Selection and use of Media in Teaching Kiswahili Language in Secondary Schools in Kenya

This paper describes an investigation into the selection and use of media in teaching Kiswahili Language in secondary schools in Emuhaya, Kakamega County in Kenya. The study was based on a descriptive survey design. The area of study was Emuhaya district, in Kakamega county Kenya. The study population consisted of 22 head teachers, 1333 students and 43 Kiswahili teachers. Saturated sampling was used to select a sample of 20 head teachers, while purposive sampling was used to select a sample of 20 Kiswahili teachers. Simple random sampling was used to select a sample of 400 students. Data was collected by use of questionnaire, document analysis guide and observation schedule, and data was analysed by use of descriptive statistics that included graphs, percentages and frequencies. Various factors were found to influence the use of media in teaching Kiswahili language. The other findings showed that there was inadequate provision of instructional media in schools from which teachers could select for teaching Kiswahili. It also revealed a low frequency use of the few available instructional media during Kiswahili teaching. The study makes recommendation, which if adopted would, increase the selection and use of media in teaching and learning Kiswahili. It also SUGGESTED the establishment of a regional instructional centre and formation of a body called ‘KIVIKI’ (Kituo cha Vifaa Vya Kiswahili) which will plan, produce, avail and evaluate Kiswahili Instructional Media, and lastly it recommended a model from which decision on media selection and use by teachers can be based.