The Kenya Publishers Association (KPA) has warned that delayed government payments amounting to approximately Sh9.2 billion could interfere with the printing and delivery of textbooks, raising concern over preparedness for upcoming school learning programmes.
KPA chairman Musyoki Muli said the outstanding payments have placed severe financial pressure on publishing firms that depend on timely settlement of invoices to sustain production and maintain distribution schedules across the country.
According to the association, the debt relates to textbook supplies delivered to support learning in primary schools, junior schools and secondary institutions under the country’s education programme.
Publishers cautioned that continued delays could affect the production calendar for future textbook deliveries, particularly as preparations intensify for the next phase of learning material rollout under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
Muli said publishers continue to finance operations through borrowed funds while awaiting government payments, increasing pressure from lenders and raising production costs across the sector.
Industry players noted that textbook production requires significant upfront investment to procure paper, support printing operations and facilitate nationwide logistics before books reach schools.
The association warned that delays in financing may slow procurement decisions and create bottlenecks that affect the availability of textbooks in classrooms.
Publishers also expressed concern that the pressure extends beyond publishing houses to printers, transport providers and other suppliers linked to the education value chain.
Stakeholders argued that uninterrupted textbook supply remains critical to maintaining learning continuity and achieving education targets set under curriculum reforms.
The association said members remain committed to supporting government education programmes but stressed that sustainability depends on predictable and timely payments.
Publishers further called for urgent intervention to clear pending bills and prevent disruptions that could affect schools and learners in future academic cycles.
The concerns emerge as education stakeholders continue preparations for textbook distribution programmes, with industry players urging faster settlement of outstanding obligations to avoid delays in delivering books to learners across the country.
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD