List of KICD Approved Grade 3 (G3) Textbooks

The following is a list of the KICD approved textbooks for the new competency based curriculum for Grade 3 (G3) which is in the lower primary. This information above has been sourced from the latest orange book (2018 Addendum) which is also available on the KICD website for viewing or as a PDF download.

The list contains textbooks for the subjects (activity areas) for Grade 3 that include:

• Mathematics Activities
• English Activities
• Kiswahili Activities
• Literacy Activities
• Environmental Activities
• Hygiene and Nutrition Activities
• Christian Religious Education (CRE)
• Hindu Religious Education (none included)
• Islamic Religious Education (IRE) (none included)
  
• Movement and Creative Activities

All the textbooks below also have a separate Teacher's Guide (TG) that is sold separately.

Grade 3 Approved Textbooks

Grade 3 Books

Format:
Publisher
Textbook Title
Authors

MATHEMATICAL ACTIVITIES GRADE 3

Herald
Have Fun Mathematical Activities
M. Atonga
Seth O’nguti
etal

Oxford
Let’s do Mathematics
Martin Nga’nga
C. Kiyiapi

Spotlight
Spotlight Mathematical Activities
Alice Njeru
Ruth Mwangi

Moran
Enjoy Mathematical Activities Learner’s Book
Paul Njoga

ENGLISH ACTIVITIES GRADE 3

Spotlight Spotlight English Activities
David Kabura
Oliver Ochieng
etal

Oxford
New Progressive Primary English Activities
Leah Kariuki
E. Ndua

Longhorn
Longhorn Primary English Activities
N. Kanyiri
E. Wangusi

E.A.E.P.
Great Minds English Language Activities
Joseph Maina
N. Ndisio

KLB
English Activities G3
Solomon Musee
Hanah N.

KISWAHILI LANGUAGE ACTIVITIES GRADE 3

E.A.E.P.
Kiswahili Angaza Grade 3
Shaban Otieno
Onesmus M.

Oxford
Kiswahili Dadisi
Francis Waititu
Pauline Kea etal

Moran
Stadi za Kiswahili
Kitabu Cha Mwanafunzi
Alfred Kibandi

Story Moja
Know more Kiswahili
Douglas Wanjira
Thomas Nyambeka

Spotlight
Kurunzi ya Kiswahili
Assumpta Matei
Joseph Mwamburi

ENGLISH LITERACY GRADE 3

KLB
KLB Visionary Activities
Charles Gecaga
Dr. P. Mwangi

Longhorn
Longhorn Primary Literacy and Indigenous Activities
M. Githui

Mentor
Mentor Literacy and Indigenous Activities G3
J. Ndiritu
B. Mwenda
G. Akinyi etal

