Speaking during a public discussion, the respected judge explained that her upbringing largely shaped the languages she became comfortable using while growing up.
According to Justice Ndung’u, her family primarily communicated in English and Kiswahili during her childhood, leaving little room for her to fully learn and practice her native language at home.
She explained that her parents, like many Kenyan parents at the time, strongly believed that emphasizing English would provide their children with better educational and professional opportunities in the future.
As a result, English became the dominant language in daily communication, while local languages received less attention within the household environment.
The judge noted that although she understands aspects of her mother tongue, she struggles to speak it fluently because she did not regularly use it during her formative years.
Her remarks resonated with many Kenyans, especially those raised in urban settings where English and Kiswahili are often more commonly spoken than traditional community languages.
Justice Ndung’u observed that many children growing up in towns and cities today face similar challenges, with some understanding their native languages but lacking confidence in speaking them fluently.
Following her comments, many Kenyans on social media shared comparable experiences, saying they too grew up in multilingual environments or attended schools where English was heavily encouraged at the expense of indigenous languages.
The discussion also sparked broader conversations about preserving African languages and cultural identity. Some commentators argued that local languages remain an important part of heritage and family identity and should continue being passed down to younger generations.
Others encouraged parents to strike a balance between teaching children international languages and preserving native languages within the home environment.
Despite her language struggles, Justice Ndung’u emphasized that she remains proud of her heritage and cultural background. She urged Kenyans not to judge individuals based on the languages they speak, noting that personal upbringing and educational environments often shape linguistic abilities.
Many people praised the judge for openly discussing a sensitive issue that affects many Africans but is rarely addressed publicly.
Observers say her story has helped normalize conversations around language identity, cultural transitions, and the impact of urbanization and modern education systems on indigenous languages.
Justice Njoki Ndung’u continues to be regarded as one of Kenya’s most respected legal figures, with many describing her reflections as both honest and relatable to a generation navigating multiple cultural identities.