Mother Tongue vs. English: Kenya’s Education Tug-of-War
Kenyan students learn better in their mother tongue, yet English remains the language of power. This linguistic schism damages true learning.
FO Take · Score 25
Kenya’s education system prioritises English, despite clear evidence that mother-tongue instruction improves learning outcomes. This isn’t about global competitiveness; it’s about colonial hangover. We are sacrificing genuine comprehension for linguistic conformity. Why do we persist in devaluing indigenous knowledge systems?
The strongest counter
English proficiency unlocks global opportunities. Prioritising local languages risks isolating students from the broader academic and economic world.
