Influence of Information Literacy Skills Policies on Kiswahili Language Instruction in Kenya: A Case of Fourth-Year Kiswahili Students at Lukenya University
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Date
2025
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Eastern Africa Journal of Contemporary Research (EAJCR)
Abstract
Information literacy skills (ILS) have emerged as a critical competence in the knowledge
economy, essential for academic success and lifelong learning. In the context of language
training, especially in Kiswahili—a national and official language in Kenya—information
literacy skills play a pivotal role in enhancing students’ engagement with linguistic, literary,
and cultural resources. This paper examines the influence of information literacy skills
policies on Kiswahili language instruction at Lukenya University, a case of fourth-year
Kiswahili students as a case study. The ability to identify information needs and formulate
them as researchable questions in Kiswahili, search for information from a variety of
sources, such as databases, digital repositories, and Kiswahili texts, and interpret and
synthesize information using suitable Kiswahili grammar and vocabulary are all made
possible by information literacy skills. This improves their critical thinking skills and
linguistic ability, particularly in academic writing and communication. The research
investigates the extent to which ILS policies have been implemented, their impact on
pedagogical practices, and how they influence students' academic performance and
research capabilities. A mixed-methods approach involving questionnaires, interviews,
and document analysis was employed. The findings reveal that while IL skills policies exist,
their implementation is inconsistent, affecting students’ ability to effectively engage with
Kiswahili academic content. The study recommends institutionalizing comprehensive ILS
programs integrated into the Kiswahili curriculum and fostering collaboration between
academic departments and libraries to support language learning.
Keywords: Information Literacy Skills; Language Training; Kiswahili; Policy
Implementation; Higher Education; Kenya, Academic Libraries
Description
Research
Keywords
FORESTRY, AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES and LANDSCAPE PLANNING::Area economics::Information science