This work investigates the complex sociolinguistic landscape of Kenya, seeking to map the distribution and functional roles of various languages within the nation's post-colonial framework. Wilfred Howell Whiteley, a prominent scholar of African languages, utilizes data gathered through extensive field surveys supported by the Ford Foundation to analyze how language usage intersects with education, administration, and national identity. The text argues that understanding these linguistic patterns is a prerequisite for effective policy-making in a multilingual state. By documenting the prevalence of indigenous languages alongside the influence of English and Swahili, the author provides a foundational analysis of the country's communication dynamics.

Experts recognize this text as a foundational document for understanding the sociolinguistic history of East Africa. Scholars frequently cite the work for its empirical rigor and its role in establishing the baseline for subsequent studies on Kenyan language policy.