The High Court in Kakamega has rejected a petition seeking to allow Kiswahili and indigenous languages as alternative teaching languages in schools. Justice Stephen Mbungi delivered the judgment, dismissing a case filed by education rights advocate Ernest Achesa Makhambala.

Makhambala wanted learners from Grade 4 to Grade 12 to have the option of studying and sitting examinations in Kiswahili or their mother tongues. He argued that relying on English disadvantages children who are less familiar with the language, particularly those in rural communities.

The judge ruled that although the Constitution requires the promotion of indigenous languages, it does not make their use compulsory in every school. He also found that the petitioner had not proved that the current policy violated children's right to education.

The decision does not ban mother-tongue teaching. Schools can still use local languages during early learning where reasonably practicable. English remains the main language of instruction from Grade 4 under the existing education framework.

Makhambala has indicated that he intends to appeal the decision. For now, Kenya's current language policy in schools remains unchanged.