KISWAHILI LITERACY GRADE 3

Oxford
Soma Nasi
Hellen Inyegah
E. Osoro
etal

KIKAMBA LITERACY GRADE 3

E.A.E.P.
PKK: Tutanie Kikamba 3
Yayhya Mutuku

CRE ACTIVITIES GRADE 3

Oxford
Growing in Christ CRE Activities
Hezron Onyango
L. Wachira etal

KLB
KLB Visionary CRE Activities Learners Book
Abijah Nyaga

Moran
Our Faith CRE Activities Learner’s Book
Rosemary Wanaswa

HYGIENE AND NUTRITION ACTIVITIES GRADE 3

Spotlight
Spotlight Hygiene and Nutrition
Rosalia Mwaragu

One Planet
New Planet Hygiene & Nutrition
Lilian Lillovi

Oxford
Everyday Hygiene and Nutrition Activities
Edwin Gitao
Ann Njoroge

Moran
Living Health: Hygiene & Nutrition Learner’s Book
Dominic Nyoroh

KLB
KLB Visionary Hygiene & Nutrition Activities
Frank Mogaka
Jackob Odhiambo

ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVITIES GRADE 3

Oxford
Our Lives Today Environmental Activities
Cephas Kamau,
M. Indire
etal

Signal
Signal Environmental Activities
K. Kiprono
C. Siele
et al

KLB
KLB Visionary Environmental Activities G3
Mr. Saka,
J. Wesonga

Mentor
Mentor Environmental Activities
A.Onzere
J. Wanjoki etal

MUSIC ACTIVITIES GRADE 3

KLB
KLB Visionary Music Activities
Esther Muchiri
Edward Namiti

ART AND CRAFT GRADE 3

KLB
KLB Visionary Art and Craft Activities
Okemba Lore
G. Motondi

Longhorn
Longhorn Primary Art and Craft Activities
A. Mutembei

JKF
Foundation Art and Craft Activities
Johana Osako,
O. Okoyo

MOVEMENT ACTIVITY GRADE 3

KLB
KLB Visionary Movement Activities
Raphael Kithuka
W. Nyokabi,
R. Kahiga


The average prices of these textbooks and their teacher's guide can be found in the orange book. You can however find more accurate pricing by checking the publisher’s website or searching the books in a bookshop website such as Textbook Centre.

Books for other Grades

• Pre-primary 1 Approved Textbooks
• Pre-primary 2 Approved Textbooks
• Grade 1 Approved Textbooks
• Grade 2 Approved Textbooks

List of KICD Approved Grade 2 (G2) Textbooks

The following is a list of the KICD approved textbooks for the new competency based curriculum for Grade 2 (G2) which is in the lower primary. This information above has been sourced from the latest orange book (2018 Addendum) which is also available on the KICD website for viewing or as a PDF download.

The list contains textbooks for the subjects (activity areas) for Grade 2 that include:

• Mathematics Activities
• English Activities
• Kiswahili Activities
• Literacy Activities
• Environmental Activities
• Hygiene and Nutrition Activities
• Christian Religious Education (CRE)
• Hindu Religious Education (none included)
• Islamic Religious Education (IRE)
• Movement and Creative Activities

All the textbooks below also have a separate Teacher's Guide (TG) that is sold separately.

