KICD releases approved Grade 11 textbooks, warns schools against unapproved materials

Kenya's preparations for the 2027 rollout of Grade 11 have entered a critical phase after the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) released the official list of approved textbooks and literary texts for the new level.

The release gives schools a formal guide on the learning materials they should acquire and use as the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) expands to Grade 11 next year. At the same time, KICD has issued a strong warning to schools, teachers, parents, publishers and other education stakeholders against purchasing, recommending or using textbooks and literary materials that have not received the institute's approval.

In a notice published in the MyGov Newspaper on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, KICD said the approved materials had been released to support preparations for the Grade 11 rollout. "The Institute has released the list of approved Grade 11 textbooks and literary texts in readiness for the Grade 11 rollout next year, 2027," the notice read.

The curriculum body cautioned that the use of materials outside the approved list amounts to a violation of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development Act, 2013. "Use of unapproved textbooks is in contravention of Section 27 of the KICD Act 2013, and anyone found culpable will face the full force of the law," KICD warned.

KICD is mandated under the KICD Act No. 4 of 2013 to develop, review and approve curriculum programmes, curricula and curriculum support materials. Schools are expected to use the newly released list as the main reference when selecting textbooks and literary works for Grade 11 learners, a directive aimed at protecting schools and parents from acquiring materials that do not correspond with approved curriculum requirements.

The institute has also guided the distribution of government-supplied textbooks. Schools that have not received the required textbooks by mid-January 2027, or that receive more copies than required based on actual learner enrolment, have been directed to contact KICD so that the discrepancies can be investigated and corrected. Schools requiring assistance can reach KICD through bookdistributor@kicd.ac.ke or by calling 0733 762 412.

The release of the approved books comes as schools step up preparations for the introduction of Grade 11 in 2027, a transition that will require institutions to align teaching, learning resources and other preparations with the requirements of the new curriculum level. KICD said the focus would now shift from curriculum preparation to implementation readiness, including ensuring every school has the appropriate textbooks and adequate copies before Grade 11 learners report.