Kakamega: Schools in Kakamega have been urged to acquire books from booksellers who are registered with the Kenya Book Sellers' Association.
According to Kenya News Agency, the chairperson of the Kenya Book Sellers Association Kakamega chapter, Charles Wanyanga, emphasized that the association ensures that the books supplied to schools are approved by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD).
He conveyed this message during a breakfast business meeting organized by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Kakamega chapter. The meeting gathered book sellers and officers from the Ministry of Education to discuss the importance of dealing with registered booksellers. Wanyanga encouraged business people dealing in stationery and aspiring to distribute books to schools to register with the association, which collaborates closely with the Ministry of Education.
Wanyanga cautioned that schools procuring books from unregistered individuals risk purchasing unapproved or pirated content, potentially leading to financial losses when required to replace such books. He assured schools that by procuring from registered members, the association will ensure value for money, and any malpractice by a member will result in action taken against them, including compensating the affected schools.
The association currently has 40 registered booksellers covering Kakamega and Vihiga counties. Charles Omutanyi, Vice Chairperson of the KNCCI Kakamega chapter, noted that booksellers in Kakamega face challenges, but empowerment through an association can help them thrive without compromising educational standards.
Moses Buriri, an education officer at the County Director of Education Office, confirmed that schools will work with registered booksellers in the county. He encouraged sellers to join the association to access a significant market comprising over 459 secondary schools and approximately 1700 primary schools in Kakamega County. Buriri assured that any malpractice would be reported, with quality assurance and standards officers ready to maintain educational quality for learners.