Use of Mother Tongue as a Language of Instruction in Early Years of School to Preserve the Kenyan Culture

Abstract

In many communities in Kenya, mother tongue was the language of instruction used to impart indigenous education in children. It was also used to transmit and preserve culture from generation to generation. Language policy states that mother tongue should be used as language of instruction in early years of school to preserve the Kenyan culture and to ensure smooth transition from home to school. Despite the policy being in place, it is yet to be implemented in many schools due to several factors. This paper presents results from a study that was conducted in three rural districts in Kenya to establish whether mother tongue was being used as the language of instruction in early years of school and the key factors affecting its use.