KICD issues stern warning against illegal textbooks flooding schools

Charles Ong'ondo, the CEO of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development during an interview in his office on 9th January 2023. [Denis Kibuchi, Standard] Thousands of students across the country may be exposed to misleading content in their quest for knowledge. This follows concerns by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) about the increasing circulation of unauthorised educational materials, particularly those targeting the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). Some of these books are said to bear the label 'Approved by KICD' in an attempt to deceive parents, even though they do not meet the required standards. According to KICD CEO Prof Charles Ong'ondo, unscrupulous individuals have exploited the implementation of the CBC to sell unapproved textbooks to unsuspecting parents and teachers. "We are witnessing a disturbing trend where unscrupulous individuals are taking advantage of the implementation of the curriculum reforms to misdirect parents and teachers for their selfish gains," said Prof. Ong'ondo. Among the unauthorised books flagged by KICD is Computer Studies Made Easier for Beginners (2nd Edition) by Miwanjo Publishers, which is being marketed for Grade One students despite containing content beyond their level. Another unapproved book, CBC Demystified English for Kenya Junior Secondary Education Assessment (KJSEA) for Grades 7, 8, and 9, falsely claims to enhance learners' skills in writing, speaking, listening, grammar, poetry, and oral literature under the CBC framework. Prof Ong'ondo stated that while the government procures books directly from publishers for public schools, many unapproved materials still find their way onto shelves, violating the law and compromising the quality of education. "We have a lot of unapproved materials making their way into schools. We are mandated to safeguard the integrity and quality of education in our schools," stated Prof. Ong'ondo. A recent report by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) raised concerns about the impact of unauthorised textbooks on students' academic performance. KNEC Chief Executive David Njeng'ere noted that poor performance in national examinations is linked to the use of unapproved learning materials. "Teachers should refrain from using unapproved revision materials and instead create their own standard tests for revision. Some of these materials are misleading to both teachers and learners," the report recommended. Grace Ambatsa, a parent in Nairobi's Donholm, said the most affected students are those in private schools. "The illegal market for second-hand and counterfeit learning materials is thriving among parents with learners in private schools. This business booms during school meetings, where publishers display their books for sale," she said. Anthony Chore, a parent of a Grade Nine student, blamed some publishers who sneak books into schools through class teachers without the knowledge of school administrations. "Parents are issued a book list for the following year. However, along the way, children end up bringing in different notes from class teachers as supplementary study materials," he said. For many parents, like Naomi Wambui, a mother of two primary school children, she fell victim to vendors selling unauthorised books on the streets. "I bought a second-hand textbook for my son because it was cheaper than the one sold in bookshops. It was hard to resist when I saw other parents buying the same book," she said. "The government should step in and address this issue by directing schools to procure authorised materials from central suppliers and ensure that all parents can afford them," Stephen Mwenda, another parent said. Despite the growing crackdown on illegal materials, some vendors, such as Kamau Mwangi, who sell second-hand books in Eastleigh, remain undeterred. "I'm just trying to survive in tough economic times. If parents can't afford the new books, I give them an option that fits their budget," he said. Professor Henry Embeywa, a lecturer at Machakos University, warned that unauthorised books could distort the learning process. "These materials may not align with the key competencies that the CBC intends to instil in students. Worse still, they might present outdated or incorrect information, further hindering students' academic growth," he stated. According to National Parents Association Chairman Silas Obuhatsa, the real cost of this practice may be borne by the learners themselves. "Many of our children are unknowingly exposed to subpar content, which could leave them ill-prepared for the challenges of higher education or the workforce. Parents buy what schools advise us to buy," said Obuhatsa. Prof. Ong'ondo warned the public to be aware of such individuals and to insist on authentic authorisation before engaging with any educational materials. "These books not only fail to meet the standards set by the KICD, but they also pose a danger to the quality of education our children are receiving," he stated. He issued a strong warning to parents, teachers, and other stakeholders to ensure that only textbooks approved by the institute are used in schools. "We need to guide our children and ensure that they are exposed to relevant content, appropriate for their ages and levels," Prof Ong'ondo stated in ending.

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