KICD Orders Schools to Submit New Learner Data to Fix Book Crisis

KICD Orders Schools to Submit New Learner Data to Fix Book Crisis

The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) has directed all secondary school principals to submit updated enrollment data for Grade 10 learners, in a bid to address an ongoing shortage of textbooks reported across the country.

The directive follows widespread complaints from parents and students after the first term of senior school studies, with reports indicating that less than half of the required learning materials have been distributed.

KICD Director Charles Ong’ondo Ochieng said the institution had been relying on data initially provided by the Ministry of Education following the selection of academic pathways in September 2025. However, the data only reflected total enrollment figures and lacked critical details on subject combinations chosen by learners—information essential for accurate textbook distribution.

“We have written to the principals of the schools requesting them to give us the latest enrollment data of the students so that we can embark on the second round of textbook distribution,” Ong’ondo stated.

He emphasised that the revised data will not only guide the immediate distribution of Grade 10 textbooks but will also inform future allocations for Grades 11 and 12 under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) framework.

“This is extremely important because we must get Grade 10 right. We are going to use the same data to distribute books for Grades 11 and 12,” he added.

According to KICD, inconsistencies in enrollment and subject data have significantly contributed to the current shortages. Some schools reportedly admitted more students than initially declared, while others altered subject offerings or allowed learners to switch pathways without updating official records.

“There are schools that have more learners than they initially said they would admit. There are also schools that have dropped subjects they had initially opted for,” Ong’ondo explained.

The resulting mismatch between supply and demand has disrupted learning in several institutions, particularly as Grade 10 marks the first cohort transitioning into senior school under the CBC system.

Education stakeholders have raised concerns about the impact of the shortage on curriculum delivery, warning that prolonged delays in textbook availability could hinder effective teaching and learning outcomes.

The directive comes amid broader reforms within the education sector, including government plans to restructure secondary school capacity in response to uneven enrollment patterns. Authorities are considering merging institutions with low Grade 10 admissions while expanding infrastructure in schools experiencing high demand.

Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok indicated that the strategy aims to optimise resource allocation and improve learning environments across the country.

“Most of the small schools we have to rethink what to do about them, and it may be to convert them to other things, by ensuring we expand capacity and ensuring that we have very good schools across the country,” Bitok said.

He added that the government intends to invest more resources in expanding facilities such as laboratories, dormitories, and classrooms in well-established institutions, particularly those classified as C1 schools, formerly known as national schools.

“We will ensure that we pour more resources into the education system to ensure that schools have better labs, dormitories, and enough teachers to ensure that learners have an opportunity to experience great schools,” he added.

As KICD prepares for the second phase of textbook distribution, school heads are now under pressure to provide accurate and up-to-date data to prevent further disruptions. The success of the initiative is expected to play a crucial role in stabilising the rollout of the CBC curriculum at the senior school level and ensuring equitable access to learning materials nationwide.

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KICD Orders Schools to Submit New Learner Data to Fix Book Crisis