The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) has issued an apology for the misleading content in the Certificate Biology book for Form Three, which appeared to suggest victim-blaming in rape cases.
In a statement released on Thursday, KICD CEO Prof. Charles Ong’ondo acknowledged that the book’s content, which included guidance on “modest dress code and behavior” to prevent sexual provocation, was erroneous and potentially harmful.
The text in question stated: “Modest dress code and behavior to avoid provoking or tempting other persons 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 expressed regret for the oversight, which was not identified during the initial review of the book. He committed to forming a task force to review and correct the errors to prevent future occurrences.
“The Institute acknowledges that the sentences above could be interpreted to suggest that indecent dressing is the main cause of rape and may also insinuate victim blaming in cases of rape,” he stated.
“KICD offers an apology to readers who found the quoted sentences in the book Certificate Biology for Form Three misleading, and we regret not detecting this during the evaluation in 2005.”
The Institute clarified that there was no intention to justify rape in any situation, emphasizing that while modest dressing is encouraged, it should not be associated with the risk of rape.
To address the issue, Prof. Ong’ondo announced the formation of a panel of experts to review the book’s content within the next two weeks. This panel will include curriculum development officers, quality assurance and standards officers, teachers, and other relevant stakeholders.
“As a way forward, KICD has constituted a panel, as stipulated in the Institute’s Materials Evaluation Criteria, comprising curriculum development officers, quality assurance and standards officers, teachers, and other relevant stakeholders, to review the book’s content within two weeks,” KICD noted.
The Institute will issue an advisory to the publisher on necessary revisions to avoid any potential misinterpretations by learners. Schools will also be informed after the review on how to guide learners on the relevant topic.