Grade 2 Approved Textbooks

Grade 2 Books

Format:
Publisher
Textbook Title
Authors

MATHEMATICAL ACTIVITIES GRADE 2

JKF
Primary Mathematics Learner’s Activities
S. Waichanguru
R. Ndungu

Longhorn
Longhorn Primary Mathematics Activities
M. Okello

Herald
Have Fun Mathematical Activities
Seth O’nguti
M. Atonga
etal

KLB
KLB Visionary Mathematical Activities
Samuel G. Irumbi
Patrick Kimere

Oxford
Let’s do Mathematics
Martin Nga’nga
C. Kiyiapi

ENGLISH ACTIVITIES GRADE 2

Spotlight
Spotlight English Activities
David Kabura
Oliver Ochieng
etal

Oxford
New Progressive Primary English Activities
Leah Kariuki
E. Ndua

Longhorn
Longhorn Primary English Activities
Elizabeth Wambua

JKF
New Primary English Learners Activities
Thomas
Kondeng
M. N. Harun

Phoenix
Falcon English Activities Grade 2
Anthony Omondi
B. Mwenda

KISWAHILI LANGUAGE ACTIVITIES GRADE 2

E.A.E.P.
Kiswahili Angaza Grade 2
Shaban Otieno
Onesmus Mbanda

JKF
Nyota ya Kiswahili Kitabu cha Mwanafunzi
Dorothy Ngaje
O. Odhiambo

Moran
Stadiza Kiswahili Kitabu cha mwanafunzi
Alfred Kibandi
etal

ENGLISH LITERACY GRADE 2

KLB
KLB Visionary English Literacy Activities
Charles Gecaga
Dr. P. Mwangi

Longhorn
Longhorn Primary Literacy & Indigenous Activities
S. Wenyaa

Phoenix
Falcon English Activities
A. Omondi
B. mwenda

KISWAHILI LITERACY GRADE 2

Longhorn
Longhorn Primary Literacy and Indigenous Activities
H. Gikambi

Oxford
Soma Nasi
Hellen Inyegah
E. Osoro
etal

GIKUYU LITERACY GRADE 2

E.A.E.P.
PKK: Wirute Gikuyu Kiega 1
Waweru Mwangi

Mini Max
Ruthiomi Rwitu
Kuria Mungai P

KIKAMBA LITERACY GRADE 2

E.A.E.P.
PKK: Tutanie Kikamba 2
Yayhya Mutuku

DHOLUO LITERACY GRADE 2

E.A.E.P.
PKK: Somo ber dholuo 2
C. Ogolla

CRE ACTIVITIES GRADE 2

Focus
Focus on CRE Activities
Joyce Kimaita
G. Owich

KLB
KLB Visionary CRE Activities
Philomena Mwaura
W. Magonda
etal

E.A.E.P.
Great Minds CRE Activities
Susan Mureithi
V. Makanda

Story Moja
Know More CRE Activities
Rebecca Makabira
B. Cheruiyot

IRE ACTIVITIES GRADE 2

ATFAAL
Atfaal IRE Activity Pupils Book Grade 2
B. Shariff

HYGIENE AND NUTRITION ACTIVITIES GRADE 2

Story Moja
Know more Hygiene & Nutrition
Joy Kalemba
J. Kadasia

Spotlight
Spotlight Hygiene & Nutrition Activities
R. Mwaragu
D. Maina

Focus
Focus on hygiene andNutrition Grade 2
Victoria Amulega

Mentor
Mentor Hygiene Activities G2
Anita Mwenesi
C. Nungo
etal

Oxford
Everyday Hygiene and Nutrition Activities
Gidraph Ikenye
Mary Mwaniki

Signal
Signal Hygiene & Nutrition Activities
C. Ogila
L. Ngoro
P. Karisa

ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVITIES GRADE 2

Oxford
Our Lives Today Environmental Activities
Cephas Kamau,
H. Cukuru
etal

Spotlight
Spotlight Environmental Activities
T. Gichana
I. Pharouk

Phoenix
Summit Environmental Activities
Z. Oracha

MUSIC ACTIVITIES GRADE 2

KLB
KLB Visionary Music Activities
Esther Muchiri
Edward Namiti

JKF
Foundation Music Activities
Anne Ndungu
Florence Muyela

ART AND CRAFT GRADE 2

KLB
KLB Visionary Art and Craft Activities
Okemba Lore
G.Motondi

Story Moja
Know more Art and Craft Activities
F. Muthomi
I. Njenga

MOVEMENT ACTIVITY GRADE 2

KLB
KLB Visionary Movement Activities
Raphael Kithuka
E. Sigot
W. Nyokabi
Ruth Kahiga

The average prices of these textbooks and their teacher's guide can be found in the orange book. You can however find more accurate pricing by checking the publisher’s website or searching the books in a bookshop website such as Textbook Centre.

Books for other Grades

• Pre-primary 1 Approved Textbooks
• Pre-primary 2 Approved Textbooks
• Grade 1 Approved Textbooks
• Grade 3 Approved Textbooks

List of KICD Approved Grade 1 (G1) Textbooks

The following is a list of the KICD approved textbooks for the new competency based curriculum for Grade 1 (G1) which is in the lower primary. This information above has been sourced from the latest orange book (2018 Addendum) which is also available on the KICD website for viewing or as a PDF download.

The list contains textbooks for the 10 subjects (activity areas) for Grade 1 that include:

• Mathematics Activities
• English Activities
• Kiswahili Activities
• Literacy Activities
• Environmental Activities
• Hygiene and Nutrition Activities
• Christian Religious Education (CRE)
• Hindu Religious Education (none included)
• Islamic Religious Education (IRE)
• Movement and Creative Activities

All the textbooks below also have a separate Teacher's Guide (TG) that is sold separately.

