Let us develop Kiswahili for national use

The new Constitution recognises Kiswahili as official and national language. But the challenge would be how many Kenyans can effectively speak in the language.’

Most public office holders barely understand and speak the language with reasonable proficiency. Most have no regard to Kiswahili grammar. Won’t this amount to setting wanton precedence for flouting the language rules hence miscommunication in the name of developing the code?

To save Kenyans embarrassment from their neighbouring Kiswahili speakers such as Tanzania and Zanzibar, the Government should now start training public officers effective and competent skills of communication in Kiswahili.

Also the Ministry of Education should consider widening the scope of the language learning. Communication skills in Kiswahili should be made a common course for colleges and universities.

Otherwise, this would easily pass as another way of creating communication barrier in public offices.

Maingi Wambui, Nyeri