation, the village of Mitahato, nestled in the Githunguri Sub County of Kiambu County, Kenya, has embraced the French language with extraordinary enthusiasm. What began in 2018 with a vision by Chris Mburu has blossomed into a community where even the youngest residents converse fluently in French.

Mitahato's metamorphosis is a captivating sight. As you wander through the village, the lilting sounds of French fill the air. Children, youths, women fetching water, and vendors selling vegetables all engage in effortless conversations in a language typically associated with France and other Francophone nations. This linguistic phenomenon sets Mitahato apart, making it a unique enclave where French thrives in an unexpected corner of Kenya.

The story of Mitahato's French immersion began with Chris Mburu, a native of the village and a Harvard Law School graduate. Inspired by a visit to a small town in France, Mburu envisioned transforming his home village into a French-speaking community. Driven by his belief in the power of language to open minds and create opportunities, Mburu established the Mitahato French Village library in his childhood home. Painted in the colors of both the Kenyan and French flags, the library initially lacked books but quickly became a symbol of Mburu's ambitious vision.

With the support of French-speaking friends and colleagues, Mburu stocked the library with books and resources. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when schools closed, parents encouraged their children to attend the library. Although initially unable to understand French, the children were taught by a local youth, starting with songs and poems. The library soon became a vibrant community hub, attracting over 100 children regularly.

Today, French lessons at the Mitahato French Village library are free, and schools from across the country visit to learn the language. Josephat Njihia, a French teacher at Mitahato Primary, shares that children are particularly drawn to French because they want to stand out with an extra language. Caroline Nyakio, a student at SSP Embu, expresses her excitement about learning French, recognizing its potential as a source of employment opportunities worldwide.

Mitahato's embrace of French has not only transformed its linguistic landscape but has also fostered a deep connection with the global Francophone community. The village proudly displays flags from 93 countries, each representing a member nation of the Francophone family. Salutations like Bonjour and Bonsoir are commonly exchanged, and the village recently hosted a delegation from the French Embassy, conducting the entire event in French.

Mitahato's story is a testament to the power of vision, community, and the transformative potential of language. It is a story of how a small village in Kenya, inspired by one man's dream, has become a unique center of French language and culture, fostering opportunities and connections for its residents.