Grade 1 Approved Textbooks

Grade 1 Books

Format:
Publisher
Textbook Title
Authors

MATHEMATICAL ACTIVITIES GRADE 1

JKF
Primary Mathematics Learner’s Activities
S. Waichanguru
R. Ndungu

Bookmark
Bookmark Mathematical Activities
Janet Musyoka
etal

ENGLISH ACTIVITIES GRADE 1

Spotlight
Spotlight English Activities
David Kabura
Oliver Ochieng
etal

Queenex
Queenex English Activities
Adrin Mwanzia

Bookmark/Pearson
Bookmark English Activities Learner’s Book
Cheryl Minkley

Oxford
New Progressive Primary English Activities
Leah Kariuki
E. Ndua

KISWAHILI LANGUAGE ACTIVITIES GRADE 1

JKF
Nyota ya Kiswahili Kitabu cha Mwanafunzi
Dorothy Ngaje
O. Odhiambo

Oxford
Kiswahili Dadisi
Francis Waititu
Pauline Kea
etal

KLB
KLB Visionaries Learner’s Book
Mutahi Miricho
K. Wanjala
etal

Longhorn
Longhorn Primary Kiswahili Activities
James Ndeda

E.A.E.P.
Kiswahili Angaza Grade 1
Shaban Otieno
Onesmus Mbanda

ENGLISH LITERACY GRADE 1

KLB
Literacy Activities
Charles Gecaga
Dr. Phyllis Mwangi

KISWAHILI LITERACY GRADE 1

Longhorn
Longhorn Primary Literacy and Indigenous Activities
D. Bobea

GIKUYU LITERACY GRADE 1

E.A.E.P.
PKK: Wirute Gikuyu Kiega 1
Waweru Mwangi

Mini Max
Ruthiomi Rwitu
Kuria Mungai

KIKAMBA LITERACY GRADE 1

E.A.E.P.
PKK: Tutanie Kikamba 1
Yayhya Mutuku

EKEGUSII LITERACY GRADE 1

E.A.E.P.
PKK: Ekegusii nwekiya 1
T. Nyambeka

CRE ACTIVITIES GRADE 1

Oxford
Growing in Christ CRE Activities
Hezron Onyango
L. Wachira etal

Focus
Focus on CRE Activities
Joyce Kimaita
G. Owich

Longhorn
Longhorn Primary CRE Activities
Lucy Muiru

Mentor
Mentor CRE Activities
Emily Aura
S. Ochieng

KLB
KLB Visionary CRE Activities
Philomena Mwaura
W. Magonda
etal

Distinction
Christian Religious Activities
A. Musangi

IRE ACTIVITIES GRADE 1

KLB
KLB Visionary IRE Activities
Yusufu Kumala
Idns Makhoha

HYGIENE AND NUTRITION ACTIVITIES GRADE 1

Story Moja
Know More Hygiene & Nutrition
Joy Kalemba
J. Kadasia

JKF
Foundation Hygiene and Nutrition Activities
Eddah Mwachofi
G. Kaloki
etal

Spotlight
Spotlight Hygiene & Nutrition Activities
R. Mwaragu
D. Maina

Oxford
Everyday Hygiene and Nutrition Activities
N. Aluanga
S. Anyona

Focus
Focus on Hygiene and Nutrition Activities
Victoria Amulega

One Planet
New Planet Hygiene & Nutrition
Lilian Lillovi
Charles Kiluta

Phoenix
Summit Hygiene Activities
Z. Oracha

Mentor
Mentor Hygiene Activities Grade 1
A. Mwenesi
B. Nungo
M. Odhiambo
R. Maiyo

ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVITIES GRADE 1

Evangel
Enrich Yourself Environmental Activities
A. Gichuki
M. Musa
et al

Oxford
Our Lives Today Environmental Activities
C. Kamau
M. Indire
etal

Queenex
Queenex Environmental Activities
G. A. Okoko

Bookmark/Pearson
Bookmark Environmental Activities
Joy Kalemba

Story Moja
Know more Environmental Activities
J. Musau
P. Saiya

Signal
Signal Environmental Activities
K. Kiprono
C. Siele
et al

Spotlight
Spotlight Environmental Activities
Thomas Gichana
Isaac Pharouk
etal

Longhorn
Longhorn Primary Environmental Activities
Peter Oloo
John Kanjoyah

MUSIC ACTIVITIES GRADE 1

KLB
KLB Visionary Music Activities
Esther Muchiri
Edward Namiti
etal

Longhorn
Longhorn Primary Music
J. Odongo

ART AND CRAFT GRADE 1

KLB
KLB Visionary Art and Craft Activities
Okemba Lore
G. Motondi

Story Moja
Know more Art and Craft Activities
F. Muthomi

MOVEMENT ACTIVITY GRADE 1

KLB
KLB Visionary Movement Activities Grade 1
Raphael Kithuka
E. Sigot
W. Nyokabi,
R. Kahiga etal

The average prices of these textbooks and their teacher's guide can be found in the orange book. You can however find more accurate pricing by checking the publisher’s website or searching the books in a bookshop website such as Textbook Centre.

