| dc.description.abstract | This article investigates the treatment of English and Indigenous languages in the context of postcolonial
language policies in Kenya, utilizing Critical Discourse Analysis as its primary
methodological approach. Focusing on the integration of English and Indigenous languages in
critical domains such as education, research, and administration, this study unveils a nuanced
portrayal of the government's language policy. Four language policy documents were purposively
selected. These are the Presidential Working Party on Education and Manpower (Kamunge 1988),
the Kenyan Constitution of 2010, The National Curriculum Policy (2018), and The Basic
Education Curriculum Framework (2017). Using checklists, key policy recommendations were
extracted and analyzed using Fairclough’s Three-Dimensional Model. The study revealed that the
underlying hierarchies between English and Indigenous languages embedded in official policy
documents. This suggests a paradoxical dynamic which despite the overarching goal of promoting
linguistic diversity, biases persist in favor of English. This study recommends a proactive
governmental strategy to enhance practical value and benefits awareness of Indigenous languages,
advocating their greater exposure and representation in official language policy documents. This
approach corresponds with wider initiatives to address historical disparities in post-colonial
settings, acknowledging Indigenous languages as essential not only for communication but also as
crucial carriers of cultural legacy and identity. It highlights the real benefits of integrating
Indigenous languages across various sectors, proposing a definitive approach to a more equitable
language policy that genuinely represents Kenya's unique linguistic landscape. This study provides
essential insights for politicians and educators to promote inclusive language policies in analogous
post-colonial contexts. | en_US |
