Nairobi Parents Raise Concerns Over Textbook Shortages

As Nairobi schools prepare to reopen for the new term, many parents of learners under the Competency‑Based Curriculum (CBC) are voicing frustration over widespread textbook shortages. Many families say they’ve visited multiple bookshops only to find the core textbooks for Grade 9 either out of stock or delayed for distribution. One parent in Nairobi lamented, It’s been weeks and I still can’t find the books my child needs, highlighting the stress as learners face the new academic demands.
The shortage stems from a combination of publishing delays and logistics issues in distributing new curriculum‑aligned textbooks. According to the Kenya Publishers Association (KPA), although over nine million units of Grade 9 texts were printed, many have yet to reach schools and retail outlets. Some booksellers attribute this to late syllabus finalisation and conflicting book lists, leaving parents uncertain whether to purchase older editions. Meanwhile, some school heads in Nairobi confirm receipt of texts, but say many learners still lack their own copies — frequently sharing a few books among multiple students.
Reactions among stakeholders reflect growing concern. Parents say the delays threaten learners’ ability to engage fully from the start of term, and worry that missing books will place students at a disadvantage under the new curriculum. Educators, while sympathetic, say that without the correct resources, implementing CBC becomes even more challenging in crowded Nairobi classrooms. The Ministry of Education maintains that the majority of schools have received materials and promised that remaining books will be delivered imminently.
Looking ahead, parents and education advocates are pressing for stronger accountability in textbook procurement and distribution. They recommend improved tracking systems to ensure timely delivery to Nairobi schools, clearer communication of approved book lists to retailers, and contingency measures—such as digital versions or shared resources—for learners still awaiting materials. For Nairobi’s learners to benefit fully from the CBC’s promise of skills‑based learning, access to the right textbooks must not remain a hurdle.