THE REPORT OF THE MJADALA PROGRAM WHICH WAS HELD ON
SATURDAY 17/05/2025 AT ST. SCHOLASTICA CATHOLIC SCHOOL.
The Mjadala program started very well with the facilitator who was Md. Elizabeth Shanyisa
from Nover Pioneer. She is among the founders of THE DEBATE CIRCLE that conducts
mjadala and debates in Kenya in junior schools , senior schools and universities.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR MJADALA:
She gave the meaning of a mjadala. (debate)
First, one needs to understanding the topic given, look for the vocabularies to be used and also to
put into considerations the National Goals of Education.
Here, students need to carry out research in order to understand the given topic to be debated.
Each debater from both sides(students selected for debate contest), that is opposers and proposers
must have ten strong points to defend the motion. Among the ten points, each side to present at
least five or six points with strong references and evidences.
CRITERIA FOR AWARDING OF SCORES DURING DEBATE CONTEST:
1. Knowledge of the topic of the debate.
The debaters must define the terms or vocabularies used in the given topic to be debated. The
definition must relate to the debate and what they are supposed to present before the audience
and judges. If debaters are day scholars, the teacher must give them the topic to reach at home
while border, are taken to computer room to research
The debaters must be fully aware of the topic of the motion before the contest day.
2. The research.
The debaters are supposed to cite references of their research and findings. If the debtor will use
other people’s names for example Ruto said, he or she must present valid evidences of his or her
research. Strong evidences are found in books, magazines, on podcasts ,on television and Radio
news. If the evidence is from television news, the debaters must cite the date ,the time and the
name of the reporter or the news anchor.
3. The language to be used.
The debaters from both sides are required to use Kiswahili sanifu in the presentation before
judges and audiences. They are supposed to use simple vocabularies but not difficult terms. They
1
are to follow rules of Kiswahili Sanifu language. Local languages such as kikamba, Kikuyu
among others together with Lugha ya Sheng are not allowed on stage.
4. Mode of presentation
The debaters are supposed to have strong points to oppose or propose the motion. They are also
required to allow participation of audiences and judges during presentation. This is achieved
through the use of questioning sessions and use of rhetorical questions.
5. The debaters' courage and boldness.
The debaters must be bold and courageous during presentation and defending of their views.
This is very important throughout the motion. Being shy in stage leads to poor scores.
Debaters must convince the judges and audiences. This is achieved through their research
findings about the motion. Referencing is very important. The debaters must be courageous
throughout the motion.
** Debate club comprises of Kiswahili and English . The teachers here are supposed to
organise learners who are to participate in any debate contest. For a club to be functional, the
debaters are supposed to be taken out like other clubs in order to learn new thing and the club to
become active and meaningful. Also, it is important to invite resource person to the debate
club.
Also, it is important to invite other students from other schools for a friendly debate match.
The debaters in any schools are supposed to meet severally like 2 to 3 times in a week.
THE BODY OF THE MJADALA :
There are three speakers from both sides to contest amongst themselves.
The 1st speakers from both sides.
They are given 3 mins each for presentation, that is 9 minutes in total.
They are to define the terms used in the topic of the motion given. The first speakers are to
highlight the points that will be discussed throughout the debate motion process. After the
definition and points highlight, they are to go direct to their stand that is opposing or proposing
the motion. The first speaker is expected to be bold and courageous. He or she is supposed to
start at a very high pace. The first speaker must be strongest of all the other speakers.
The second speakers from both side.
2
They are given 3 mins each for presentation, a total of 9 minutes. The debaters here are to defend
two or three views or points from their sides. He or she must start at a very high pace to set a
good background for awarding by judges.
The Questioning session
Immediately after the second speakers are done with presentation, the floor is opened for
questions. The questions might come from audiences, from the other contestants or the judges
themselves. This session takes only 1 minute.
The third speaker
The third debaters are given three minutes each, a total of 9 minutes. First, he or she is supposed
to answer the questions asked by audiences, judges or other contestants. He or she has to give
the summary of the points discussed throughout the motion period. Also, he or she has the
chance to add other points from their group if they were left out by earlier speakers.
Note: Preferably, it is good for the third speaker to be chosen as the first speaker. Why? Because
he or she has enough time to prepare for the summary as other speakers are presenting. In other
cases, the teacher might choose among the three on who to summarise.
Note: It is difficult for one speaker to present three points in three minutes. It is good for the
group to have the organisation of how and who to present the points.
Note: A good debate is required to take at least 34 minutes. That is why 1st speakers are given 9
minutes,2nd 9 minutes ,questions 1 minute and Thurs speaker 9 minutes . A total of 34 minutes.
Note: It’s is good to include both gender in a mjadala if it is a mixed school. Why? Because our
society is full of inclusivity.
The teacher who is the facilitator, is supposed to teach the debaters how to say or go about the
entire motion. Even if it is in English ,he or she is supposed to translate to Kiswahili so that
debaters may understand what to say or what to do.
It is easier to prepare public speakers, then use them as debaters. Carry out a graduation
process as you choose the speakers. Motivate them where necessary.
Points to note:
For a school to prepare for a debate contest, it has to put into considerations : The National
Goals of Education, the upcoming contemporary issues in the society , learners’ talents and
skills, environment, technology, the system of education, the culture and traditions, parental
3
involvement in drama and music in schools, gender issues, safety of students among other issues
relates to students in society.
Cluster debate motions
Zonals to be held on 5th June,2025
Finals to be held on 21st June 2025.
Registration of schools by 23rd May,2025.
Motions to be sent to the registered schools on 26th May,2025.
The schools to register early so as to get the motions very early.
