Abstract

This study focuses on Kiswahili as an intercultural communication tool that bridges the gap of language barrier in the diverse Rift Valley of Kenya It aims to investigate the relevance of a cross-cultural language on interrelationships among people from diverse cultural sub-sets in the Rift Valley and to evaluate the role of Kiswahili in enhancing intercultural relations and strengthening national ethos in the region Quantitative data are collected through questionnaires and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences SPSS The narrative analytical approach is used to investigate how people live their intercultural experiences when utilizing a common language Through theory triangulation the study is supported by the Alternation Model as the applicable model to explain the lived experiences in a cosmopolitan society backed by the respondent s opinion The study establishes that language difference results in tense intercultural relations among the co-cultures illustrated by discrimination intimidation social exclusion biased acceptance and stereotyping