Silverio Omari
The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) has issued a public apology for misleading content in the Certificate Biology for Form Three textbook, which appeared to suggest victim-blaming in rape cases.
In a statement released on Thursday, KICD CEO Prof. Charles Ong’ondo acknowledged the publisher’s mistake, highlighting that the content could be interpreted to imply that victims of rape might be at fault due to their dressing or behavior.
The book, under the sub-topic “Prevention of AIDS,” contains the following text: “Modest dress code and behavior to avoid provoking or tempting others into sexual arousal. Many rape cases are due to such provocations. One should also avoid being alone with a person of the opposite sex in secluded areas to prevent losing one’s control. Date rapes are even more common than rape by total strangers. Girls should be especially watchful in not having their drinks mixed with drugs or alcohol, which cause them to lose control of their senses.” Prof. Ong’ondo acknowledged that these sentences could be misinterpreted to suggest that indecent dressing is the primary cause of rape and could insinuate victim-blaming.
“KICD apologizes to readers who found the statements in the Certificate Biology for Form Three textbook misleading, and we regret not identifying this issue during the 2005 evaluation process,” he stated.
The Institute clarified that there was never any intention to justify rape under any circumstances. While promoting modest dressing among learners and the public, it stressed that such advice should not be associated with the occurrence of rape.
To resolve the issue, Prof. Ong’ondo announced that KICD has assembled a panel of experts to review the book’s content within two weeks. This panel will include curriculum development officers, quality assurance and standards officers, teachers, and other relevant stakeholders.
“As a corrective measure, KICD has formed a panel, as outlined in the Institute’s Materials Evaluation Criteria, to review the book’s content within two weeks,” KICD stated.
Following the review, the Institute will advise the publisher on necessary revisions to prevent any potential misinterpretations by learners. Schools will also be informed on how to appropriately guide students on the relevant topic.
Dj Vnyash
