ISSN: 2222-6990
Open access
Despite the various efforts to enable Kiswahili usage in Information and Communication
Technologies (ICT), users of Kiswahili language in ICT have continued to face various challenges.
This paper discusses the various challenges that face Kiswahili usage in ICT in two New
Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) sponsored schools in Kenya that use Microsoft
software’s: Chavakali and Maranda Boy’s secondary schools. This study is guided by a model
developed from a combination of two theories: Use and Gratification theory and Symbolic
Interaction theory. Data from the two schools are analyzed using qualitative and quantitative
analysis. The Data for this work came from 120 students selected through random sampling and
8 teachers of Kiswahili selected through saturated sampling technique. From the analysis of the
responses from the study it is evident that Kiswahili usage in ICT is faced by various challenges.
Major challenges included negative attitude towards Kiswahili language, difficult technological
terms, limited number of those using Kiswahili in ICT, wrong usage of Kiswahili in ICT, English
preference and limited research work written in Kiswahili in the internet. Others were limited
Kiswahili programs, being forced to use correct Kiswahili, and Kiswahili not being accepted by
English programs. The study notes that these challenges need to be addressed. Therefore,
recommendations are made on how to overcome the challenges.
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