English language professionals have decried a huge shortage of English teachers in the country saying if not addressed, it will affect the growth of the language in the country.
Led by the Chairman, English Language Professional Association of Kenya, an umbrella body for teachers of English in the country, Otieno Odhiambo, they said more teachers for the subject should be trained and hired.
Speaking during a stakeholders meeting at Zetech University, Mang’u Campus, the professionals said the shortage has led to a huge workload of the few teachers of English in most schools in the country.
Odhiambo said English being an important language in the country and a compulsory subject in the curriculum should be given priority and highly trained teachers hired.
He pointed out that most schools have less than five trained English teachers taking charge of the many students, leading to the overload.
“English being a compulsory subject, coupled with the government’s policy on 100 percent transition as well as the construction of more schools has made the situation worse. The few teachers of English are always overloaded. Some will teach 28 lessons in a week, which is too much,” said Odhiambo.
He at the same time raised concern over the few university students pursuing Bachelors of Education, English option, encouraging more students to pursue the subject due to market demands.
The Association’s Secretary Rukia Mohammed said teaching in English in the rural remote areas has been a challenge as most learners are comfortable with their vernacular languages.
She advocated for policy change where learners in the lower classes can be taught English in their vernacular for easier comprehension so as to improve academic performance.
“Learners in the rural areas are always disadvantaged when learning in English. We advocate the need to mix the language for easier comprehension,” said Rukia.
The teachers recommended refresher courses to empower teachers to adapt with the changing technologies especially Artificial Intelligence and other emerging issues including mental health.
Zetech University Vice Chancellor Prof. Njenga Munene called for increased stakeholder engagements so as to address the challenges that the professionals face.
He said more can be done to respond to the new technological changes and the dynamism of languages.
By Muoki Charles
