Nairobi: The Ministry of Education has commenced the distribution of grade 9 textbooks across all public schools in an initiative aimed at maintaining the policy of one learner, one textbook. This distribution also includes textbooks for rationalised learning areas for grades 1 to 6, reinforcing the government’s commitment to accessible education for all students.
According to Kenya News Agency, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba emphasized the importance of Curriculum Support Materials in fostering the acquisition of essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for student competence. The ongoing textbook distribution has been an annual exercise since the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) was introduced, ensuring that every learner from grades 1 to 8 receives a textbook for each subject.
During the unveiling of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) strategic plan, Ogamba reiterated the government’s dedication to providing adequate teaching and learning materials. Following a c
urriculum review for third-grade students earlier this year, the Ministry revised the textbooks to align with the new curriculum designs. This annual distribution will extend to all grades, including senior school levels.
Ogamba further highlighted the government’s commitment to delivering quality education in line with national policies and legislation, including Article 53 of the Constitution, which guarantees free and compulsory basic education as a right for every child. The Ministry is set to procure one million copies of learner books and 24,000 copies of teacher guides for grade nine.
Schools experiencing discrepancies in textbook deliveries are advised to report to the Sub-County Education Office. Meanwhile, Dr. Belio Kipsang, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Basic Education, marked this distribution as a significant milestone, preparing students for the transition to grade 9 with necessary educational materials.
Dr. Kipsang expressed gratitude to all contributors to the textbook dis
tribution process, including panellists and teachers, who ensured the materials met the required content, quality, and standards. He also acknowledged KICD’s diligence in providing a variety of resources by including textbooks from different publishers for each class.