Unauthorised books: We must be on guard

There is a nexus between the literature young people are exposed to in school and their behaviour and choices later in life. The knowledge captured in textbooks and other learning materials plays a significant role in skill and knowledge development of learners.
That is why every nation should have regular conversations about the kind of learning materials used to teach its children. This directly touches on pedagogy, that is, the art, science, or profession of teaching. It has been argued that learning materials influence the worldview of students.
For instance, discerning observers pointed out that the revolutionary spirit in Gen Z was inspired by the set books they studied in high school, such as Betrayal in the City by Francis Imbuga, Mstahiki Meya by Timothy Arege, the anthology Tumbo Lisiloshiba, and Kithaka Wa Mberia’s Kifo Kisimani.
But the bigger concern should be the quality of teaching materials being used by teachers in classrooms.
The alarm has been raised that thousands of students across the country may be exposed to misleading content in their quest for knowledge. The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) has warned 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 boss Charles Ong’ondo, unscrupulous individuals have exploited the implementation of the CBC to sell unapproved textbooks to unsuspecting parents and teachers.
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 Seven, Eight, and Nine, claims to enhance learners’ skills in writing, speaking, listening, grammar, poetry, and oral literature under the CBC framework.
Exposing children to bad books is dangerous for their educational growth and should not go unchallenged.
That is why we call on KICD, parents, teachers and other stakeholders to call out individuals selling substandard learning materials to schools.