PS Bitok orders urgent KICD action on Grade 11 textbooks amid procurement scrutiny
Education Updated: 10 April 2026 12:42 EAT
Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok
Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok has directed the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) to fast-track the completion of procurement processes for Grade 11 textbooks ahead of their planned rollout in 2027 under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system.
The directive is aimed at ensuring that production and distribution of learning materials begin early enough to avoid delays that have previously affected textbook availability in Kenyan schools during curriculum transitions.
According to the Ministry of Education, the instruction is part of broader planning measures to guarantee that senior school learners have access to approved learning resources before the new academic cycle begins.
The move comes at a time when concerns have been raised over coordination between the Ministry and KICD in handling textbook procurement and rollout timelines for the new curriculum structure.
Reports by The Standard have alleged emerging tensions and procurement-related disputes within the education sector, with questions raised over how contracts for textbook production are being managed.
The expose further highlighted concerns about the scale and value of upcoming textbook contracts, which are expected to involve significant government expenditure and multiple private sector publishers.
In response, the Ministry has moved to reassure stakeholders that procurement procedures remain ongoing and are being guided by established public procurement laws and oversight mechanisms.
KICD, which is mandated to develop and approve curriculum materials, has been instructed to ensure all Grade 11 content is finalised and aligned with the competency-based framework before production begins.
Education officials say early procurement is necessary to allow publishers sufficient time for printing, quality checks, and nationwide distribution to schools ahead of the rollout schedule.
The government has emphasized that delays in textbook supply in previous curriculum phases led to learning disruptions, prompting reforms to streamline planning and procurement timelines.
Stakeholders in the education sector have urged transparency in the procurement process, calling for clear communication to avoid speculation and ensure accountability in public spending.
The Ministry maintains that collaboration between KICD, publishers, and other stakeholders is essential to delivering the new curriculum effectively and on time.
Despite the controversy surrounding recent reports, officials insist that the current directive is focused on improving efficiency rather than responding to any specific allegations.
The Grade 11 textbook rollout remains one of the key milestones in the transition to the Competency-Based Education system, with government agencies now under pressure to meet strict preparation deadlines.
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FELIX MAKONA
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