The dialectics of language inclusion and exclusion: An analysis of the language factor in the Kenyan constitutional review process

Abstract

In certain contexts, policy and programme interventions aimed at linguistic inclusion could lead to linguistic and other forms of exclusion. As a case in point, the article reports and reflects on the constitutional review process in Kenya and the dialectics of language in this process: the Kenyan constitutional review process was anchored on linguistic inclusion, by allowing the population to participate and offer views in Kenyan languages. This process produced a radical draft constitution hinging on the decentralisation of state power, accountability and participation in governance – ideals at variance with those of the ruling elite. As a counter, the ruling elite pushed their version of a draft constitution, watering down the decentralisation of state power, accountability and participation in governance. As expected, this version was defeated in a plebiscite. The article postulates that there are dialectic relationships between linguistic exclusion and/or inclusion and the exclusiveness and/or inclusiveness of macro-structures of governance in society.