An analysis of the competence in literary criticism among Kenyan secondary school students: a case study of Wareng' district, Uasin Gishu county

Abstract

This paper is based on a study that examined the level of competence in literary criticism among students in Forms Two, Three and Four, based on the skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening in Wareng District of Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. The author argues that students’ exposure to literary knowledge and the competent use of figurative language can enhance performance in literature in Kiswahili and the general performance of the Kiswahili subject. The pragmatic theory, which recognizes that practical approach is the core foundation for building competence in whichever field, which then puts students at the centre of the acquisition of competence’s process, was used. The theory postulates that any system of education that is in place should be reviewed from time to time in order to be at par with the changes that are witnessed in everyday life. Questionnaires were used to collect data. Data from the questionnaires was analysed using a descriptive method and percentages. The findings showed that students had a lower ability in identifying and explaining the meaning and usage of terminologies that are commonly used during the criticism and analyzing of Kiswahili literature text books. This paper makes recommendations on the structures to mitigate the challenge of competency in literary criticism devices among Kenyan secondary school students. Bearing in mind that society thrives by communication, which is achieved by proper use of language, the study generates useful knowledge to teachers, students and scholars in the literary field on the need to come up with ways of improving competence in literary criticism.