The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) has officially released the long-awaited list of approved Mathematics textbooks for Grade 10 learners in Senior Schools, marking a critical milestone in the rollout of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) at senior school level.
In a notice dated Tuesday, December 23, 2025, KICD confirmed the curriculum support materials that schools, teachers, parents, and learners must rely on starting January 2026, when the first CBC cohort transitions to Senior School. The approved list covers textbooks across all learning areas, including Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Humanities, Business Studies, Technical Studies, and Applied Sciences.
This article focuses exclusively on the approved Core Mathematics and Essential Mathematics textbooks for Grade 10 learners, as sanctioned by KICD.
Why the Release of Grade 10 Mathematics Textbooks Matters
The publication of approved Mathematics textbooks is a major step in ensuring uniformity, quality, and credibility in the delivery of CBC at Senior School level. Mathematics is one of the four compulsory core learning areas in Senior School, alongside English, Kiswahili, and Community Service Learning (CSL).
With concerns previously raised about fake curriculum designs and unapproved learning materials, the KICD list now provides clarity on which textbooks are legally and academically acceptable for classroom use.
Under CBC, learners must take either Core Mathematics or Essential Mathematics, depending on their chosen career pathway:
- Core Mathematics is designed for learners pursuing STEM pathways, including engineering, medicine, ICT, architecture, and other science-based careers.
- Essential Mathematics targets learners in non-STEM pathways, focusing on practical numeracy, problem-solving, and everyday mathematical applications relevant to social sciences, humanities, arts, and vocational careers.
Approved Core Mathematics Textbooks for Grade 10
The following textbooks have been fully evaluated and approved by KICD for teaching Core Mathematics in Senior Schools.
1. Master Core Mathematics Grade 10
- Learner’s Book – Booklyst
- Teacher’s Guide – Booklyst
- Authors: Kenneth Ongore, Jepkorir Scolar
This title emphasizes conceptual understanding, problem-solving skills, and learner-centered activities aligned with CBC competencies.
2. Moran Core Mathematics Grade 10
- Learner’s Book – Moran
- Teacher’s Guide – Moran
- Authors: Nickson Oshome, Maina Kiragu, Winnie Wanyingi, Mercy Ndirangu, Winnie Mutuku
Moran’s series focuses on real-life applications of mathematical concepts and structured progression from Junior School content.
3. Mentor Mathematics Grade 10
- Learner’s Book – Mentor
- Teacher’s Guide – Mentor
- Authors: Alex Odhong’, Dr. Donata Odago, Dr. James Kioko, Ezekiel Thugu, Zachary Njoroge
This book places strong emphasis on analytical thinking, mathematical modeling, and competency-based assessment.
4. Spotlight Core Mathematics Grade 10
- Learner’s Book – Spotlight
- Teacher’s Guide – Spotlight
- Authors: Beverline Inonda, Beverlyne Makario
Spotlight’s approach integrates visual learning, guided practice, and real-world problem contexts.
5. Longhorn Advancing in Core Mathematics Grade 10
- Learner’s Book – Longhorn
- Teacher’s Guide – Longhorn
- Authors: Milkah Manyala, Philip Obwage, Kefa Masita, Cornelius Machuki, Peter Chege, Aggrey Welashina
This title is structured to support deep mastery of mathematical concepts while preparing learners for advanced STEM studies.
6. KLB Excelling Core Mathematics Grade 10
- Learner’s Book – Kenya Literature Bureau (KLB)
- Teacher’s Guide – KLB
- Authors: Vincent Odhiambo, Winfred Mutuku, Moses Maswai, James Omoke, Wicklif Ogembo, Ann Opiyo
KLB’s textbook aligns strongly with national assessment standards and learner-centered pedagogy.
Approved Essential Mathematics Textbooks for Grade 10
For learners who opt for Essential Mathematics, KICD approved the following textbooks:
1. Longhorn Advancing in Essential Mathematics Grade 10
- Learner’s Book – Longhorn
- Teacher’s Guide – Longhorn
- Publisher: Longhorn Publishers PLC
This book emphasizes functional mathematics, financial literacy, measurement, and everyday problem-solving skills.
2. Spotlight Essential Mathematics Grade 10
- Learner’s Book – Spotlight
- Teacher’s Guide – Spotlight
- Authors: Beverline Inonda, Beverlyne Makario
The Spotlight Essential Mathematics series is designed for learners pursuing social sciences, arts, and applied career pathways.
3. Mentor Essential Mathematics Grade 10
- Learner’s Book – Mentor
- Teacher’s Guide – Mentor
- Authors: Alex Odhong’, Dr. Donata Odago, Dr. James Kioko, Ezekiel Thugu, Zachary Njoroge, Paul Abuga, Peter Chege
Mentor’s Essential Mathematics book integrates numeracy skills with real-life applications relevant to the world of work.
Understanding Senior School Under CBC
Senior School is the fourth and final level of basic education under the Competency-Based Curriculum, following Pre-Primary, Primary, and Junior School.
Key Features of Senior School:
- Duration: Three years
- Target age group: 16 to 18 years
- Purpose: To provide pre-tertiary and pre-career preparation
At this level, learners are guided to select subjects based on:
- Career interests
- Academic strengths
- Aptitude and personality
- Performance in earlier CBC levels
Learners must take seven learning areas, comprising:
- Four compulsory core subjects
- Three elective subjects aligned to their chosen pathway
Mathematics remains compulsory, with learners choosing between Core Mathematics or Essential Mathematics.
Why Teachers and Parents Must Pay Attention
1. Use of Approved Books Is Mandatory
Only textbooks approved by KICD are legally allowed for teaching and learning in Kenyan schools. Using unapproved materials may disadvantage learners and expose schools to sanctions.
2. Teacher’s Guides Are Not Optional
Every approved learner’s book is accompanied by a Teacher’s Guide, which is essential for lesson planning, assessment, and competency-based instruction.
3. Pathway Selection Determines the Mathematics Book
Parents and learners must confirm whether a student is pursuing a STEM or non-STEM pathway before purchasing textbooks to avoid costly mistakes.
4. Alignment With National Assessment
The approved textbooks are aligned with national assessment frameworks that emphasize competencies rather than rote memorization.
Warning Against Fake and Unapproved Materials
KICD has cautioned the public against counterfeit Grade 10 curriculum materials circulating in the market. Some vendors have been selling books falsely labeled as “CBC-approved” despite lacking official authorization.
Schools, parents, and teachers are advised to:
- Verify titles against the official KICD approved list
- Purchase books from reputable suppliers
- Avoid photocopied or suspiciously cheap textbooks
The Role of KICD in Kenya’s Education System
The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development is the state agency mandated to design, develop, and review curricula for all levels of education below university.
Its core responsibilities include:
- Curriculum development for basic education and TVET
- Approval of textbooks and curriculum support materials
- Quality assurance of learning resources
- Delivery of educational content through platforms such as Edu TV and radio lessons
No textbook can be used in Kenyan schools without KICD approval.
Final Thoughts
The release of approved Grade 10 Mathematics textbooks signals Kenya’s readiness to fully implement Senior School under CBC. With clear guidance now available, schools can confidently prepare for the January 2026 intake, while parents and learners can make informed decisions.
As Mathematics remains a foundation subject across all career pathways, selecting the correct, approved textbook is critical for learner success. Schools that comply with KICD guidelines will not only protect learners from confusion but also ensure smooth curriculum delivery in the new education era.
