New KICD board chair pledges to steer institute to greater heights

New KICD Council Board Chairperson Prof. Simon Gicharu with KICD Chief Executive Officer Prof. Charles Ong'ondo during the handing-over ceremony at KICD Council Room. [Mike Kihaki, Standard]

The new Kenya education curriculum board chairperson Simon Gicharu has committed to leveraging his network to spur the growth of the institute.

Prof Gicharu, who took over the leadership of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) also pledged to foster unity and collaboration within the organization.

“I will ensure that no child is left behind in the development and provision of curriculum support materials,” said Prof. Gicharu.

He spoke after taking over the leadership of the institute days after his appointment by president William Ruto.

Prof Gicharu takes over from Elishiba Njambi Kimani, whose appointment was revoked.

Speaking after handing over, Prof Kimani, urged Gicharu to spearhead the institution's agenda to the next level.

“The Country is now looking upon you in the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC),” said Prof. Kimani.

KICD Director Prof Charles Ong’ondo assured the new Council board chairperson of his support and commitment in ensuring the Institute achieves its mandate.

“We are excited to receive Prof Gicharu, and anticipate that his leadership will bring guidance of innovativeness and thinking out of the box,” Ong’ondo said.

Prof Gicharu expressed his commitment to ensuring the institution improves in service delivery.

KICD is the country’s premier institute in the provision of curricula and curriculum support materials that meet international standards for basic and tertiary education and training in Kenya and beyond.

Gicharu reiterated that his core mandate will go towards efficiency, delivery and collective responsibility, all in service of the well-being and education of Kenyan children.

He further assured the Council members of his dedication to working in harmony to support the institution’s administration.

‘‘The Institute will continue to enhance teachers' competencies for quality curriculum delivery.  There will be linkages in the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) implementation at the University for a smooth transition,’’ Gicharu said.

Prof Gicharu will now oversee the roll out of the CBC and transition of students expected to join tertiary institution in 2029.

He takes the leadership of the institute at a time when CBC is entering the eighth cycle in implementation with the first cohort of Junior Secondary School transiting to the second year.

Ruto appointed him through a Gazette Notice dated October 13, 2023 for a three-year term.

Prof. Gicharu is an educationist and the founder of Mount Kenya University.

He has served as chairman at Rural Electrification Authority and oversaw its transition to Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation ((REREC)

He was served as chairman at the Water Service Regulatory Board during the reign of former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Prof Gicharu has contributed immensely to the advancement of higher education in East Africa.