The government has released the official list of approved Grade 10 textbooks ahead of the rollout of Senior School under the Competency-Based Education (CBE).
This is according to a notice issued on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD).
KICD said the approved books cover all pathways offered at Senior School, including Arts and Sports Science, Social Sciences, Humanities and Business Studies, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Applied Sciences and Technical Studies.
According to KICD Senior School, the fourth level after Pre-Primary, Primary, and Junior School, takes three years, adding that learner choice, interests, and career pathways are considered, and it prepares students for tertiary education.
“Senior School comprises three years of education for learners generally in the 16-18 years age bracket and lays the foundation for further education and training at the tertiary level and the world of work,” the notice read in part.
Learners will undertake seven subjects, including four compulsory core areas, in line with recommendations by the Presidential Working Party on Educational Reforms.
“At this level, learners shall take seven (7) learning areas as recommended by the Presidential Working Party on Educational Reforms (PWPER, 2023). These shall comprise four core learning areas, namely: English, Kiswahili, Essential Mathematics/Core Mathematics and Community Service Learning (CSL),” the notice read.
KICD added that learners will choose between Core Mathematics and Essential Mathematics depending on their pathway, alongside three additional subjects guided by career interests and aptitude.
“Learners will choose between Core Mathematics (for learners pursuing the Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics Pathway) and Essential Mathematics (utilitarian skills for non-STEM learners). The learner will select three learning areas depending on their career choice, aptitude, interest and personality with guidance by the career teacher at Senior School,” the notice read.
Pathways And Books Approved
Under the Arts and Sports Science pathway, approved materials span Music and Dance, Theatre and Film, Fine Arts, Sports and Recreation and Physical Education.
Books in this pathway include Hummingbird Music and Dance Learner’s Book Grade 10, Mentor Music and Dance Learner’s Book Grade 10, Champion Theatre and Film Learner’s Book Grade 10, Hummingbird Fine Arts Learner’s Book Grade 10, Mountain Top Sports and Recreation Learner’s Book Grade 10 and Hummingbird Physical Education Learner’s Book Grade 10.
The Social Sciences pathway includes learning areas such as English, Kiswahili, Literature in English, Fasihi ya Kiswahili, Arabic and French.
Approved books include Moran Skills in English Learner’s Book Grade 10, KLB Excelling in English Learner’s Book Grade 10, Dreams Denied for Literature in English, Moran Kiswahili Chanana Kitabu cha Mwanafunzi Gredi ya 10, Mlemavu? Sio Mimi under Fasihi ya Kiswahili, KLB Excelling Arabic Learner’s Book Grade 10 and KLB Excelling Français Livre de l’Apprenant Grade 10.
For Humanities and Business Studies, the approved books cover Christian Religious Education, Islamic Religious Education, Community Service Learning, History and Citizenship, Geography and Business Studies.
Books include Hummingbird Christian Religious Education Learner’s Book Grade 10, Atfaal IRE Learner’s Book Grade 10, Oxford Essential Community Service Learning Learner’s Book Grade 10, Moran History and Citizenship Learner’s Book Grade 10, Oxford Active Geography Learner’s Book Grade 10 and Moran Business Studies Learner’s Book Grade 10.
In the STEM pathway, learners will study subjects under Pure Sciences and General Science, including Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Approved books include Master Core Mathematics Learner’s Book Grade 10, Mentor Essential Mathematics Learner’s Book Grade 10, Distinction Biology Learner’s Book Grade 10, Oxford Chemistry Today Learner’s Book Grade 10, Spotlight Physics Learner’s Book Grade 10 and Mentor General Science Learner’s Book Grade 10.
The Applied Sciences pathway includes Agriculture, Computer Studies, Home Science and Information Communication Technology.
Among the approved books are Healthy Planet Agriculture Learner’s Guide Grade 10, Modern Technology Computer Studies Learner’s Book Grade 10, Mentor Home Science Learner’s Book Grade 10 and Spotlight Information and Communication Technology Learner’s Book Grade 10.
Technical Studies materials cover Aviation, Building Construction, Electricity, Metal Work, Power Mechanics, Woodwork, Media Technology and Marine and Fisheries.