Books for other Grades

• Pre-primary 1 Approved Textbooks
• Pre-primary 2 Approved Textbooks
• Grade 2 Approved Textbooks
• Grade 3 Approved Textbooks

List of KICD Approved Pre-Primary 2 (PP2) Textbooks

The following is a list of the KICD approved textbooks for the new competency based curriculum for Pre-Primary 2 (PP2). This information above has been sourced from the latest orange book (2018 Addendum) which is also available on the KICD website for viewing or as a PDF download.

The list contains textbooks for the subjects (activity areas) for Pre-primary 2 that include:

• Mathematical Activities
• Language Activities
• Religious Education Activities
• Environmental Activities
• Psychomotor and Creative Activities

All the textbooks below also have a separate Teacher's Guide (TG) which can be bought separately.

Pre-primary 2 Approved Textbooks

PP2 Books

Format:
Publisher
Textbook Title
Authors

MATHEMATICAL ACTIVITIES PRE-PRIMARY 2

Mentor
Mentor Mathematical Activities
Monica Otieno
J. N. Gathogo

E.A.E.P.
Fun with Mathematical Activities
Patrick Kiswili

Moran First Steps
Mathematical Activities
Diana Omondi

Book Mark
Bookmark Mathematical Activities
Mady Musiol

Kenya Literature Bureau
KLB Skill Grow Mathematical Activities
Daniel K. Rop
P. Chepkoskei
etal

LANGUAGE ACTIVITIES PRE-PRIMARY 2

Moran
First Step Language Activities
D. Omondi

KISWAHILI LANGUAGE ACTIVITIES PRE-PRIMARY 2

Kenya Literature Bureau
KLB Skill Grow Kiswahili Activities Grade 2
Sheila Wandera
P. V. Lumwamu

CRE PRE-PRIMARY 2

Mentor
Mentor CRE Activities
V. Ochieng

Longhorn Longhorn Pre-Primary
CRE Activities
Agnes Wangu

ISLAMIC ACTIVITIES PRE-PRIMARY 2

Kenya Literature Bureau
KLB Skill Grow Pre-primary Learner’s Book
Idris Makhoha
Amina A. Miriam Omar

ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVITIES PRE-PRIMARY 2

Spotlight
Spotlight Environment Activities
Emma Gacheha
S. Maina

Mentor Mentor Environmental Activities
H. Ahem
F. Tweni
etal

E.A.E.P.
Fun with Environmental Activities
Jared Kebaso

The average prices of these textbooks and their teacher's guide can be found in the orange book. You can however find more accurate pricing by checking the publisher’s website or searching the books in a bookshop’s website such as Textbook Centre.

Books for other Grades

• Pre-primary 1 Approved Textbooks
• Grade 1 Approved Textbooks
• Grade 2 Approved Textbooks
• Grade 3 Approved Textbooks

List of KICD Approved Pre-Primary 1 (PP1) Textbooks

The following is a list of the KICD approved textbooks for the new competency based curriculum  (CBC) for Pre-Primary 1 (PP1). This information above has been sourced from the latest orange book (2018 Addendum) which is also available on the KICD website for viewing or as a PDF download.

The list contains textbooks for the subjects (activity areas) for Pre-primary 1 that include:

• Mathematical Activities
• Language Activities
• Religious Education Activities
• Environmental Activities
• Psychomotor and Creative Activities 

All the textbooks below also have a separate Teacher's Guide (TG) that can be bought separately.

