Open to opportunities

John Mwangi

@johnmwangi

I am a detail-oriented Swahili language specialist delivering precise translations and culturally accurate localization.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek roles applying Swahili–English translation, localization, and LQA for global organizations, with collaborative teams, meaningful impact, and opportunities to lead terminology and cross-cultural projects.

I am a detail-oriented, culturally fluent Swahili Language Specialist with over five years' experience in translation, localization, and linguistic quality assurance.

I translate and localize technical, legal, marketing, and media content, and produce high-quality subtitles and transcriptions for films, documentaries, and online courses. I have supported humanitarian organizations and translated educational materials for a UNESCO literacy campaign, and helped localize a mobile banking app used by over 1 million Swahili speakers.

I manage terminology databases, conduct linguistic quality assurance, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure cultural relevance and brand consistency. I deliver accurate work under tight deadlines and aim to join organizations that value impact, quality, and cross-cultural clarity.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Swahili Language Specialist

Current

Kenyatta University

Jan 2024 - Present (1 year 7 months)

Translate and localize technical, legal, marketing, and media content into Swahili, ensuring contextual accuracy and cultural relevance. Lead linguistic quality assurance, manage terminology databases, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to maintain brand consistency.

Swahili–English Translation Localization Content Adaptation Cross Functional Collaboration Cultural Consultancy

Current

Freelance Swahili Translator

Current

Freelance

Jun 2020 - Present (5 years 2 months)

Provided translation, interpretation, and subtitling services for international NGOs, media, and academic clients, delivering urgent crisis-response materials and proofreading over 500,000 words for East African markets. Consistently met tight deadlines while ensuring cultural and linguistic accuracy.

Swahili–English Translation Interpretation Transcription Localization

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

Certificate, Swahili Translation and Localization

Earned a Certificate in Swahili Translation and Localization, covering practical skills in localization and Swahili–English translation.

Makerere University

Bachelor of Arts, Linguistics / Translation Studies

Completed a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and Translation Studies, focusing on translation theory, comparative linguistics, and intercultural communication.