The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) has released approved Grade 11 textbooks and literary texts and begun their distribution to regular and Special Needs Education schools ahead of the transition of Grade 10 cohort in January 2027.
The full list of approved textbooks and literary texts is available in the Orange Book on the KICD website, while approved curriculum designs are available at the KICD bookshop and website.
KICD said distribution of the materials will run from October 6 to October 23 before pausing during the national examinations and assessments.
Distribution will resume on weekdays after the exam period and continue until December 23.
“Principals are urged to ensure that there will be staff present in schools to receive the books,” KICD said.
The institute warned schools, parents and learners against using non-approved textbooks and curriculum support materials, saying their use contravenes Section 27 of the KICD Act, 2013, and is punishable by law.
“Teachers should ensure the books they advise parents to buy for their children are approved by KICD to uphold high standards in curriculum delivery,” the institute said.
Schools are expected to have received the required books and support materials by January.
Those that will not received their allocation by mid-January, or those that receive more books than required based on enrolment, have been advised to contact KICD through booksdistribution@kicd.ac.ke or 0733762412.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said the release marks an important milestone in implementing CBE and ensuring the Senior School curriculum is supported by appropriate learning resources.
He said the materials would be particularly important as learners move through Senior School and pursue pathways and subjects aligned with their abilities, interests and aspirations.
“The evaluation and approval process is an important quality-assurance mechanism. It provides confidence to learners, teachers, parents and the education sector that materials approved for use in our schools are aligned to curriculum and suitable for supporting teaching and learning,” Ogamba said.
He urged schools, teachers and parents to rely on the official Orange Book when procuring Grade 11 course materials.
Basic Education Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa said the approved materials would help translate curriculum designs into practical classroom experiences and support learner-centred, inquiry-based and competency-oriented teaching.
“We therfore expect teachers to use these approved resources alongside the curriculum designs and other appropriate teaching and learning materials to facilitate learner-centered, inquiry-based and competency-oriented learning.”
The PS said the State Department for Basic Education would work with KICD and other education agencies to monitor implementation and address emerging needs as learners progress through Senior School.
KICD Director and chief executive officer Charles Ong’ondo said the approval process subjected the materials to detailed evaluation to ensure they met curriculum requirements.
He said evaluators assessed the materials for alignment with approved curriculum designs, accuracy and relevance of content, pedagogical suitability, inclusivity, language and presentation, as well as their ability to support the acquisition of competencies, values, knowledge, skills and attitudes.
The evaluation involved curriculum specialists, quality assurance and standards officers, teachers, subject experts and professionals from relevant State corporations and industry.
Ong’ondo said KICD would continue conducting research and obtain feedback from teachers, learners and other stakeholders to improve curriculum support materials.
“This is intended to ensure that materials recommended for use in our schools meet the required standards and respond appropriately to the needs of learners,” he said.
KICD Council chairperson Simon Gicharu said the Council and its academic and subject panels provided professional and governance guidance in the development of the books and support material for quality assurance.
Gicharu reiterated that only materials appearing on the official KICD-approved list should be procured and used as approved Grade 11 course materials.
“We shall continue providing the governance and strategic oversight necessary to ensure that the Institute fulfils its statutory mandate and that curriculum implementation remains responsive to the aspirations of learners and the development needs of our country,” he said.
The pioneer Grade 10 CBE cohort will transition to Grade 11 in January 2027, marking the next stage of the phased implementation of the new education system as 8-4-4 gets completely phased out.
