Grade 10 Subject Changes Leave Schools Short of Textbooks

Some senior schools are struggling to provide Grade 10 learners with the right textbooks after students changed their subject selections, forcing the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) to seek fresh data from institutions. The mismatch has emerged because the initial supply of learning materials was planned using subject choices made by learners while they were still in junior school.

KICD Deputy Director of Secondary Education Subira Neema disclosed the challenge on Monday, October 12, 2026, during a visit to Joel Omino Senior School in Kisumu. She said updated information was needed to determine the learning materials required by learners following the changes.

KICD Seeks Updated Figures From Schools

Neema explained that some learners had abandoned their earlier subject selections and opted for different combinations after joining senior school. As a result, textbooks delivered according to the original choices no longer matched the needs of some classrooms.

The institute has asked school administrators to submit current enrolment figures showing how many learners are studying each subject. The information will help KICD identify gaps and establish the additional textbooks required in affected institutions.

Neema also revealed that the institute had received complaints about learning materials from schools across different education levels. She urged institutions experiencing shortages to contact KICD directly instead of allowing the problem to persist.

Schools can reach the institute through phone calls or email to communicate their specific requirements. However, no figures were provided on the total number of affected schools, the quantity of missing books or the expected delivery dates for additional supplies.

New Curriculum Creates Fresh Distribution Challenges

The shortage highlights the difficulty of matching textbook distribution with changing subject choices under the senior school system. Where the supplied books do not reflect learners' current subjects, students may struggle to access the approved materials needed for their studies.

The collection of fresh school data is expected to help the institute understand where the biggest gaps exist. The effectiveness of the exercise will depend on how quickly the information is submitted, assessed and translated into additional supplies.

Parents and Teachers Warned About Unapproved Books

Neema also urged parents and teachers to verify that learning materials used in schools had been approved by KICD. She said the institute maintains an Orange Book listing approved textbooks and other learning resources for different grades and subjects.

Parents and teachers who are uncertain about a book's approval status were encouraged to seek guidance from the institute. Meanwhile, schools affected by the current shortages are awaiting further communication on the process and timing of textbook distribution.

KICD's request for updated enrolment figures is an initial step towards identifying the problem. The outstanding question is how soon the required books will reach learners whose current subject combinations were not reflected in the original distribution plans.