“Sh9.5 Billion Crunch Threatens Grade 11 Textbook Rollout as Publishers Sound Alarm”
The Kenya Publishers Association (Kenya Publishers Association) has appealed to the government to urgently settle an outstanding Sh9.5 billion owed to publishers, saying the funds are critical for printing and distributing learning materials for the next phase of the Competency-Based Curriculum.
Speaking during the official opening of the Meru regional book fair, KPA Chairperson Musyoki Muli said publishers remain committed to supporting the education sector but are currently under severe financial strain.
“A good partner in a noble role like education requires full support, and that is our cry today,” Muli said.
Massive rollout ahead, tight deadlines looming
Muli revealed that the next major textbook distribution phase is scheduled between September and December 2026, targeting Grade 11 learners under senior school education.
The rollout is expected to involve:
21 publishing firms
35 different textbook titles
About 7 million copies nationwide
He warned that the timeline is extremely tight, noting that printing alone requires about 60 days, followed by at least 30 days for nationwide distribution.
Financial strain hitting the supply chain
Muli cautioned that delays in payments could cripple preparations for the rollout, stressing that the publishing value chain is already under pressure.
He noted that printers are owed nearly Sh4 billion, creating a ripple effect across suppliers, distributors, authors, and financial institutions.
“This situation has had far-reaching consequences across the entire book value chain,” he said, adding that even institutions such as the Kenya Revenue Authority are indirectly affected due to stalled operations in the sector.
Grade 11 books ready, but funding still pending
Despite the challenges, Muli confirmed that Grade 11 textbooks are already prepared and awaiting tendering for supply. Publishers are also working on Grade 12 materials, expected to be completed by August this year.
He emphasized that the industry remains committed to supporting the government’s education agenda, particularly the goal of maintaining a one-textbook-per-learner ratio in public schools.
The Ministry of Education and the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development were also credited for working closely with publishers since 2018, a partnership that has enabled the distribution of over 200 million textbooks nationwide.
Call for urgent action
Publishers are now urging swift intervention from the government to avoid delays that could affect millions of learners preparing for the 2027 academic calendar.
As the deadline draws closer, the sector warns that timely funding will determine whether Kenya’s ambitious education rollout succeeds—or stumbles under financial pressure.
Post a Comment