KICD Unveils Approved CBC Textbooks and Pricing Ahead of School Reopening

Following the increased instances of public uproar over how some business people have been selling fake non-approved books for the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), the government has finally published the list and prices of approved books as parents continue with school reopening preparations.

The government, through the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), over the weekend published the list of all the approved CBC materials to help parents buy authentic coursework tools. 

Additionally, KICD has published the recommended retail prices of the coursework materials so that stakeholders do not end up duped while shopping.

Grade 9 Book Prices

Some of the published books that will be a requirement approved by the KICD include the Oxford Head Start English Learner’s Book Grade 9, Top Scholar Social Studies Learner’s Book Grade 9, and Moran Agriculture Learner’s Book Grade 9, which will be retailing for Ksh845, Ksh860, and Ksh 350, respectively.

The Hummingbird Creative Arts and Sports Learner’s Book Grade 9 and the Comprehensive Integrated Science Learner’s Book Grade 9 will retail at Ksh600 each. The Spotlight Integrated Science Learner’s Book Grade 9 will cost Ksh701, while the MTP Agriculture Learner’s Book Grade 9 will retail at Ksh638.

The Top Scholar Social Studies Learner’s Book Grade 9 will retail at Ksh920, the Storymoja Agriculture Learner’s Book Grade 9 at Ksh560.34, the Healthy Planet Agriculture Learner’s Book Grade 9 at Ksh972, and the Longhorn Integrated Science Learner’s Book Grade 9 at Ksh750.

For French studies, Triomphe Livre de l’élève Grade 9 will retail at Ksh700, while for Arabic studies, the Atfaal Arabic Learner’s Book Grade 9 will be priced at Ksh440.

Other Adjacent Grades

Grade 8 parents will part with Ksh569 for Kielekezi cha Kiswahili Kitabu cha Mwanafunzi, Ksh550 for Hummingbird Performing Arts Learner’s Book, and Ksh650 for Business Studies Today Learner’s Book, among others.

Additionally, grade 7 parents will need to pay Ksh550 for the Smart Minds English Learner’s Book, Ksh450 for the Akili Pevu Kiswahili Kitabu Cha Mwanafunzi, Ksh890 for the Distinction Home Science Learner’s Book, and Ksh483 for the Mentor Health Education Learner’s Book, among other required books.

For Grade 6 learners, the Foundation English Learner’s Book will retail at Ksh450. Other books such as the Kiswahili Sahili Kitabu cha Mwanafunzi, KLB Visionary Social Studies Learner’s Book, and KLB Visionary Physical and Health Education Learner’s Book will be priced at Ksh420, Ksh340, and Ksh450, respectively.

For Grade 5 learners, the Skills in English Learner’s Book and the Skills in English Teacher’s Guide will be available for Ksh395.

KICD released the prices of the books following weeks of complaints by parents and other stakeholders about how some publishers and rogue sellers had taken advantage of selling to them non-approved and counterfeit books.

Meanwhile, the government is still racing against time to ensure that all Grade 9 classes are ready ahead of the reopening that will begin on Monday, January 6, this year.