Abstract:
This study investigated kinds of extensive reading materials and their influence on learners’
language skills in language classrooms in Kenya. It scrutinized the kinds of reading materials
that learners are exposed to in language classrooms and how they influence their language
skills. The target population was the teachers and learners of English language in secondary
schools in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. Purposive sampling techniques were used to select
four secondary schools in Eldoret Municipality to participate in the study by giving
information through language tests, focus group discussions and interview schedules. All the
form three students in the four sampled secondary schools participated in language tests.
Twelve students were purposively chosen to participate in focus group discussions and one
teacher of English from each of the four sampled schools participated in the interview
schedule. Descriptive techniques were used in the analysis of the data collected. It was
concluded that secondary schools in Kenya, did not have reading materials that motivated
learners to read extensively. It was recommended that, the Ministry of Education should set
up network systems that will assist learners’ access plenty and varied reading materials.
