The Kenya Publishers Association has raised concern that the rollout of Grade 10 textbooks next year could be disrupted if the government fails to clear a Sh3 billion debt owed for books already delivered to schools.
The association said the pending bills, tied to supplies made earlier this year for Grade Nine and other levels, have created financial pressure across the publishing chain.
KPA chairperson Kiarie Kamau, speaking at the launch of the Nairobi International Book Fair on Monday , noted that the delayed payments have left publishers struggling to prepare for the next distribution phase.
“We remain optimistic that the government will pay our dues in time to enable smooth printing and distribution of the next set of Grade 10 course books,” Kamau said.
He stressed that unpaid bills affect not just publishers but also printers, distributors, and other players. “Financing is the real challenge. Unpaid bills strain not only publishers but also printers, distributors and other service providers critical to the value chain,” he added.
Kamau revealed that publishers had already supplied Sh200 million worth of textbooks to ensure all learners have access to learning materials. He said another major round of distribution is set for October to December for senior schools.
Piracy remains another major challenge, with publishers losing an estimated Sh250 million annually to counterfeit books sold cheaply in the market.
Kamau further faulted the 16 per cent Value Added Tax on books, saying it makes education more expensive for households already facing tough economic times.
“By taxing books, we tax education. We urge the government to scrap tax on books… this will enhance access to knowledge,” he said.
He also pointed out the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in the industry, calling it a transformative tool that helps improve quality and efficiency.
As part of efforts to support environmental conservation, Kamau announced that each publishing house will adopt a primary school in Nairobi for tree planting in line with the government’s “go green” plan.
“Publishing consumes tonnes of paper every year… we shall be going green in the city of Nairobi. Each publishing company has been assigned a primary school to plant trees,” he said.
The 26th edition of the Nairobi International Book Fair will also pay tribute to the late literary icon Professor Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, who will be inducted into the KPA Hall of Fame.
NIBF chairperson Mary Maina said the recognition is in honour of Ngũgĩ’s immense contribution to literature and education. The fair will open on Wednesday, September 24, at the Sarit Expo Centre in Westlands, Nairobi.
Prof Ngũgĩ, who died on May 28 in Atlanta, Georgia, at the age of 87, was celebrated across Africa and beyond for his novels, plays, and essays exploring colonialism, cultural identity, and social justice. He championed the use of African languages in writing, insisting that language was key to cultural freedom. His works continue to inspire generations of readers and writers worldwide.