Pre-primary 1 Approved Textbooks

PP1 Books

Format:
Publisher
Textbook Title
Authors

MATHEMATICAL ACTIVITIES PRE-PRIMARY 1

One Planet
One Step Mathematical Activities
Jemima Ouma
Jovita Mwendi

Queenex
Queenex Mathematical Activities
Peter Okelo

Kenya Literature Bureau
KLB Skill Grow Mathematical Activities PP 1
Daniel K. Rop
Pamela Chakaki

Longhorn
Longhorn Pre-Primary Mathematics
Dominic Ochieng

Mentor
Mentor Mathematical Activities

LANGUAGE ACTIVITIES PRE-PRIMARY 1

Spotlight
Spotlight Language Activities
D. Kabura
O. Ochieng

KISWAHILI LANGUAGE ACTIVITIES PRE-PRIMARY 1

Kenya Literature Bureau
KLB Skill Grow Kiswahili Activities Grade 1
Sheila Wandera
P. Lumwamu
etal

CRE PRE-PRIMARY 1

E.A.E.P.
Fun with CRE Activities
Anne Ngila
Edith Ngunjiri

ISLAMIC ACTIVITIES PRE-PRIMARY 1

Kenya Literature Bureau
KLB Skill Grow Pre-primary Learner’s Book
Idris Makhoha
Amina A. Miriam Omar

PSYCHOMOTOR – CREATIVE ARTS PRE PRIMARY 1

Story Moja
Know more Psychomotor & Creative Activities
C. Kemunto
M. Ashikholwa

Longhorn
Longhorn Pre-primary Psychomotor & Creative Activities
P. Ongany

Kenya Literature Bureau
KLB Skill Grow Psychomotor and Creative Activities PP 1
Margaret Atieno
T. Makobi

ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVITIES PRE-PRIMARY 1

Longhorn
Longhorn Pre-Primary Environmental Activities
J. Karaigua

Moran
First Steps: Environmental Activities Learner’s Book
Diana Omondi

The average prices of these textbooks and their teacher's guide can be found in the orange book. You can however find more accurate pricing by checking the publisher’s website or searching the books in a bookshop’s website such as Textbook Centre.

Books for other Grades

• Pre-primary 2 Approved Textbooks
• Grade 1 Approved Textbooks
• Grade 2 Approved Textbooks
• Grade 3 Approved Textbooks

KICD Approved New Curriculum Textbooks

The Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) is the new curriculum that is being rolled out by the Ministry of Education. In accordance with these new textbooks have been developed by publishers to meet the needs of this new curriculum.

However, not all the books currently available in bookshops have been approved for use in schools.

For that reason, the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) in partnership with the Ministry of Education have released a list of approved books in the 2018 Orange Book that school heads and parents are supposed to pick from when buying textbooks for the new curriculum.

In addition to this, all the approved books include a footnote on the cover indicating they've been approved by KICD.So when in doubt, check for this footnote on the book's cover.

Classes Covered in the New Curriculum

Currently, the curriculum only covers the early years of education which consists of the Pre-Primary and Lower Primary.

The Pre-primary education is made up of two classes:

• Pre-primary 1 (PP1)
• Pre-primary 2 (PP2)

Lower Primary Education on the other hand is made up of three grades:

• Grade 1 (G1)
• Grade 2 (G2)
• Grade 3 (G3)

Approved Textbooks Lists

KICD Approved Books

A list of all the approved books for each of the grades can be found by following the links below:

• Pre-primary 1 Approved Textbooks
• Pre-primary 2 Approved Textbooks
• Grade 1 Approved Textbooks
• Grade 2 Approved Textbooks
• Grade 3 Approved Textbooks

All the titles also include a teacher's guide that can be bought separately.

New Curriculum Activty Areas

The pre-primary education has the following subjects which are now referred to Activity Areas:

• Language Activities
• Mathematical Activities
• Environmental Activities
• Psychomotor and Creative Activities 
• Religious Education Activities

Primary education contains the following activity areas:

• Mathematics Activities
• English Activities
• Kiswahili Activities
• Literacy Activities
• Environmental Activities
• Hygiene and Nutrition Activities
• Christian Religious Education
• Hindu Religious Education
• Islamic Religious Education
• Movement and Creative Activities

Each of these subjects has a list of textbook titles from various publishers that have been approved by KICD for study with. Schools are expected to pick from this list only.

As a result, the choice of book will differ from school to school and therefore parents are only supposed to buy what their children school has instructed them to buy.

Free Online and Offline Swahili Dictionaries

Online Dictionaries

Let's start with the most obvious medium here, the online dictionaries. You can "fire up" any one of these so long as you've internet and a browser regardless of your device, be it a computer, tablet or phone. The downside though is that you'll need internet to access any of them.

