NAIROBI, Kenya – The Ministry of Education has assured senior secondary schools that Grade 10 textbooks are being distributed nationwide, as the pioneer Competency-Based Education (CBE) cohort settles into the new academic year.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba acknowledged delays in printing and distribution, attributing the setbacks to financial constraints affecting publishers.
However, he said the ministry has taken decisive action to resolve the issue.
“There was a challenge with distribution and printing because the government owed money to publishers. By the end of 2025, the outstanding amount stood at about Sh11 billion,” Ogamba told reporters during a briefing at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD).
Funding Boost to Accelerate Textbook Printing
Ogamba confirmed that the ministry negotiated with the National Treasury and secured Sh5.6 billion, which has already been released to publishers.
This funding, he said, will enable printing and distribution of the required Grade 10 textbooks.
“We received Sh5.6 billion, which has been released to publishers so they can proceed with printing and distributing the Grade 10 books,” he said.
As part of ongoing efforts to enhance access to quality education, the Government continues to provide core textbooks to learners at a ratio of one book per learner.For Grade 10 learners, the Ministry of Education has procured a total of 11,867,325 textbooks for distribution to
Learning Begins as Reporting Rate Hits 85%
The Cabinet Secretary revealed that by Tuesday, 85% of Grade 10 learners had reported to school, allowing teachers to begin classroom instruction while textbook distribution continues.
“This means that studying in these institutions will start in earnest from next week,” Ogamba said, adding that schools will receive at least 40% of the books by Friday, January 23.
He further stated that distribution is already ahead of schedule, with 50% of books delivered and a commitment from publishers to complete the remaining distribution by the end of the month.
Outstanding Debt and Continued Distribution
While Ogamba acknowledged that the government may not clear the remaining Sh4.4 billion owed to publishers immediately, he said an agreement has been reached to continue distribution without disruption.
“There is no reason for publishers to doubt that the government will meet its obligation,” he said, stressing that the partnership will proceed smoothly.
Textbook Ratio and Transfer Adjustments
The ministry confirmed textbooks are being distributed at a two-to-one ratio per core subject, ensuring learners receive adequate materials.
Where transfers have caused imbalances, the ministry said it will rationalize supplies to match student numbers.
Efforts to Achieve 100% Transition
Ogamba also announced that the ministry is working with the Interior Ministry to trace learners who have not yet reported.
School principals have been directed to admit students even if they lack new uniforms, allowing them to attend classes in previous school attire until uniforms are provided.
“We intend to ensure that we meet the government policy of 100% transition to Grade 10,” Ogamba said.
