A number of parents have lamented over losses following schools dropping some set books barely four months after the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) introduced them.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke on Monday, May 23, a parent expressed his frustrations after buying all the new set books for his form three student only to be informed that the changes would not be effected.
He noted that when schools were closed in March for long holidays, he was presented with a list of new set books from his daughter's school in line with KICD directive.
After purchasing most of them, he was later informed that the current form three students would still study the old set books, which came as a surprise.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, however, a representative from KICD noted that the agency was clear in its statement regarding which class would begin studying the new set books and how long the new set books would last.
"If you were following the issue of set books, there was a time the Ministry of Education introduced new set books. Once a new set book has been released, it operates for a specific amount of time and used by a specific class. That is supposed to go for five years before another one comes in.
"The statement made clear about those who are supposed to use the new set books. When the Ministry of Education made that announcement, they titled the class which is supposed to start using it," stated the representative.
A careful study on the KICD statement released in January indicated that not all the new books would take effect during the current school calendar.
For Instance, Father of Nations, which is slated to replace Blossoms of the Savannah, will be introduced in 2023 as well as The Samaritan, a play replacing A Doll's House.
In Literature, A Parliament of Owls, which replaces Inheritance, will also be implemented in 2023 as well as the Swahili riwaya titled Nguu za Jadi which replaces Chozi la Heri.
All the other set books have been already been adopted and are expected to be tested for five years to 2026. They include Artist of the Floating World by Kazuo Ishiguro. It will be replacing The Pearly by Jon Steinbeck.
The other optional book will be in anthology of Short stories category, where students can pick to study A silent Song and Other Stories edited by Godwin Sundu. This is a replacement for Memories We Lost by Chris Wanjala.
Others are Bembea written by Dr Timothy Moriasi, replacing Kigogo by Pauline Kea Kyovi for their Kiswahili novel also known as Tamthilia.
For Short stories, KICD approved Mapambazuko ya Machweo na Hadithi Nyingine, replacing Tumbo Lisiloshiba na Hadithi Zingine.
"The commencing and lapsing year imply that the form three class of the given year are the first and last to study the particular book respectively," clarified KICD.
