The government has moved to settle longstanding debts to textbook publishers by releasing Sh5.64 billion, a step aimed at ensuring timely delivery of Grade 10 learning materials as Senior School prepares to welcome its first cohort of students.
The payment comes after months of concern over delayed bills, which threatened to stall the printing and distribution of essential textbooks across public schools.
In a joint statement on Tuesday, the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development and the Kenya Publishers Association confirmed that the funds will cover part of pending payments and support the nationwide rollout of approved Grade 10 textbooks under the Competency-Based Curriculum.
The announcement followed discussions between KICD and KPA to coordinate printing schedules and distribution plans.
KICD Director and CEO Prof Charles Ong’ondo told publishers that the Institute had already received Sh5.64 billion from the Ministry of Education to begin clearing pending invoices.
“KICD had already initiated the process of disbursing the funds to the 23 publishers with pending bills,” Ong’ondo said, adding that the money is expected to reflect in the accounts of publishers by Friday, January 9, 2026.
He reassured the publishing sector that additional funding would follow to fully settle the remaining Sh4.4 billion in arrears.
“Additional funds would be availed in due course to fully clear the outstanding arrears amounting to Sh4.4 billion,” Ong’ondo said, noting that the payment is expected to relieve the financial pressure on publishers.
KPA Chairperson Kiarie Kamau welcomed the release of funds and praised KICD for maintaining openness throughout the discussions. Kamau pledged that printing would start immediately, saying the association would begin producing the 35 approved textbooks and literary works for Grade 10 learners.
Publishers committed to ensuring at least 50 per cent of the required books reach schools by Friday, January 16, 2026, with complete printing and distribution set to finish by January 31, 2026. To oversee smooth execution, a joint ad hoc committee comprising members from KICD and KPA will monitor production, logistics, and delivery schedules.
Both institutions expressed confidence that the arrangement would prevent delays and guarantee that all learners receive the necessary materials as they move to Senior School.
The payment comes after publishers raised alarms over stalled deliveries due to unpaid bills. In October, KPA criticized KICD for failing to clear debts for books already supplied, warning that prolonged delays had strained partnerships with printers and other service providers.
Kamau said distribution had stalled because printers were reluctant to take on new orders without payment and some bills had remained unpaid for over a year.
The disbursement coincides with the official release of the approved list of Grade 10 textbooks ahead of Senior School under the CBC framework. KICD noted that the materials cover all pathways, including Arts and Sports Science, Social Sciences, Humanities and Business Studies, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Applied Sciences, and Technical Studies.
Senior School represents the fourth level of education, following Pre-Primary, Primary, and Junior School, and spans three years. It is designed to accommodate learner choices, career pathways, and preparation for tertiary education and work.
“Senior School comprises three years of education for learners generally in the 16–18 years age bracket and lays the foundation for further education and training at the tertiary level and the world of work,” the notice reads.
“In the CBC vision, learners exiting this level are expected to be engaged, empowered and ethical citizens ready to participate in the socio-economic development of the nation.”
KICD explained that learners will study seven subjects, following the recommendations of the Presidential Working Party on Educational Reforms.
“At this level, learners shall take seven (7) learning areas as recommended by the Presidential Working Party on Educational Reforms (PWPER, 2023). These shall comprise four core learning areas, namely: English, Kiswahili, Essential Mathematics/Core Mathematics and Community Service Learning (CSL),” the notice reads.
Learners will select between Core and Essential Mathematics depending on their pathway, along with three other subjects based on their aptitude and interests.
The Social Sciences pathway includes English, Kiswahili, Literature in English, Fasihi ya Kiswahili, Arabic, and French.
Humanities and Business Studies covers Christian Religious Education, Islamic Religious Education, Community Service Learning, History and Citizenship, Geography, and Business Studies.
STEM learners will study Pure Sciences and General Science subjects, including Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Applied Sciences covers Agriculture, Computer Studies, Home Science, and ICT. Technical Studies includes Aviation, Building Construction, Electricity, Metal Work, Power Mechanics, Woodwork, Media Technology, and Marine and Fisheries.
