The Impact Of Kikuyu Speaking On Performance Of English In Iyiego Location, Kangema Division, Kenya

The performance of English in lyego location, Kangema division, Kenya is way below expectation of the education officials, board of governers, teachers and parents. English is a core subject and compulsory in the Kenyan system of education. It is, therefore, necessary to pass in English for one to be absorbed in the colleges/university or get a job (employment).

Most students, teachers and the family members speak in Kikuyu and have negative attitude towards those who speak in English. The students are abused and thought to be proud. English is looked upon as a foreign language difficult to comprehend (the locals say it came in by ship) signifying that the English came from far and therefore foreign. Most students in this region are peasants. Mother tongue (Kikuyu) is predominantly used, unlike those who live in urban areas and both parents are educated therefore have an
affinity to speak in English. Poverty also plays a big role in enhancing the use of Kikuyu. Coffee is the main cash crop
and is not doing well.Students, teachers and other stakeholders in education lack facilities like libraries, television and newspapers. What is available is scanty.