HC Deb 21 January 1953 vol 510 cc35-6W
Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many members of the Kenya Administration speak the Kikuyu language.

Mr. Lyttelton

pursuant to his reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 10th December: Vol. 509, c. 451] supplied the following information:

Two members of the Kenya Administrative Service have passed the Kikuyu vernacular examination and a few others have slight knowledge of the language. All administrative officers are required to know Swahili, which is spoken by the majority of the Kikuyu people.

Administrative officers have, in the past, been obliged to pass a higher standard examination in Swahili. In future they will instead have to pass a vernacular examination. Financial incentives are being introduced to encourage officers to take these vernacular examinations early in their service.

In addition, with effect from January, 1953, interpreterships in Kikuyu and other vernaculars, carrying allowances of £50 per annum, are open to officers of all' departments .of the Kenya Government.