The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) has released an official addendum listing approved Grade 11 textbooks and literary texts for English and Kiswahili. The list covers literature in English and Fasihi ya Kiswahili, spanning novels, plays, poetry, and reference books from multiple publishers. This move aims to ensure that students and teachers have access to quality and relevant learning materials that align with the curriculum.
The approved materials include a wide range of publishers and authors, with titles categorized under Literature in English, English Language Textbooks, Fasihi ya Kiswahili, and Kiswahili Language Textbooks. Some of the approved English literature materials include "Skill Reference Book on the Study of Written Literature for Senior School Grades 10 and 11" by Malaki Peter Musoba and David Ayieko, and "Expanded Oral Literature" by Florence Wambui.
The list also includes "Oxford HeadStart Written Literature Learner's Book for Grades 10 and 11" authored by Frederick Shitubi, Judith Munyiri, and Judith Oganyo. Prescribed set texts include Henrik Ibsen's "The Master Builder", Austin Bukenya's "The Bible from Africa", and Margaret Ogola's "The River and the Source", all listed as plays. For prose, the list includes Mark Haddon's "The Curious Incident" and Remi Bamisaye's "A Concise of Hope", both listed as novels.
In addition to literature, the KICD has approved English language textbooks for Grade 11, including "Perfect Planet English Learner's Book" and its accompanying Teacher's Guide, both from One Planet. The Fasihi ya Kiswahili section carries 15 approved titles, including tamthilia (drama) works, novels, and poetry. Some of the approved titles include "Fasihi na Lugha" by Bernared Opilo, "Kaza na Nyota" by K.W. Wamitila, and "Ndoto ya Kupaa" by Assumpta K. Matei.
The KICD has emphasized the importance of using only the approved list of textbooks and literary texts, warning that diverging from the list risks undermining the integrity of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) rollout. The institute's council chairman, Simon Gicharu, described the release as a landmark in Kenya's education reform journey, adding that the institute is mandated to evaluate and vet all learning materials to safeguard the quality of education.
The evaluation process for the textbooks and literary texts drew on input from subject experts, university academics, and practising teachers. KICD director and CEO Charles Ochieng' Ong'ondo noted that the materials have been subjected to an evaluation and approval process aimed at ensuring their alignment with the curriculum.
Meanwhile, the Commission for University Education has updated the register of 89 approved universities and university institutions in Kenya. The commission has urged students to check that both their institution and chosen programme are approved before enrolling, as a university's place on the register alone does not guarantee that every course it offers is accredited.
Key points
- The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development has released a list of approved Grade 11 textbooks and literary texts for English and Kiswahili.
- The approved materials include a wide range of publishers and authors, with titles categorized under Literature in English, English Language Textbooks, Fasihi ya Kiswahili, and Kiswahili Language Textbooks.
- The Commission for University Education has updated the register of 89 approved universities and university institutions in Kenya.
