Why Sh3 billion debt puts Grade 10 textbook distribution at risk

Grade 3 pupil Jane Delight shields her work using textbooks from her neighbor's eyes during the start of the first national test paper for grade 3 at Xaverian Primary school in Kisumu on September 17, 2019. [File, Standard] Kenya's publishing industry has raised alarm over an outstanding Sh3 billion debt, warning that delayed payment could derail preparations for the rollout of Grade 10 textbooks in January 2026. The Kenya Publishers Association (KPA) chairman, Kiarie Kamau, said the money is owed for books supplied to Grade 9 and other levels earlier this year. "We supplied Grade 9 learning materials earlier in the year, but we haven't received any payment," Mr Kamau said. Kamau said the publishers, however, remain optimistic that the government will pay their dues in time to enable smooth printing and distribution of the next set of grade 10 course books. Kamau spoke during a press briefing at the launch of the 26th Nairobi Bookfair, which will run from September 24 to September 28 at Sarit Expo Centre. "Without urgent settlement, financing challenges could disrupt the printing and distribution of new textbooks, which are expected to start this September, running to December, with an estimated cost of about Sh5 billion and cover more than 35 learning areas," the chairman said. According to him, the Grade 10 rollout is expected to be more complex and costly than earlier phases. He said, unlike Grade 9, which focused on core textbooks, the next level will require a broader range of course books, literary works, and technical subject materials. "The anticipated demand will require publishers to coordinate vast printing and distribution efforts across the country, a task they say they are ready for if the government clears pending bills," he said. He added, "While we have the capacity to produce millions of books annually, financing is the real challenge; unpaid debts strain not only publishers but also printers, distributors, and other service providers critical to the value chain." The publishers also noted their central role in Kenya's education sector, supplying over 200 million textbooks since the rollout of the Competency-Based Curriculum in 2018. Beyond financing, piracy also continues to erode industry revenues, with losses estimated at Sh250 million annually. KPA said it has intensified anti-piracy measures, including working with the Anti-Counterfeit Authority, national police, and private investigators to track and seize pirated books. The association also renewed calls for the scrapping of the 16 per cent value-added tax on books, arguing that knowledge is a public good that should not be treated as a luxury commodity. Despite the hurdles, KPA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all learners will have access to quality books under the Competency-Based Curriculum. This comes following a prolonged shortage of course books for private schools during the grade 9 rollout last year that raised concerns about underpublication. "The Kenyan learner must not be left behind," the association emphasised, calling on the government to prioritise clearing the Sh3 billion debt to safeguard education delivery and maintain confidence in the publishing sector.

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