The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) has announced that textbooks for all learning areas from Pre-Primary 1 (PP1) to Grade 9 are now either available in schools or accessible in the open market. This marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to streamline and enhance the country’s education sector.
In a statement, KICD Chief Executive Officer Charles Ong’ondo revealed that while most textbooks are already in circulation, those for rationalized learning areas at Grade 7 and Grade 8 are scheduled for availability in February 2025. This delay, he explained, was necessary to allow for the correction of errors and the printing process following curriculum adjustments prompted by the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms (PWPER) report, released on August 1, 2023.
Finalization of Grade 7 and Grade 8 Textbooks
The textbooks for specific learning areas such as agriculture, creative arts and sports, and pre-technical studies have been finalized as of December 2024. These materials are currently undergoing final reviews to ensure accuracy and alignment with the rationalized curriculum.
“The learning areas concerned are agriculture, creative arts and sports, and pre-technical studies. The curriculum designs were rationalized in December, so there is no crisis regarding textbooks now or even in 2025,” Ong’ondo affirmed.
He further emphasized that relevant books covering the strands within these areas had already been produced before the rationalization process. For instance, creative arts and sports are supported by materials in physical education, visual arts, and performing arts. Similarly, pre-technical studies include resources for business studies, computer studies, and pre-technical education, while agriculture encompasses textbooks on agriculture and home science.
Government Expenditure on Textbooks
Since 2018, the Kenyan government has invested heavily in ensuring that textbooks are available for learners, spending a total of KSh 51 billion. Of this amount, KSh 47 billion has been paid to publishers, underscoring the administration’s commitment to enhancing the quality of education.
Ong’ondo’s statement sought to dispel any concerns about potential shortages or gaps in the availability of learning materials. “There is no crisis regarding textbooks now or even in 2025,” he assured stakeholders, adding that the existing materials adequately support the current curriculum.
Impact of the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms
The slight delay in finalizing the Grade 7 and Grade 8 textbooks stems from the need to align the curriculum with recommendations from the PWPER report. This rationalization process aimed to eliminate redundancies and ensure that learning areas are appropriately structured to meet educational goals. The rationalization of curriculum designs was completed in December 2024, allowing publishers to begin the production process.
Looking Ahead
While the February 2025 timeline for the new textbooks might seem distant, the KICD is confident that the transitional measures in place will ensure that no learner is disadvantaged. Schools and educators can continue using existing materials that align with the rationalized curriculum until the updated books are distributed.
Ong’ondo’s assurance highlights the government’s proactive approach in addressing potential challenges in the education sector. By investing significantly in textbook production and aligning the curriculum with modern needs, Kenya is setting a strong foundation for its learners.
The education reforms and the rationalization of learning materials represent a broader effort to improve the quality and accessibility of education across the country. As the February 2025 deadline approaches, the KICD and its partners remain committed to ensuring that Kenyan learners have access to the resources they need to succeed in an ever-evolving global landscape.
