More than 24,000 public primary schools will receive new Mathematics, English and Kiswahili textbooks in January 2027, the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) has announced. The books replace worn and outdated materials under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum, starting with Grades 1, 2 and 3.
KICD Chief Executive Officer Prof Charles Ong’ondo made the announcement at the Kenya Comprehensive School Heads Association (KECSHA) annual conference in Mombasa.
What is being replaced, and who pays
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Schools | More than 24,000 public primary schools |
| Grades | 1, 2 and 3 |
| Subjects | Mathematics, English and Kiswahili |
| Funding | The World Bank finances the English and Kiswahili textbooks, with a copy for each learner |
| Delivery | January 2027 |
Ong’ondo said the replacement follows concerns raised in a Ministry of Education report and a World Bank study, which found that ageing textbooks need replacing and their content updating.
Where procurement stands
KICD has already reviewed the books, which were first approved in 2024 and went through a further review before procurement began. Publishers that submitted financial bids are being evaluated, and KICD said successful firms will receive contracts later in November 2026.
If your school has not received books
Ong’ondo told school heads to work with their sub-county directors of education to make sure the materials reach every targeted school. Heads whose schools have not received the books by the end of January 2027 should report to the sub-county director for follow-up.
He said the Ministry would also consider replacing learning materials in other subject areas, depending on funds.
KICD’s warning on assessment booklets
Ong’ondo cautioned teachers and school heads against relying on commercially produced assessment booklets with ready-made questions and answers. He said teachers should design assessments, because they understand each learner’s abilities and needs. He questioned buying such material from vendors, some of whom are neither trained teachers nor registered with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
KICD has also said that using books not approved by the Institute is illegal, and the only authorised sale point for its curriculum designs is the KICD Bookshop at its Nairobi headquarters.
Senior School materials
KICD has said it has completed evaluation and procurement of the Grade 11 textbooks and is distributing them ahead of the January 2027 rollout. KICD has also said that Grade 12 textbooks are approved, with distribution due to start in May 2027.
Parents and teachers
Ong’ondo urged school heads to strengthen talent identification as learners move to Senior School, and called for more parental involvement in assessments, sports and environmental activities. He said CBE succeeds when teachers, parents and administrators work together.