Kiswahili scholars accuse State of killing language

By Ramadhan Rajab

Kiwahili scholars and lobbyists have come out fighting over Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) decision to make Kiswahili in primary schools optional. Chama cha Kiswahili cha Taifa-Kenya (Chakita-Kenya) Chairman Kimani Njogu termed the move unacceptable, out to undermine efforts of integrating Eastern Africa and driven by people hell bent on perpetuating colonialism.

"We are greatly disturbed by the policy that is subversive to nationhood and public interests, and at no given time will we accept the direction, as it undermines efforts made in nurturing Kiswahili," Prof Njogu told journalists. He called on the Education ministry to revoke the directive as a matter of urgency, even after KNEC made a hasty draw back on Wednesday.

According to a circular written on October 15, last year, addressed to all primary school heads, the examinations council directed that pupils would have to chose between Kiswahili and sign language, which has been introduced as an examinable subject at Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE).

"Candidates will be expected to take either Kiswahili or Kenya Sign Language but not both," the circular signed by KNEC boss Paul Wasanga says in part.

But Mr Wasanga has since retracted the direction after scholars protested at the radical move just days after it took effect, saying it only targets pupils with hearing impairment. But the scholars would hear none of it. "We know the way things are done in Kenya and we cannot be hoodwinked by Wasanga’s statement that only students with difficulties in hearing would be allowed to choose between the two. If that was the case, the circular could have been specific and addressed to those head teachers in schools catering for special needs. Why was it posted to every school head? Its intention is clear and out to derail growth of the language," Njogu said adding the council should revoke the directive in public.

Social Integration

Dr Raya Timamy from the Department of Linguistics at the University of Nairobi and Chakita member said:

"Besides being a national language, we are promoting it across the region and we cannot allow people to downgrade it. Kiswahili is a pillar of social integration, creates job opportunities as well a mover to our trade, and we cannot just wish it away if we are really keen on developing our nation." She argued that even making it optional to those with hearing disability was not acceptable, as it will further push them away from the community where Kiswahili is the acceptable language of communication.