The government has officially launched the distribution of Grade 11 textbooks as Kenya prepares to admit learners into the second year of Senior School under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system in January 2027.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba led the launch at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, describing the release of the learning materials as an important step in the ongoing education reforms.
The CS said the government remains committed to ensuring that learners and teachers have access to quality and relevant resources to support teaching and learning.
“This occasion reflects our continued commitment to strengthening the delivery of quality education and ensuring that our learners and teachers have the resources they need,” Ogamba said.
He noted that the education reforms are aimed at preparing learners for life beyond the classroom by equipping them with knowledge, skills, attitudes and values that can help them adapt to a changing world.
Under CBE, the government wants learners to develop skills such as critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration and problem-solving, while also being able to apply what they learn to real-life situations.
Ogamba said the launch was therefore not just about distributing books but also about ensuring learners across the country have equal access to learning resources.
“A textbook in the hands of a learner is an important tool for expanding opportunity,” he said, adding that the books would allow learners to read, explore, practise and deepen their understanding beyond classroom lessons.
The Grade 11 materials have undergone evaluation, vetting and corrections through KICD’s established panel system before being approved for use.
The materials being distributed include textbooks and teachers’ guides for various learning areas, as well as the Literature in English and Fasihi ya Kiswahili set books.
KICD is responsible for evaluating curricula and curriculum support materials for use in basic and teacher education. The institute has also been overseeing the procurement and distribution of textbooks to public schools as part of its delegated responsibilities.
The launch follows the progressive development of curriculum designs for Grades 10 to 12, following recommendations from the Presidential Working Party on Education Reform.
The government says the provision of textbooks has been carried out in phases as Kenya moves from the 8-4-4 system to Competency-Based Education.
According to Ogamba, 137,086,300 textbooks and set books were distributed under the 8-4-4 curriculum between 2018 and 2023.
Since 2019, another 168,831,416 textbooks have been distributed to support the implementation of CBE for learners in Grades 1 to 10.
The CS said the investment is intended to ensure that the transition to the new curriculum is supported with the necessary learning resources.
He also commended teachers, school leaders, parents, learners, curriculum support officers, publishers, development partners and education officials for their role in implementing the reforms.
The distribution of the Grade 11 textbooks begins on October 6, 2026, and is expected to continue until October 23 before taking a break to allow the national examinations to take place.
It will resume after the examinations and continue on weekdays until December 23, 2026.
The materials are expected to support learners as they enter Grade 11, the second year of Senior School, with the curriculum designed to help them build knowledge and skills for further education, training, employment and responsible citizenship.
KICD has urged schools and other education stakeholders to use only officially approved curriculum support materials.
The institute has also cautioned schools and parents against purchasing books that have not gone through its approval process.
Ogamba said the government would continue working with publishers and other education stakeholders to ensure Kenyan learners have access to learning materials that meet the required standards.
“The future of Kenya is being shaped in our classrooms today. Let us give our learners the resources, support and opportunities they need to build that future,” he said.
