Use local languages, insists minister

Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi (right), Education Principal Secretary Dr Belio Kipsang (Centre) and KNEC Chairman Prof Kabiru Kinyanjui during the release of 2013 KCSE examinations results at Mitihani House. Prof Kaimenyi said the use of local languages in the formative stages of child development was critical and had scientifically been proven to be productive. PHOTO/EVANS HABIL

What you need to know:

  • The ministry further said it would not rescind the directive.
  • Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi said the use of local languages in the formative stages of child development was critical and had scientifically been proven to be productive.
  • Prof Kaimenyi said Malaysia and India were typical examples.
  • Last week, teachers opposed the policy, saying it was not only difficult to implement but also retrogressive.

All primary schools must start teaching in local languages in lower classes, the Education ministry said Monday.

The ministry further said it would not rescind the directive.

It maintained that the recently issued directive for schools to start teaching in the mother tongue under a new language policy must be implemented.

Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi said the use of local languages in the formative stages of child development was critical and had scientifically been proven to be productive.

“Learning theories backed by research indicate that the use of local languages as a medium of instruction in the formative years offers many advantages because it ensures smooth transition from the home to the school environment for first time school-goers,” said Prof Kaimenyi when he released the 2013 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education exam results Monday.

The Sessional Paper of 2012, which was made public last week, says: “The language of the catchment area (mother tongue) shall be used for child care, pre-primary education and in the education of lower primary children).”

The minister dispelled claims that such a policy was retrogressive, noting that local language use had been there over the years and was adopted after being recommended in 1976 by the National Committee of Education Objectives and Policies, commonly referred to as the Gachathi Commission.

“To clear any doubt, I would like to state that the language policy outlined in the media reports is not new.

This has been in use for early childhood development education, pre-primary education and education in lower primary (classes One and Two) as the medium of instruction,” said Prof Kaimenyi.

“Most of the concepts introduced at the lower primary level are a continuation of activities that form part of the child’s play environment.

As such, the child learns from the known to the unknown, and new concepts are easier to grasp when taught in the local language,” he said.

The Cabinet Secretary criticised those opposing the decision, saying it is a fact that other Third World countries that had embraced learning based on their local languages had witnessed tremendous social and economic growth.

Prof Kaimenyi said Malaysia and India were typical examples.

“The issue of language should not therefore be viewed out of context,” he said.

Last week, teachers opposed the policy, saying it was not only difficult to implement but also retrogressive.

Kenya National Union of Teachers and Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers officials asked the ministry to suspend the policy and consult teachers before implementing it.