Kenya’s new curriculum could boost the use of mother tongues quite significantly.Firstly, the methodology itself is likely to affect language use. The curriculum is designed to build learner capacities by putting pupils at the centre of learning activities.

This implies the use of language to name things, to discuss with the teacher and fellow pupils. Majority of lower primary school pupils usually join school with their mother tongues and this is the only resource they have to negotiate ideas.

The use of mother tongues to do this makes a great deal of sense. And also suggests that using English at grade one for children in rural and other areas is inappropriate.Secondly, new various languages have been published to meet the demands of the new curriculum.

At Kisii University recently, a publisher launched literacy books in Ekegusii, the predominant language in both Kisii and Nyamira counties. Materials for other indigenous languages for use in the new curriculum are being developed.

The publication of literacy materials promises a rebirth of the use of these languages in the school system. This might help preserve many local languages from extinction.

There could be broader benefits to society too.Firstly, children will have an opportunity to acquire and develop their mother tongues. Very early introduction to second languages is in some cases to blame for the poor language mastery of most young people – they do not know any of the languages they speak competently.

Secondly, it will improve early literacy outcomes in primary schools. Recent research indicates that majority of pupils entering grade four have literacy skills below expectations.

Researchers attribute this to premature introduction of pupils, especially from rural areas and informal settlements-into the English medium Thirdly, the new curriculum provides for the study of indigenous languages as career subjects later on.

This implies that learning the languages might be sources of employment like in working as interpreters, book writers, teachers and as linguists.

Fourth, it will make Kenya a truly multilingual society. Contrary to arguments about many languages breeding tribalism, a country with a multilingual and multicultural ethos is a truly cohesive society; the population grows to appreciate others as different and not as good or bad.

Finally, counties might consider making some indigenous languages as additional official languages.  

Kenya’s new curriculum could boost the use of mother tongues quite significantly.Firstly, the methodology itself is likely to affect language use. The curriculum is designed to build learner capacities by putting pupils at the centre of learning activities.

This implies the use of language to name things, to discuss with the teacher and fellow pupils. Majority of lower primary school pupils usually join school with their mother tongues and this is the only resource they have to negotiate ideas.

The use of mother tongues to do this makes a great deal of sense. And also suggests that using English at grade one for children in rural and other areas is inappropriate.Secondly, new various languages have been published to meet the demands of the new curriculum.

At Kisii University recently, a publisher launched literacy books in Ekegusii, the predominant language in both Kisii and Nyamira counties. Materials for other indigenous languages for use in the new curriculum are being developed.

The publication of literacy materials promises a rebirth of the use of these languages in the school system. This might help preserve many local languages from extinction.

There could be broader benefits to society too.Firstly, children will have an opportunity to acquire and develop their mother tongues. Very early introduction to second languages is in some cases to blame for the poor language mastery of most young people – they do not know any of the languages they speak competently.

Secondly, it will improve early literacy outcomes in primary schools. Recent research indicates that majority of pupils entering grade four have literacy skills below expectations.

Researchers attribute this to premature introduction of pupils, especially from rural areas and informal settlements-into the English medium Thirdly, the new curriculum provides for the study of indigenous languages as career subjects later on.

This implies that learning the languages might be sources of employment like in working as interpreters, book writers, teachers and as linguists.

Fourth, it will make Kenya a truly multilingual society. Contrary to arguments about many languages breeding tribalism, a country with a multilingual and multicultural ethos is a truly cohesive society; the population grows to appreciate others as different and not as good or bad.

Finally, counties might consider making some indigenous languages as additional official languages.