The Kenya Publishers Association has reassured parents that CBC textbooks for Grades 5 to 8 will be ready by the end of January 2025, following widespread concerns. 

Parents with children in private schools are anxious for the new books, which will replace the old ones, meaning another financial hit for them.

During a press conference on Tuesday, January 7, the Chairperson of the Publishers Association emphasized that teachers and students can continue using the old textbooks until the new ones hit the shelves.

However, just last Friday, the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) revealed that students in Grades Five to Eight will experience further delays in getting their new textbooks, even with schools reopening on Monday January 6, 2025.

“Books are undergoing corrections at the KICD and will be in the market at the end of January and others in February,” explained Kamua.

“Parents and learners are advised to continue using what has been supplied,” he added.

The delay in releasing the textbooks stems from suggestions made by Kenyans to enhance the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). 

In 2023, President William Ruto’s administration kicked off a review of the subjects within the CBC, cutting down the learning areas for lower primary from nine to seven.