Kiswahili is progressively becoming an important language in Kenya, East African region, Africa and the world. In Kenya, Kiswahili is the first official language alongside English and it is the language of wider communication in business, media and community. With the increase in establishment of universities in Kenya, there is need to train highly skilled and competent human resources to meet the ever increasing demand for university academic staff. It therefore befits the education system, especially higher education to train professionals at advanced University levels who will facilitate the implementation and actualization of the Kenya Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals. Furthermore, professionals in various fields of practice like researchers, scholars, teacher educators, media practitioners, publishing, creative writers, and translation professionals require advanced knowledge and skills to tackle societal language challenges and problems. The Doctor of Philosophy in Kiswahili degree programme is designed to fulfill this purpose. The Doctor of Philosophy in Kiswahili programme prepares graduates to take up positions as scholars and researchers in institutions of higher learning, administration and leadership, field-oriented professions, curriculum development institutions, consultancies, language policy and planning and teacher education where high intellectual capacity and research are integral to one‘s professionalism. The programme is envisioned for individuals seeking to advance careers in research institutions, universities, government institutions, teacher training institutions, and publishing firms where in-depth knowledge and practical skills in Kiswahili are crucial. The Doctor of Philosophy in Kiswahili programme integrates theory and practice in Kiswahili scholarship. The language of instruction and the writing of all assignments will be in Kiswahili except where the courses are drawn from other complementing disciplines. The Thesis shall be written in Kiswahili. However, a thesis may be written in English, in exceptional cases, with approval from the Department.