Oral Literature: A Senior Course (Forms 3 and 4)

Oral Literature: A Senior Course is a secondary school literature textbook intended for Forms 3 and 4 (or S3/S4) under the 8‑4‑4 system in Kenya (and used in neighbouring East African curricula). The authors—Austin Bukenya, Muigai wa‑Gachanja, and Jane Nandwa—draw from African oral traditions (folktales, proverbs, myths, legends, songs, riddles etc.) to explore the features, functions, performance and aesthetics of oral literature. The book aims not only to teach students what oral literature is and examples of it, but also how to analyse and appreciate oral genres, understand their social/cultural relevance, performance context, and language use. It includes texts (in full or excerpt), discussion questions, performance tasks, comparative work, and guidance on writing essays or exam responses.