This archive report was first published on 20 September 2019.
September 20, 2019
The Ministry of Education has issued a stern warning to principals and headteachers against using books and instructional materials that have not been approved by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD).
The warning comes in the wake of a controversy sparked by reports that a book containing vulgar language had been recommended by some schools for use in Standard Six.
According to a circular signed by Basic Education director-general Elyas Abdi, schools are only allowed to use books listed in the Orange Book, which contains a list of approved books and other learning materials, updated annually by KICD.
"You are therefore required to bring to the immediate attention of all principals and headteachers that only books listed in the Orange Book are allowed for use in schools," the circular reads.
On Wednesday, KICD disowned the book, saying it is not approved for use in schools. The book, titled Blood Ties by South African author Zimkhitha Mlanzeli, was published in Kenya by Storymoja Publishers in their Life Series.
"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. Not all books in the market are approved," KICD tweeted.
Storymoja managing editor, Ms Monity Odera, acknowledged that the book was not submitted for vetting by KICD and is, therefore, not approved. She also clarified that the book contains a violent robbery scene, not a rape scene, as some people had misconstrued.
The book has been removed from Text Book Centre's website, and the publisher has also pulled it off their shelves.
