This archive report was first published on 29 October 2021.
Published on October 29, 2021, a letter of support emerged for nearly 300 Kenyan nurses who were denied work visas to Britain on account of their dismal performance in written English tests.
The letter, which reflects the sentiments of many Kenyans, questions the fairness of the English language proficiency tests administered to the nurses.
As one writer noted, 'do not die heart, for this is all siasa.' The writer also pointed out that the English language proficiency tests may not be a fair measure of a nurse's ability, given that many English people who came to Kenya in the late 20th century did not know a word of local languages.
The writer also expressed frustration with the idea that the nurses should be tested on their knowledge of English language, saying 'tell these people to stop carrying us ki-malenge, yaani pumpkin! Nurses are educated people, bwana!'
The letter concludes by stating that Kenyans are not dying to go to Britain and that they will still go if they are meant to, regardless of the English language proficiency test.
