Publishers warn of textbook shortage as Grade 10 rollout nears

AIPCA Bishop Paul Muhia

Education stakeholders have urged the government to resolve its standoff with publishers to avert a looming crisis ahead of next year’s Grade 10 rollout under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system.

The Kenya Publishers Association (KPA) is demanding Ksh. 11.4 billion from the government for books supplied to Grade 9 learners and for the rationalisation of lower primary materials. Publishers warn that failure to clear the debt could delay the supply of about seven million textbooks required for the pioneer cohort of learners set to join senior school in January 2026.

KPA Chairperson Kiarie Kamau said publishers are ready to supply textbooks for at least 35 learning areas, with delivery scheduled between October and December 2025, to ensure learners access materials on time. However, the delayed payments have left the publishing industry cash-strained, affecting printers, distributors and other players across the book supply chain.

Speaking at Grasten Academy in Witeithie, Juja Sub-County, stakeholders said the impasse could disrupt learning nationwide if not addressed urgently.

The school’s Director, Josephine Wanjiru Waweru, warned that the curriculum is at a “critical stage” and urged the government to act swiftly.

Grasten Academy Director, Josephine Wanjiru Waweru

“We are pleading with the government to settle dues owed to publishers to facilitate the production of adequate learning materials,” she said, adding that the 16% VAT on publishing has worsened the sector’s challenges.

AIPCA Bishop Paul Muhia supported the call, emphasising that paying publishers will guarantee high-quality and affordable learning materials. He also urged the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) to streamline textbook approvals to prevent last-minute changes that have previously inconvenienced parents.

“Last year, some books were changed abruptly, forcing parents to buy new ones. We must avoid such confusion,” he noted.

Parents, including Lilian Njeri and Mary Wacera, expressed concern over potential disruptions in the new academic year.

“The delay in paying publishers threatens timely delivery of textbooks and could leave students without materials when schools reopen,” Njeri said.

Stakeholders are now calling on the government to clear outstanding payments, support the publishing sector, and ensure a smooth transition for Grade 9 learners advancing to Grade 10 next year.