The Ministry of Education in Kenya has started distributing more than 300 approved Grade 11 textbooks to schools, as the country prepares for the transition of current Grade 10 learners to Grade 11 in January 2027. This move is part of the implementation of the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system. The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) has confirmed that it has completed the evaluation and procurement process and is ready to distribute the materials to senior schools.
The approved list of textbooks comprises over 300 books covering various subjects such as Mathematics, English, Kiswahili, French, Agriculture, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, ICT, Home Science, Electricity, and Metal Work. In addition to subject textbooks, the rollout includes Learner’s Books, Teacher’s Guides, literary works, and reference materials designed to support teaching under the CBE system. These materials are expected to enhance the learning experience for students.
The KICD has warned schools, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders against purchasing or using curriculum materials that are not on the approved list. The use of unapproved materials is considered unlawful and may attract legal action under Section 27 of the KICD Act 2013. Teachers have been instructed to ensure that any books they recommend to parents are included in the official KICD-approved “Orange Book”.
The distribution schedule for the textbooks runs until 23 October, pauses for the national examinations, then resumes on weekdays after the exams and continues until 23 December. School principals have been directed to ensure that staff are available to receive the textbooks when they arrive. This is to ensure a smooth distribution process and to avoid any delays.
Schools that miss deliveries or receive mismatched quantities of textbooks must contact KICD by mid-January 2027 for assistance. The ministry has emphasized the importance of adhering to the approved list of textbooks to ensure consistency and quality in education. This move is expected to bring uniformity in the materials used across different schools.
The rollout of the textbooks follows concerns raised by the Kenya Literature Bureau that learning materials worth an estimated Ksh600 million could remain unused due to changes in the CBE curriculum. The KICD has assured that the distribution process will be completed on time, and schools will receive the necessary materials to support the implementation of the CBE system.
The Ministry of Education's effort to provide approved textbooks to schools is a significant step towards enhancing the quality of education in Kenya. With the distribution process underway, schools are expected to receive the necessary materials to support the learning of Grade 11 students. The implementation of the CBE system is expected to improve learning outcomes and prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century.
Key points
- The Ministry of Education has begun distributing over 300 approved Grade 11 textbooks to schools ahead of the 2027 intake.
- The use of unapproved curriculum materials is considered unlawful and may attract legal action under Section 27 of the KICD Act 2013.
- The distribution schedule for the textbooks runs until 23 December, with a pause for national examinations.
