The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) has released its approved Grade 11 textbooks and literary texts ahead of the class’s rollout in January 2027. The release comes with a government distribution programme to prepare schools for the new academic year.
For parents, the immediate task is to check the exact book required before making a purchase. Approval identifies materials suitable for school use; a long catalogue does not mean a learner needs every title in it.
Where to find the official Grade 11 books list
The catalogue is available on KICD’s approved course materials page. Under Approved Grade 11 Coursebooks, readers can open the linked document.
The current file is a 15-page October 2026 addendum to the Orange Book, with a filename indicating an update on October 5. It records the learning area, book title, publisher and authors.
You can also download the list here open the official Grade 11 textbook list PDF directly.
Which books have been approved?
The materials cover languages, sciences, humanities, business subjects, arts, sports and technical learning areas. They include learner’s books, teacher’s guides and literary resources.
Examples in the official catalogue include:
| Learning area | Approved learner’s book | Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| English | Oxford English Learner’s Book Grade 11 | Oxford University Press |
| Essential Mathematics | Moran Essential Mathematics Learner’s Book Grade 11 | Moran |
| Biology | KLB Excelling Biology Learner’s Book Grade 11 | KLB |
These are examples, rather than a complete buying list or a ranking of publishers.
The catalogue distinguishes Core Mathematics from Essential Mathematics. It also labels some literary resources for more than one senior-school grade. Parents should ask the school which exact title and level applies to their child.
When will government textbooks reach schools?
According to the distribution schedule reported by The Eastleigh Voice, deliveries begin on October 6, 2026, ahead of use in January 2027.
| Stage | Announced schedule |
|---|---|
| Initial distribution | October 6–23, 2026 |
| National examination period | Distribution pauses |
| After examinations | Deliveries resume on weekdays |
| End of scheduled deliveries | December 23, 2026 |
The programme includes regular learners and learners with special educational needs, including those following the Stage Based Pathway. Principals have been asked to ensure staff are available to receive deliveries.
These are programme dates, rather than a promise that every school will receive its books on the first day.
Should parents buy textbooks immediately?
The release of an approved list is not, by itself, a direction for every parent to buy a complete set.
KICD’s notice also addresses government-supplied books. Before purchasing additional copies, parents should ask the school what it expects to receive and what the learner still needs.
A practical check is to confirm:
The learner’s subjects.
The school’s chosen title and publisher.
Whether the requested copy is a learner’s book or teacher’s guide.
What the school will supply and what requires a separate purchase.
This can help families avoid buying an approved book that differs from the one being used in class, or purchasing a teacher’s guide when a learner’s book was requested.
What happens if a school receives the wrong number?
Schools that have not received the required government textbooks by mid-January 2027 have been directed to contact KICD. The institute also wants schools to report excess copies relative to learner enrolment.
The telephone number provided in the notice is 0733 762 412. Schools should have their enrolment figures and delivery records available when seeking clarification.
Why the approved list matters
KICD has cautioned schools and stakeholders against using unapproved textbooks and literary materials. Teachers recommending books for purchase should therefore check the official catalogue.
For families preparing for Grade 11, the useful sequence is straightforward: confirm the school’s requirements, match the exact book against KICD’s list and establish what will be supplied before spending money.
