Government Takes Action to Curb Fake CBC Books Ahead of School Reopening
The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) has officially unveiled the list and pricing of approved Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) textbooks to guide parents, teachers, and learners as schools prepare to reopen on January 6, 2025. This move comes in response to widespread public outcry over counterfeit and non-approved textbooks flooding the market.
KICD Steps In to Protect Parents and Learners
The KICD, tasked with overseeing curriculum design, has taken proactive steps to ensure transparency in the purchase of CBC curriculum materials. By publishing the list of approved textbooks and their recommended retail prices, KICD aims to shield parents and guardians from unscrupulous traders exploiting the growing demand for educational resources.
Parents can now access the KICD portal and the KICD website to cross-reference the approved materials, ensuring they purchase authentic books aligned with the CBC syllabus.
Grade 9 Approved Textbooks and Prices
Key subjects in Grade 9 under the CBC education system in Kenya include English, Social Studies, Agriculture, Creative Arts, Science, and Foreign Languages. Below are some of the approved books and their official retail prices:
- Oxford Head Start English Learner’s Book Grade 9: Ksh845
- Top Scholar Social Studies Learner’s Book Grade 9: Ksh860
- Moran Agriculture Learner’s Book Grade 9: Ksh350
- Hummingbird Creative Arts and Sports Learner’s Book Grade 9: Ksh600
- Comprehensive Integrated Science Learner’s Book Grade 9: Ksh600
- Spotlight Integrated Science Learner’s Book Grade 9: Ksh701
- MTP Agriculture Learner’s Book Grade 9: Ksh638
- Storymoja Agriculture Learner’s Book Grade 9: Ksh560.34
- Healthy Planet Agriculture Learner’s Book Grade 9: Ksh972
- Longhorn Integrated Science Learner’s Book Grade 9: Ksh750
- Triomphe Livre de l’élève (French) Grade 9: Ksh700
- Atfaal Arabic Learner’s Book Grade 9: Ksh440
Prices for Other Grades
The KICD curriculum design extends across all grade levels under the CBC curriculum, with clear guidelines on textbook requirements and pricing:
- Grade 8:
- Kielekezi cha Kiswahili Kitabu cha Mwanafunzi: Ksh569
- Hummingbird Performing Arts Learner’s Book: Ksh550
- Business Studies Today Learner’s Book: Ksh650
- Grade 7:
- Smart Minds English Learner’s Book: Ksh550
- Akili Pevu Kiswahili Kitabu Cha Mwanafunzi: Ksh450
- Distinction Home Science Learner’s Book: Ksh890
- Mentor Health Education Learner’s Book: Ksh483
- Grade 6:
- Foundation English Learner’s Book: Ksh450
- Kiswahili Sahili Kitabu cha Mwanafunzi: Ksh420
- KLB Visionary Social Studies Learner’s Book: Ksh340
- KLB Visionary Physical and Health Education Learner’s Book: Ksh450
- Grade 5:
- Skills in English Learner’s Book: Ksh395
- Skills in English Teacher’s Guide: Ksh395
KICD Website and Portal: Accessing the Approved Book List
For convenience, the KICD website and KICD portal have been updated with the complete list of approved textbooks and their retail prices. Parents, teachers, and stakeholders can verify and download the list via the following links:
- Approved CBC Course Materials: KICD Approved Grade 4 CBC Materials
- KICD Portal: kicd.ac.ke
Combating Counterfeit Textbooks
Over the past few months, fake textbooks have infiltrated the market, causing frustration among parents and undermining the quality of education under the CBC education system in Kenya. The government has reiterated its commitment to cracking down on counterfeit sellers while ensuring approved materials are readily available and affordable.
Preparation for Grade 9 Transition
With schools reopening in early January 2025, the government is in a race against time to ensure Grade 9 classes are fully equipped and ready to accommodate learners under the CBC curriculum.
Conclusion
The publication of the approved textbook list and pricing by KICD marks a crucial step in aligning the CBC syllabus with national education goals. Parents are urged to cross-check book authenticity via the KICD portal or KICD website to guarantee value for their money and quality education for their children.
For more updates on the CBC curriculum and approved textbooks, visit the KICD website today.
