KICD Issues Fresh Grade 11 Textbook Directive Ahead of 2027 Rollout
The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) has issued a fresh update on textbooks and literary materials to be used by Grade 11 learners when the new class is introduced in 2027.
In a notice issued on Tuesday, October 6, KICD said it had approved a list of Grade 11 textbooks and literary texts as preparations continue for the next phase of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
The institute urged schools and other education stakeholders to ensure that only materials approved by KICD are used for instruction, warning that the use of unauthorised textbooks is against the law.
KICD said the use of unapproved learning materials contravenes Section 27 of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development Act, 2013, and warned that those found violating the law could face legal action.
“The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development has released the list of approved Grade 11 textbooks and literary texts in readiness for the Grade 11 rollout next year, 2027,” KICD said in the notice.
The announcement comes as schools prepare for the continued transition to Senior School under the CBC, with Grade 11 set to form the next stage of the senior secondary education structure.
KICD gives schools deadline for textbook distribution concerns
The curriculum body also addressed schools that could encounter difficulties receiving government-provided textbooks before the start of the 2027 academic year.
KICD advised schools that have not received the required textbooks by mid-January 2027 to contact the institute for assistance and clarification.
The same applies to schools that receive more copies than required based on their learner enrolment numbers.
According to KICD, affected schools should contact its book distribution office through bookdistribution@kicd.ac.ke or telephone 0733762412.
The directive is intended to help address possible distribution gaps as schools prepare to receive learners for the 2027 academic year.
Warning over unauthorised Grade 11 books
KICD’s warning places renewed attention on the approval of curriculum materials as schools prepare for the expansion of the Senior School system.
The institute has previously published approved textbook lists for various stages of CBC implementation, with schools expected to rely on materials that have gone through the official curriculum approval process.
The latest notice therefore provides schools, teachers, parents and publishers with guidance on the materials expected to be used when Grade 11 begins.
It also comes against the backdrop of previous concerns and public discussions surrounding the status of curriculum textbooks.
KLB previously addressed claims over withdrawn books
Earlier this year, the Kenya Literature Bureau (KLB) moved to reassure schools, teachers and other stakeholders following claims that some of its curriculum books had been withdrawn.
In a notice issued on February 17, KLB said it had not received any directive from KICD withdrawing its learning materials.
“Kenya Literature Bureau (KLB) wishes to inform all our customers, partners and stakeholders that none of our curriculum books have been withdrawn by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD),” the organisation said.
KLB further maintained that its curriculum publications remained approved for use in Kenyan schools.
“All our books, currently in circulation, are duly approved by KICD and remain valid for use in Kenyan schools,” it added.
The issue highlighted the importance of schools verifying textbook approval status before purchasing or using curriculum materials.
Grade 11 marks another step in CBC transition
The Grade 11 rollout will represent another major stage in Kenya’s transition from the previous education structure to the CBC.
Senior School pathways include areas such as STEM, Social Sciences, Arts and Sports Science, as well as technical and applied learning options.
KICD had previously released approved Grade 10 textbooks covering the various pathways introduced at Senior School.
With Grade 11 now approaching, schools are expected to continue preparing teachers, learners and learning resources for the next stage of the transition.
The latest KICD notice is therefore likely to be closely watched by schools and parents as preparations intensify ahead
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