Gov’t Releases Official List of Approved Grade 10 Textbooks Ahead of Historic Senior School Rollout
In a major milestone for Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) has officially released the full list of approved textbooks for Grade 10, paving the way for the nationwide rollout of Senior School starting January 2026.
The announcement, detailed in a notice issued on Tuesday, December 23, comes as the first cohort of Junior School learners prepares to transition into the next phase of basic education following the recent Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA).
Senior School marks the fourth level of basic education under the CBC framework, following Pre-Primary, Primary, and Junior School. Spanning three years and targeting learners typically aged 16-18, the level is designed to provide a pre-tertiary, pre-university, and pre-career experience, allowing students to specialise in pathways aligned with their interests, aptitudes, and demonstrated potential from earlier stages.
KICD emphasised the transformative nature of this phase, stating in the notice:
“Senior School is the fourth level of Basic Education in the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) that learners shall proceed to after the Pre-Primary School, Primary School and Junior School levels. The essence of Senior School is to offer learners a pre-tertiary/university/pre-career experience in which the learners have an opportunity to choose pathways and tracks where they shall have demonstrated interest and/or potential at the earlier levels.”
The notice further explained: “Senior School comprises three years of education for learners generally in the 16-18 years age bracket and lays the foundation for further education and training at the tertiary level and the world of work. In the CBC vision, learners exiting this level are expected to be engaged, empowered and ethical citizens ready to participate in the socio-economic development of the nation.”
Learners will study seven subjects in total, in line with recommendations from the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms (PWPER, 2023). These include four compulsory core learning areas: English, Kiswahili, Essential Mathematics or Core Mathematics, and Community Service Learning (CSL).
Students will select between Core Mathematics (for STEM pathways) and Essential Mathematics (for non-STEM learners), plus three additional subjects based on their chosen career pathway, guided by school career teachers.
The approved textbooks cover all six main pathways: Arts and Sports Science, Social Sciences, Humanities and Business Studies, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), Applied Sciences, and Technical Studies.
Key Highlights from the Approved List:
- Arts and Sports Science Pathway — Includes titles such as Hummingbird Music and Dance Learner’s Book Grade 10, Mentor Music and Dance Learner’s Book Grade 10, Champion Theatre and Film Learner’s Book Grade 10, Hummingbird Fine Arts Learner’s Book Grade 10, Mountain Top Sports and Recreation Learner’s Book Grade 10, and Hummingbird Physical Education Learner’s Book Grade 10.
- Social Sciences Pathway — Features books like Moran Skills in English Learner’s Book Grade 10, KLB Excelling in English Learner’s Book Grade 10, Dreams Denied (Literature in English), Moran Kiswahili Chanana Kitabu cha Mwanafunzi Gredi ya 10, Mlemavu? Sio Mimi (Fasihi ya Kiswahili), KLB Excelling Arabic Learner’s Book Grade 10, and KLB Excelling Francais Livre de l’Apprenant Grade 10.
- Humanities and Business Studies Pathway — Approved materials include Hummingbird Christian Religious Education Learner’s Book Grade 10, Atfaal IRE Learner’s Book Grade 10, Oxford Essential Community Service Learning Learner’s Book Grade 10, Moran History and Citizenship Learner’s Book Grade 10, Oxford Active Geography Learner’s Book Grade 10, and Moran Business Studies Learner’s Book Grade 10.
- STEM Pathway — Covers core sciences with books such as Master Core Mathematics Learner’s Book Grade 10, Mentor Essential Mathematics Learner’s Book Grade 10, Distinction Biology Learner’s Book Grade 10, Oxford Chemistry Today Learner’s Book Grade 10, Spotlight Physics Learner’s Book Grade 10, and Mentor General Science Learner’s Book Grade 10.
- Applied Sciences Pathway — Includes Healthy Planet Agriculture Learner’s Guide Grade 10, Modern Technology Computer Studies Learner’s Book Grade 10, Mentor Home Science Learner’s Book Grade 10, and Spotlight Information and Communication Technology Learner’s Book Grade 10.
- Technical Studies Pathway — Features specialised titles like Bookmark Aviation Learner’s Book Grade 10, Master Building Construction Learner’s Book Grade 10, Distinction Electricity Learner’s Book Grade 10, Moran Metal Work Learner’s Book Grade 10, Mentor Power Mechanics Learner’s Book Grade 10, Newstar Woodwork Learner’s Book Grade 10, Access and Learn Media Technology Learner’s Book Grade 10, and MTP Marine and Fisheries Technology Learner’s Book Grade 10.
Education stakeholders have welcomed the timely release, which follows earlier concerns over potential delays in textbook supply due to outstanding payments to publishers. The list is seen as a clear signal of the government’s commitment to a smooth transition into Senior School.
Parents, teachers, and schools are advised to ensure they purchase only KICD-approved materials to maintain curriculum standards. The full list and further details are expected to be available on the official KICD website and through authorised channels.
This development underscores Kenya’s ongoing shift towards a more flexible, learner-centred education system that prioritises skills, career readiness, and national development.
Bellow are the list:
Gov’t Releases Official List of Approved Grade 10 Textbooks Ahead of Historic Senior School Rollout