Education CS Ogamba Launches Grade 9 Textbooks Distribution.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has initiated the nationwide distribution of textbooks for Grade 9 learners, alongside those for the newly rationalized learning areas in Grades 1 to 6.
This move aligns with the Ministry of Education’s commitment to maintaining the one-to-one textbook-to-learner ratio in all Kenyan schools.
During the launch at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) on Wednesday, Ogamba stated the government’s dedication to providing sufficient teaching and learning resources for every learner.
The materials being distributed include both a Learner’s Book and the accompanying Teacher’s Guide, with the KICD evaluating the course materials in April 2024.
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The ministry has adopted a two-book approach, giving schools the option to choose from different publishers. Eighteen publishers were contracted to produce textbooks for Grade 9.
The CS emphasized that both public and private schools must only use books approved by KICD.
Curriculum Review and Alignment
Following a curriculum review earlier in the year, the Ministry of Education revised textbooks to ensure they align with the new curriculum designs.
The Permanent Secretary (PS) for Education, Dr. Belio Kipsang, reiterated the ministry’s commitment to providing quality, inclusive education, training, and research across Kenya.
Simon Gicharu, Chairperson of the KICD Council, highlighted that the textbooks meet the established curricula goals and standards, including relevance, accuracy, quality, and inclusivity.
He explained that these materials will help nurture learners’ potential and foster an ethical society.
KICD CEO, Prof. Charles Ochieng’ Ong’ondo, added that the materials were developed following recommendations by the Working Party on Education Reforms (PWPER).
These resources aim to aid the teaching-learning process, assisting learners in acquiring essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes to build the required competencies.
Distribution and Reporting Process
The Ministry of Education is procuring 1,000,000 Learner’s Books and 24,000 Teacher’s Guides for each Grade 9 learning area.
The distribution will take place from 23rd January to 3rd March 2025. Schools encountering discrepancies in book deliveries are advised to report to the Sub County Education office.
Sub County Education offices are tasked with addressing any delivery discrepancies and rationalizing book distribution among schools within their jurisdiction.
These offices are required to submit distribution status reports to the Ministry of Education by 31st January 2025.
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The textbooks have been thoroughly evaluated to ensure they support teachers in delivering the curriculum as intended. A comprehensive list of approved materials and curriculum designs for all learning areas up to Grade 9 is available on the KICD website.
Additionally, KICD has been working with stakeholders to develop curriculum designs for Grade 10. Once finalized, the Ministry will ensure the timely development and approval of relevant textbooks to support learners’ needs efficiently.
Education CS Ogamba Launches Grade 9 Textbooks Distribution.