NAIROBI, Kenya — Public secondary schools risk starting the 2026 academic year without textbooks for Grade 10 learners as the government delays payment of a Sh11.4 billion debt owed to publishers.
The Kenya Publishers Association (KPA) says the unpaid amount — covering textbook deliveries for Grades 1 to 9 — has crippled publishers’ ability to print and distribute new learning materials.
KPA Chairperson Kiarie Kamau said the debt includes Sh11.15 billion for Grade 1–8 textbooks and Sh234.5 million for Grade 9 materials, warning that the shortfall threatens the smooth rollout of the new curriculum at the senior school level.
“Publishers are currently facing severe financial constraints due to outstanding payments from previous textbook supplies,” Kamau said. “Unless the government settles these arrears, the 2026 academic year could begin without books for Grade 10 learners.”
Despite the financial strain, Kamau confirmed that 21 publishing firms are preparing to print 35 approved textbooks for Grade 9 between October and December this year.
Five subjects — English, Kiswahili, Mathematics, Community Service Learning, and ICT — have been designated as compulsory.
The association plans to produce seven million copies ahead of the January 2026 school opening, allocating 60 days for printing and 30 days for distribution.
Kamau cautioned, however, that the process could stall if the government fails to pay the existing debt, saying any delay would “directly affect learners.”
The warning comes amid broader funding shortfalls in Kenya’s education sector, which has faced delays in capitation disbursements, school infrastructure upgrades, and teacher recruitment.
KPA warned that without government intervention, some publishers and printing houses may be forced to suspend production, disrupting the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) rollout and leaving students without essential learning materials.
“A shortage of textbooks at this critical stage would undermine the progress made in education reforms,” Kamau added.
The association, which represents educational publishers in Kenya, works closely with the Ministry of Education to produce, print, and distribute approved textbooks to both public and private schools.
It also advocates for fair policies, timely payments, and protection of intellectual property rights, while promoting reading culture through initiatives like the Nairobi International Book Fair.
KPA urged the government to act swiftly to safeguard learning continuity and prevent a crisis that could disrupt the transition of the first Grade 9 cohort under the new curriculum.
