KICD Confirms No Textbook Crisis in Kenya.
The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) has addressed concerns about the availability of textbooks, assuring the public that learning materials are accessible for all grades.
The institution emphasized that there is no crisis regarding textbooks for learners across the curriculum.
KICD Chief Executive Officer Charles Ong’ondo reported that textbooks for all learning areas from PP1 to Grade 9 are either already in schools or available on the open market.
He explained that textbooks for rationalized learning areas at Grades 7 and 8 had been finalized in December 2024.
These books, he noted, are set to be available in schools and markets starting February 2025 after undergoing corrections and printing by publishers.
Significant Investment in Learning Materials
Ong’ondo highlighted that the country has invested Sh51 billion in textbooks, with Sh47 billion paid to publishers since 2018.
He elaborated that the rationalized learning areas include agriculture, creative arts and sports, and pre-technical studies.
He reassured stakeholders that the rationalized curriculum designs were completed in December, ensuring the availability of appropriate materials now and in the future.
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KICD clarified that relevant textbooks already exist for the learning areas affected by the rationalization process.
Ong’ondo explained that creative arts and sports are covered by books on physical education, visual arts, and performing arts.
Pre-technical studies are supported by books on pre-tech, business studies, and computer studies, while agriculture is addressed by books on agriculture and home science.
These materials, he stated, sufficiently cover all the required strands.
Delay Due to Curriculum Rationalization
The slight delay in finalizing Grade 7 and 8 textbooks arose from the curriculum rationalization prompted by the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms (PWPER) report, released on August 1, 2023.
Following this report, the curriculum designs were adjusted by December 2024 to align with the recommended reforms.
KICD explained that this adjustment allowed for the development of rationalized textbooks across all levels, including PP1 to Grade 3, upper primary, Grade 9, and specific subjects for Grades 7 and 8, throughout 2024.
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KICD reiterated that there is no textbook crisis now or in 2025, urging stakeholders to remain confident in its ability to deliver high-quality learning resources.
The institution reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that learners have access to the necessary materials for their education.
KICD Confirms No Textbook Crisis in Kenya.
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