Schools face legal action over unapproved textbooks
KICD Chief Executive Officer Prof Charles Ochieng’ Ong’ondo issued the warning as the institute launched the distribution of Grade 11 textbooks, teachers’ guides and literary texts ahead of the transition to Grade 11 in January 2027.
Schools risk legal action for using unapproved textbooks and learning materials, with the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) warning that the materials could expose learners to inaccurate and poor-quality content.
KICD Chief Executive Officer Prof Charles Ochieng’ Ong’ondo issued the warning as the institute launched the distribution of Grade 11 textbooks, teachers’ guides and literary texts ahead of the transition to Grade 11 in January 2027.
“Today the media published the list of approved books for Grade 11. We want to inform our public: please do not use books that are not approved by the institute. It is utterly illegal,” Ong’ondo said.
He said the approval process ensures learning materials align with curriculum requirements and meet quality standards, including accuracy, relevance, inclusivity, language and suitability for teaching.
“When we use books or any other materials that are not approved by the institute, then we are not just committing a crime, but chances are that we are giving the children material that is not quality assured, and sometimes that has wrong, inaccurate content,” he warned.
The institute said using unapproved materials contravenes Section 27 of the KICD Act, 2013, and is punishable by law.
Teachers and parents have been urged to consult the official approved list, known as the Orange Book, before recommending or purchasing textbooks.
Meanwhile, publishers warned of textbook piracy, accusing some head teachers of photocopying supplied books. The Kenya Publishers Association said it would work with the Kenya Copyright Board and law enforcement agencies to pursue offenders.
