This archive report was first published on 18 September 2019.
Published on September 18, 2019, a storybook titled Blood Ties by Zimkhitha Mlamzeli has been at the center of controversy after some parents claimed they were asked to buy it for their class six children.
The book, part of the Storymoja Life Series, contains adult content and was borrowed from South Africa. It was available at Textbook Centre, but was later pulled down following public outcry.
Angry parents took to social media to express their disappointment, questioning how a book with the f-word could be approved for use in primary school.
‘This book is not approved by KICD. It is not listed in the Orange book that contains a list of all books that schools should use for teaching and learning,’ said KICD in a tweet.
Parents are now demanding to know who vets the books before selection and whether they actually read the books to determine their suitability for children.
Churchill Oluoch wrote on Twitter, ‘The buck stops with KICD these guys just sit and wait to be bribed to approve books.’
Beatrice Tangai also expressed her concerns, saying, ‘Even without the swear words, the approach is horrible. Even adults get traumatized reading about a violent rape.’
