The Ministry of Education, through the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), has released the official list of approved curriculum support materials for Grade 10 learners, marking a major step in the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in senior schools.
The publication, made public on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, provides guidance on textbooks and learning resources that students and teachers are required to use. The move aims to ensure uniformity, quality, and alignment of teaching materials across Kenya, helping learners acquire the necessary skills, knowledge, and competencies.
Under the CBC framework, Grade 10 learners will study seven learning areas, including four core subjects: English, Kiswahili, Core Mathematics, and Community Service Learning (CSL). In addition, learners are allowed to choose three optional subjects based on their career aspirations, interests, and aptitude, with guidance from their teachers. The CBC career pathways include STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), Social Sciences, and Arts and Sports Science.
Arts and Sports Science Pathway
Students pursuing Music and Dance are required to use resources such as Hummingbird Music and Dance, Mentor Music and Dance, KLB Excellent Music and Dance, Moran Music and Dance, and Distinction Music and Dance. For Theatre and Film, learners must acquire Doritex Film and Theatre and Distinction Theatre and Film. Those in Fine Arts are required to use Front Row Fine Arts and Mentor Fine Arts, while Sports Science learners will study from Mountain Sports Science, Top Sports and Recreation, and Booklyst Master Sports and Recreation.
Social Sciences Pathway
Students pursuing Social Sciences will use approved textbooks for all subjects. For English, learners can choose from English Moran, KLB Excellent English, Storymoja English, Hummingbird English, Oxford English, and Highland English. Kiswahili learners will use books like Moran Kiswahili Cha Mwanafunzi, Oxford Kiswahili Fasaha, Mentor Kiswahili Kitabu cha Mwanafunzi, Longhorn Chemchemi za Kiswahili, One Planet Mbiu ya Kiswahili, and Hummingbird Kiswahili Kitabu cha Mwanafunzi. History, Geography, and Business Studies have similarly detailed approved resources, ensuring all learners have access to quality materials aligned with CBC objectives.
STEM Pathway
For STEM learners, textbooks include Modern Technology Computer Studies and Oxford Active Computer Studies for computer studies. Mathematics learners will use Mentor Mathematics, Spotlight Core Mathematics, Longhorn Advancing in Core Mathematics, KLB Excellent Core Mathematics, Mentor General Mathematics, and Spotlight Essential Mathematics. Biology students will rely on Spotlight Biology, Triumph Biology, Oxford Biology Today, Magic Biology, Master Biology, or Mentor Biology. Learners in Building and Construction will use Master Building and Construction, Distinction Building and Construction, and Excellent Building and Construction.
Role of Teachers
Teachers in senior schools are responsible for selecting learning materials exclusively from the approved list, using both learners’ books and teacher’s guides. They must ensure that all teaching aligns with CBC principles and fosters effective learning, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of senior school, learners are expected to communicate effectively, utilize ICT across contexts, apply logical and mathematical reasoning, conduct basic research, and exploit individual talents for leisure, self-fulfillment, and career development.
The approved curriculum materials aim to ensure students are well-equipped for higher education, vocational training, and the job market.
This announcement comes as part of the Ministry’s commitment to enhancing education standards in Kenya, guaranteeing that every Grade 10 student has access to high-quality resources while strengthening the implementation of the CBC in senior schools.