COMMUNITY
KALENJIN LANGUAGE SCHOOL
Kalenjin Language School is an integral part of the Taunet Nelel community
The Kalenjin people are an ethnic grouping of eight culturally and linguistically related groups or “tribes”: the They have been divided into 11 culturally and linguistically related tribes: Kipsigis, Nandi, Keiyo, Marakwet, Sabaot, Pokots, Tugen, Terik, Sengwer and Ogiek.
Their present-day homeland is Kenya’s western highlands and the Rift Valley. They are spread across Nandi, Uasin gishu, Kericho, Bomet, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Baringo, Trans nzoia, Laikipia and Pokot
These speakers are distributed in different counties in Kenya with many of them concentrated in the former Rift Valley province.
Why are we teaching the Kalenjin language?
- To preserve and promote cultural heritage and identity.
- To strengthen intergenerational transmission of the language.
- To give learners a sense of pride and belonging in their community.
- To prevent language loss and ensure the Kalenjin language continues to thrive alongside global languages like English and Swahili.
Benefits of learning the Kalenjin language
- Cultural identity: Learners develop a deeper understanding of traditions, history, and values.
- Communication: Improves interaction within families, communities, and elders who may prefer or only speak Kalenjin.
- Cognitive benefits: Multilingualism enhances memory, creativity, and problem-solving.
- Opportunities: Opens doors to research, cultural tourism, storytelling, and local leadership roles.
- Social cohesion: Promotes unity and belonging within the Kalenjin community
Long-term goals
- To achieve language revitalization and prevent decline.
- To build a generation of fluent Kalenjin speakers, readers, and writers.
- To integrate Kalenjin into education, media, literature, and digital spaces.
- To foster pride in indigenous languages while balancing global competitiveness.
- To document and standardize the language for future generations
Role of parents and community
- Parents: Speak Kalenjin at home, encourage children to respond in the language, and use it in daily activities.
- Community elders: Share oral traditions, stories, and proverbs to keep cultural wisdom alive.
- Wider community: Create spaces (festivals, church, ceremonies, media) where Kalenjin is actively used.
How are we going to deliver?
Schools: Introduce Kalenjin lessons in the curriculum where possible. Run weekend or evening classes.
Digital platforms: Use apps, social media, and YouTube for wider reach
Storytelling sessions: Encourage oral traditions, songs, and folktales.
Print & media: Publish books, newspapers, children’s stories, and radio programs in Kalenjin.