The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) has completed the development of curriculum designs for all three grades of Senior School, marking a critical milestone in the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
Speaking at Murang’a High School over the weekend, KICD Chairman Prof. Simon Gicharu confirmed that the institute has evaluated and approved textbooks for Grade 10, with qualified publishers already awarded contracts. These books will be distributed to public Senior Schools by the end of 2025 in readiness for the first CBC Grade 10 intake in 2026.
To support effective rollout, KICD, in partnership with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the Ministry of Education, will induct Senior School teachers in August and September. Additionally, the institute plans to mount stakeholder sensitization campaigns involving parents, school boards, and teacher unions between July and August.
KICD Chairperson and also MKU founder and Board chairnan, Prof. Simon Gicharu interacts with Murang’a High School students in Murang’a county. PHOTO/COURTESY
Prof. Gicharu clarified the roles of different education agencies: KICD oversees curriculum design, TSC handles Competency-Based Teaching and Learning (CBT/L), the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) manages Competency-Based Assessment (CBA), while the Ministry of Education ensures the provision of learning resources.
Senior School, which will accommodate learners aged 15–18 from 2026, is the final stage of Basic Education under the Basic Education Act, 2013. At this level, students will choose career pathways and take a minimum of seven subjects, including four core ones: English, Kiswahili, Mathematics, and Physical Education. Mathematics will be offered in two levels—Core and Essential—based on the learner’s pathway.
Prof Simon Gicharu, joins Murang’a High School students in a jig during a students’ mentoring and alumni meeting at the institution. PHOTO/COURTESY
Prof. Gicharu emphasized that learners exiting Senior School should be “engaged, empowered, and ethical citizens” equipped for national development.
He issued this statement during a mentoring session with students and alumni at Murang’a High School, where he is an alumnus (Class of 1985). In an inspiring address, he urged students to embrace honesty, resilience, and lifelong learning, warning against the lure of instant success and urging them to prepare for the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), including Artificial Intelligence, robotics, and cybersecurity.
The event was also attended by school leadership, alumni association members, and corporate guests, who echoed the call for values-driven excellence and innovation among Kenya’s youth.
Written By Rodney Mbua
