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.