1. Swahili Oxford

Swahili Oxford Search

This is a full-fledged free Swahili dictionary from Oxford. Unlike other dictionaries online, this actually defines words rather than just translate words from English to Swahili and vice versa. You can visit the site here.

2. Wikamusi

Wikamusi

Wikamusi is the Swahili equivalent of the Wikitionary - Wikipedia's English Dictionary. I suppose its total words is not as large as the Oxford dictionary but it's nonetheless a good addition to your dictionary arsenal.

Furthermore, like everything else on Wikimedia, its user contributed and therefore it will keep growing. Also, in addition to definitions, Wikamusi also shows pictures, synonyms (visawe) and translations to English and some of our local dialects, something I might add Oxford doesn't have.

You can visit Wikamusi here.

Offline Dictionaries

At the moment, the best offline dictionary you can get your hands on is the one in the bookshop. The reason for this, is that most offline dictionaries available are not in the real sense dictionaries.

What most of them do, like the bulk of the "Online Swahili Dictionaries" available, is just translate from Swahili to English or vice versa. Now, despite the wording, such a dictionary has its value too especially if it offers a standard definition beside the translation. For that reason I'll include them here.

1. TUKI

TUKI

Of all the offline Swahili dictionaries out there, the TUKI one is no doubt the most thorough. I've been using it for a couple of years and it has proved itself to be invaluable.

The dictionary has both English - Swahili and Swahili - English Dictionaries so it can be helpful in situations where you have a Swahili word and don't know its meaning or word in English.

The dictionary is available in a packaged HTML format and as such you'll need a browser to view it though you don't have to be connected to the internet to use it.

Get the ZIP package from here (TUKI_Eng-Sw-Eng_Dictionary.zip), extract it to a folder on your computer or phone's internal/external memory, and then open it from the index.html.

If you need to move it elsewhere, make sure you move the whole folder and not just the index.html. You can however always view it online in the Elimu Yetu Website here.

2. Swahili Kamusi in PDF

If you need a Kamusi in PDF format (Swahili to English) you can get one that has been assembled by Bob Beretta from the Google Site here.

If you fancy the idea of editing a dictionary, like adding your own words, there's also one in Rich Text Format (*.rtf) available from the same site. Just use Ms Word to edit it or WordPad if you don't have Office installed on your computer.

3. Stardict Format Swahili Dictionary

If you use a Stardict compatible dictionary app or program like Goldendict or ColorDict, you can get the free Swahili - English & English - Swahili stardict dictionaries from here. They are not through and don't have any definitions, but they're better than nothing if you use the stradict format.

If you've the technical knowhow it should be possible to convert the Wikamusi to the Stardict format in the same manner some have done for the Wiktionary.

4. Swahili Dictionary Apps

i. Android

There are couple of Swahili Dictionary apps available for android in the App Store. Since I can't review all of them here, I'd suggest you try a couple of them and see what suits you best.

You can skip over the Longhorn ones if you need something that is completely free. Also note that some of the apps may not available for phones  running old versions of Android like Gingerbread (2.3.x).

ii. iOS

On iOS I could only find this app. It could be worth a try as it's free though I haven't tested it.

iii. Windows Phone/Mobile

Windows phone tends to get left behind when it comes to apps but this time they are lucky. Try this offline dictionary by ProDict. It has both Swahili - English and English - Swahili Dictionaries and from my use it's quite fast.

Swahili Translation (Tafsiri) Dictionaries

As said  earlier, this makes up the bulk of the online dictionaries out there. Below is  a list of sites that offer English - Swahili and Swahili - English translation Dictionaries:

1. Microsoft Translator (Android, Windows Phone & iOS Apps)
2. Google Translate (Android & iOS Apps)
3. Babylon - Swahili Dictionary
4. Glosbe: The Multilingual Online Dictionary - This allows you to translate Swahili to other languages not just English.
5. Kiswahili.net - Online Swahili and English Dictionaries
6. African Languages Dictionary
7. Lexilogos - This one combines some of the above dictionaries so that you can search any of them from one place.

This is just a few of them as it's not possible to include all of them here. If you have a good dicitionary that I've left out and you would like to share with the rest of us, just drop me a comment below and I'll add it to the list.

