Nairobi: 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 of the English Language Professional Association of Kenya, Otieno Odhiambo, they urged for the training and hiring of more teachers for the subject.
According to Kenya News Agency, during a stakeholders meeting at Zetech University, Mang'u Campus, the professionals highlighted that the shortage has resulted in a heavy workload for the few English teachers in most schools across the country. Odhiambo emphasized the importance of English as a compulsory subject in the curriculum and advocated for the hiring of highly trained teachers to prioritize its instruction.
Odhiambo noted that many schools have fewer than five trained English teachers responsible for a large number of students, leading to teacher overload. He pointed to the government's policy on 100 percent transition and the construction of more schools as factors exacerbating the situation. Some teachers are overwhelmed with up to 28 lessons a week, which he described as excessive.
He also expressed concern over the low number of university students pursuing a Bachelor of Education in English, encouraging more students to consider the field due to market demand. The Association's Secretary, Rukia Mohammed, highlighted challenges in rural areas where English instruction is hindered by learners' preference for vernacular languages. She advocated for policy changes allowing English instruction in vernacular languages in lower classes to enhance comprehension and academic performance.
The professionals recommended refresher courses to help teachers adapt to changing technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence, and address emerging issues such as mental health. Zetech University Vice Chancellor Prof. Njenga Munene emphasized the need for increased stakeholder engagement to tackle the challenges faced by English language professionals, suggesting that more can be done to respond to technological changes and the evolving nature of languages.