Parents and teachers have been cautioned against buying unapproved Competency-Based Education (CBE) assessment books, with the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) warning that the materials could undermine the objectives of the new education system.
KICD Chief Executive Officer Charles Ongondo said some commercially produced revision and assessment books containing ready-made questions and answers do not reflect the learner-centred approach promoted under CBE.
He said the new curriculum is designed to identify, nurture and develop individual learners' abilities rather than subjecting them to uniform examinations and standardised learning materials.
Ongondo warned that some traders were knowingly selling materials that had not gone through the institute's approval process, and urged parents and schools to avoid spending money on resources that do not support the curriculum's objectives.
He further cautioned that the production, sale and distribution of fake or unapproved curriculum support materials presented as KICD-approved are illegal.
The CEO said the use of such materials in basic education institutions contravenes Section 27 of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development Act, 2013, and that those found violating the law would face legal action. Under the Act, KICD is mandated to evaluate, vet and approve curriculum support materials used in basic and tertiary education and training.
Ongondo was speaking during the ongoing Kenya Comprehensive School Heads Association (KECSHA) conference in Mombasa, where he also announced plans to replace worn-out textbooks used by learners in Early Years Education (EYE).
He said the institute was reviewing textbooks and other learning materials, particularly those used to teach English, Kiswahili and Mathematics in Grades One to Three. The new books are expected to be available when schools reopen in January 2027, following concerns that some government-supplied textbooks have deteriorated after years of use.
He urged heads of public schools to coordinate with County Directors of Education to ensure that institutions receive the new materials and that inadequate or damaged copies are replaced.
Beyond the textbook review, the KICD chief challenged school heads to strengthen the implementation of CBE by promoting talent development, Community Service Learning and meaningful parental involvement.
He said the new system is intended to produce well-rounded learners with integrity, patriotism, creativity and the ability to address challenges facing society. He said Community Service Learning gives learners opportunities to apply classroom knowledge and skills to real-life situations and contribute to solving problems in their communities.
Ongondo also urged school administrators to educate parents on the philosophy of CBE, noting that the system does not place learners in competition through academic rankings but recognises their different abilities and talents.
"No learner should be left behind because every child has unique strengths that require identification and support," he said.
KICD is also expanding the use of digital technology in curriculum delivery through platforms such as the Kenya Education Cloud, which gives teachers and learners access to educational resources. The institute also uses radio and television programmes to reach learners in remote, marginalised and vulnerable communities, complementing classroom instruction.
He said embracing technology, including artificial intelligence, would be important in keeping the education system responsive to changing learning needs and emerging opportunities.
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