Kiswahili kitukuzwe, kisifukuzwe!

You Can Now Get CRB Clearance at Huduma Centres

Getting your CRB clearance certificate has up until recently been done online for the most part. At the moment there are about three Credit Reference Bureaus (CRB) that have been providing these services.

While this is convenient for people that have online access it locks out people that either lack this access or that are otherwise not tech-savvy enough to complete the application on their own.

Fortunately, Huduma Centre have now introduced CRB services at some of their centres in partnership with one of the CRB companies called Metropol. These services include application of CRB clearance certificate and the listing report to confirm one's credit score.

As a result, one will be able to apply for this certificate along with other clearances such as Certificate Good Conduct and EACC Clearance in one place.

Huduma Centres that Support CRB Clearance

CRB Services at Huduma Centres

The following Huduma Centres are the only ones that currently support CRB services (as of November 2018):

1. GPO
2. City Square
3. Eastleigh
4. Kibra
5. Makadara

As you may have already noticed, all these Huduma Centres are within Nairobi. Therefore, for those outside Nairobi applying online is the only alternative until that time when CRB services are rolled out to Huduma centres in other regions.

To do that, you can check our post on applying for the CRB certificate online using one of the companies called TransUnion that allows for the application as well as checking one's credit score using their Nipashe android app.

Requirements to Get CRB Clearance at a Huduma Centres

This service is not free and attracts some processing fees. The requirements are:

• Ksh.2200 for the certificate
• National ID
• Ksh.100 if you wish to check the listing report too

The Ksh.2200 fee is constant across all the CRBs. For those that choose to apply online will thus likewise have to part with a similar amount.

How to Apply for EACC Clearance Certificate

A clearance certificate from the Ethics & Anti-corruption Commission (EACC) is one of the 5 clearances outlined in the Chapter (6) of the constitution of Kenya. The remaining four include the KRA Compliance Certificate, Certificate of Good Conduct, HELB Compliance Certificate and Credit Reference Bureau (CRB) Clearance Certificate.

These clearances are often required when applying for National and County Government job positions however the EACC one is additionally required by those seeking elective posts.

Getting EACC Clearance

EACC Clearance Certificate

Unlike the other clearances which can be done online, the application process for a EACC clearance has to be done in person and no actual certificate is awarded.

Also, while the EACC clearance doesn't attract hefty charges as it's the case with the rest (save for KRA), it necessitates the services of a Commissioner for Oaths (Lawyer /Advocate) or Magistrate.

Step 1: Fill the EACC Clearance Form

1. Download the self-declaration form that is in PDF format from the EACC website and print two copies of it.

2. Fill the two forms but leave the last page (OATH & AFFIRMATION / KIAPO NA UTHIBITISHWA) unfilled.

3. Attach photocopies of your National Identity Card (ID) or Passport, your High School Certificate, Degree (if you have one) and KRA PIN Certificate to both copies.

Step 2: Commission the Form

1. Take the two copies with you to a lawyer or advocate.

2. The lawyer will fill the Oath & Affirmation page and ask you to put your signature in his/her presence. After this, the two copies will be stamped on the same page.

Note that this commissioning is not done for free (not unless the lawyer in question is a relative or friend). The cost will ultimately depend with the lawyer/law firm in question however generally speaking it's between Ksh.200 and Ksh.500.

Step 3: Submit the Commissioned Form

You can submit the commissioned form either to:

• EACC Office, or
• Huduma Centre. 

On submission you'll be left with one copy while the other will go to EACC. Use the remaining copy when going to the job interview or where the clearance was requested. EACC will provide details of your clearance to the office where the clearance was requested therefore no certificate is issued.

To submit to an EACC Office, drop the form at the Head EACC Office located at Integrity Centre in Nairobi or at any of the EACC Regional Offices in Mombasa, Kisumu, Nyeri, Eldoret and Garissa.

To submit at a Huduma Centre, just go to one near you however note that not all may support EACC Clearance. As such you may want to confirm in advance with Huduma Care by calling 020 690 0020 or @HudumaKenya on Twitter.

If you're within Nairobi, you can submit your form at the GPO Huduma Centre.