Language Planning and Policy in Kenya

This book is an attempt of a survey of language attitudes in urban Kenya and has mainly focused on Nairobi, Kisumu and Mombasa. The problem that this book seeks to address is the place of attitudes in the process of language policy formulation and language planning in Kenya and particularly in relation to the development of education, communication and overall national development.This book defines language attitudes as reactions to language. By broad definition, such reactions are either positive or negative. The objective of this book is to highlight and discuss attitudes of urban Kenyans towards language in Kenya. This concern has arisen out of realization that language attitudes in many African countries are a central element in language policy, language use and language planning. The book has shown that a majority of Kenyans have positive attitudes towards English for instrumental reasons while those who have positive attitudes towards Kiswahli,Sheng,Engsh and mother tongue are driven by integrative reasons.The book is suitable for all students and teachers of language planning and language policy besides government language planners and policy makers.