The Kenya Publishers Association (KPA) has raised the alarm over a looming disruption in the education sector, warning that Sh11.4 billion owed by the government could stall the printing and distribution of senior school textbooks.
The alert comes as the country prepares to welcome the first cohort under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system into senior school next year.
KPA Chairperson Kiarie Kamau emphasized the urgency of releasing the funds to ensure Grade 10 textbooks are available on time, enabling students to transition smoothly from junior to senior levels.
“As we speak today, publishers are collectively owed approximately Sh11.4 billion, broken down as follows: Sh11.15 billion for the supply of books for Grades 1 to 8, Sh234 million for Grade 9, and around Sh4 billion owed to printers,” Kamau said.
He highlighted that the debt affects not only publishers but also authors, distributors, and even the Kenya Revenue Authority, showing the widespread impact of delayed payments.
Textbooks essential for smooth student progression
These textbooks are a critical component in helping learners move successfully from junior to senior school, ensuring continuity in academic and skill development.
The Ministry of Education recently updated the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) for senior school students, increasing the number of subjects from seven to ten and introducing new rules for compulsory and elective learning areas ahead of the 2026 implementation.
Mathematics will be mandatory for all learners, while non-assessed subjects such as Physical Education, ICT skills, and religious instruction have been added to foster well-rounded development.
Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok, in a memo to all Regional, County, and Sub-County Directors of Education, stated that the revised structure targets the first CBC cohort entering senior school in January 2026.
Understanding senior school
Senior school, covering Grades 10–12, is the fourth stage of basic education under the CBC system, following Pre-Primary, Primary, and Junior School levels. Bitok described this phase as a “pre-tertiary or pre-career experience” for learners aged 15 to 17, helping them explore academic and professional paths based on their strengths from earlier levels.
“The essence of Senior School is to offer learners a pre-tertiary/pre-university/pre-career experience during which the learners have an opportunity to choose subjects from the pathways where they shall have demonstrated interest and/or potential at the earlier levels,” he said.
Under the updated framework, students will take seven examinable subjects. Four are mandatory: English, Kiswahili (or Kenyan Sign Language for learners with hearing disabilities), Mathematics (Core or Essential depending on the pathway), and Community Service Learning (CSL).
“All the learners shall take English, Kiswahili and Community Service Learning (CSL),” the circular reads.
“Learners pursuing the STEM pathway shall take Core Mathematics while those who have chosen any of the other two pathways will take Essential Mathematics,” Bitok added.