The Uplifting of Native Language of Kenya under the Influence of Colonial Language Planning

Abstract

Language is one of the prominent resources that should be planned for the sociopolitical wellbeing of a multi-lingual and multi-ethnic country. This research focuses on the language planning of Kenya, a country in Africa. Kenya is a multilingual country which is influenced by the colonialism for a long period of time. The language policy which is followed by Kenya shows and introduction between the native language; Swahili and English. English is the language which is used by the British during pre-coloniallanguage planning of Kenya. The data for the research were gathered through the web site articles about Kenyan language planning and through some research papers of university academic of Kenya. This paper presents the official language planning of Kenya during the pre and post-colonial periods. At present Kenya has two official languages as Swahili and English. As a multilingual and multi ethnic country Kenya has more than sixty two tribal languages like Kikuyu, Luhuyu, and Kalanji. During the pre-colonial time English dominated the language planning of Kenya. [t was used as the medium of education and parliamentary affairs. After the independence native politicians took necessary steps to uplift Swahi[i throughout the country. The first native president of Kenya had introduced Swahili uplifting programs even ordered people to speak Swahili instead of English. Finally Swahili becomes and one of the official languages of Kenya through the constitution of [974. At present Swahili be expanded and intensified throughout the educational system up to university level. Nevertheless the influence of English is remain until today in the status planning of Kenya. Because the making of Swahi[i and English compulsory examination subjects and the use of English in the media with and exception of Swahili. In conclusion, the complexity of Kenya's situation cannot be ignored and it is necessary to continue the uplifting ofSwahili in the status planning of Kenya.