KICD Bans Encyclopedias, Warns Against Overuse of Revision Books.
The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) has cautioned publishers producing encyclopedias for schools, emphasizing the need to reduce reliance on revision books to ease the pressure on students.
Prof. Charles Ong’ondo, the CEO of KICD, stated that the encyclopedias commonly used in schools add no significant value to learners’ academic growth. He noted that these books impose unnecessary costs on students and their parents.
The KICD will strictly regulate materials not endorsed by the institute, issuing a stern warning to publishers producing such unauthorized books.
He explained that the so-called encyclopedias mix up various subjects, which students have already covered, calling the practice a form of plagiarism. Consequently, these materials should be removed from schools.
Regulation of Revision Books
Prof. Ong’ondo highlighted that the KICD had decided not to approve revision books for learners in Grades 1, 2, and 3.
Approval would be limited to pre-primary, upper primary, junior, and senior schools. He pointed out that publishers had been exploiting the situation by introducing unnecessary revision materials for younger students.
Additionally, any learning resources sourced from outside Kenya will undergo vetting by the KICD to ensure alignment with the country’s curriculum values.
He clarified that compilations of examination papers circulating in the market are not officially approved by the government, though he encouraged the use of endorsed revision and reference books.
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The proliferation of unapproved materials, especially in private schools, is a known issue. Encyclopedias, in particular, do not have KICD’s approval.
Publishers who persist in producing these materials for schools will no longer be eligible for government book supply tenders.
Schools found using unauthorized resources may face penalties, including having their registration status reviewed.
In addressing the Kenya Private Schools Association, Prof. Ong’ondo stressed that teachers could buy additional reference books if they needed more resources.
However, he questioned why parents were being asked to purchase multiple textbooks for the same subject. Instead, he suggested teachers and students use a limited number of complementary reference materials.
Vetting of Foreign Materials
Prof. Ong’ondo reiterated that any educational materials developed outside Kenya would be vetted before being approved for use in schools.
He added that the Directorate of Quality Assurance and Standards, along with the Ministry of Education’s audit function, would be responsible for eliminating rogue publishers and schools from the system.
Commenting on commercial examination materials, Prof. Ong’ondo said these resources undermine the competency-based curriculum (CBC), which discourages excessive emphasis on tests.
He explained that assessment under CBC should enhance the learning experience rather than burden students with unnecessary exams. Materials produced by individuals with no interest in the curriculum should be avoided.
Grade 9 Textbooks Distribution
The KICD chief sought to dispel concerns about delays in distributing Grade 9 textbooks, assuring that contracts had been awarded to successful publishers.
The distribution process will commence on October 22, 2024, with the goal of having all books in schools by December 15, 2024, ahead of the January 2025 school opening.
Prof. Ong’ondo acknowledged ongoing challenges in CBC implementation, particularly in public schools.
While some private schools are excelling, public schools are making strides in using local resources like clay and waste paper to reduce educational costs.
He emphasized that CBC is not inherently expensive and urged parents to provide reasonable resources for their children.
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Commendation for Public and Private Schools
The KICD CEO praised private schools for establishing proper infrastructure for CBC and promoting experiential learning. He noted that many private schools had adopted the correct teaching methods, although public schools excelled in resource utilization.
Additionally, he lauded public schools for assigning appropriate homework, while private schools often overloaded learners with tasks, causing parents to buy ready-made school items, undermining the goal of teaching students practical skills.
KICD Bans Encyclopedias, Warns Against Overuse of Revision Books.
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