In Kenya, the story of 33-year-old Lona Chepkemoi, mother of five, vividly illustrates the debate over the language of instruction. After failing her final exam in 2008 and lacking funds for secondary school, Chepkemoi thought her dream of becoming a fashion designer was over. But in 2023, thanks to a scholarship from a local member of parliament, she returned to a technical college.
Unlike her previous experiences, Chepkemoi was surprised to find lessons taught partly in Kalenjin – her mother tongue – combined with Swahili and English. “When I entered college, I felt at home because the language of instruction was my mother tongue, completely different from when I was in school where only English was used. The language here is comfortable, and it helps me understand the lessons very well,” she said.
Chepkemoi's story reflects a global reality. According to a UNESCO report, about 40% of learners worldwide are not taught in a language they understand well, with this figure rising to 90% in some low- and middle-income countries.
In Kenya, education policy mandates teaching in the mother tongue in the early primary years (grades 1-3), after which English and Swahili become the main languages. In practice, classrooms often switch languages depending on the region, teacher capacity, and student ability.
Chepkemoi's husband, Philemon Tonui, also attends the same school. Although he completed secondary school, Tonui could not take the final exam due to lack of funds. He shared: “Nothing can compare to learning in your mother tongue. I think if all levels of education were taught in the mother tongue, many more people would succeed academically.”
Ismael Kiplang'at, 28, a construction worker and former student at the same institution, recalled that instructors made an effort to teach in multiple languages to ensure all learners understood. “If education were just boring English classes like before, I wouldn't have been able to pursue my passion and make a living as a builder,” he said. Still, Kiplang'at practices English daily, hoping to pursue higher education and work abroad.
Kenya's education system, like many in Africa, faces a dual challenge: learning is most effective in a familiar language, but English is the key to university education, formal employment, and global opportunities. Shadrack Tonui, chair of the Association of Technical Training Institutions in Kenya, noted: “Generally, English is the main language of instruction. But we need flexibility in using a language learners can understand at lower levels.” He also pointed out that schools bring together students from diverse linguistic backgrounds, making it impossible to use only one local language.
For Kiplang'at, the debate ultimately comes down to one question: understanding. “I wonder why someone in Europe, Asia, or America gets to learn in the language they grew up with, while we have to compete in their language,” he said.
