By Saad Salim | October 17, 2026
President William Ruto has reappointed Prof. Simon Gicharu, the founder and chairman of Mount Kenya University (MKU), as the non-executive chairperson of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) for another three-year term.
The reappointment took effect on October 16, 2026, following a Gazette notice published on the same date, extending Prof. Gicharu’s leadership at the curriculum development agency until 2029.
Prof. Gicharu was initially appointed to the position in October 2023. His renewed tenure comes at a critical period for Kenya’s education sector, as the government continues implementing the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and strengthening the delivery of learning materials to schools across the country.
As non-executive chairperson, Prof. Gicharu will continue providing strategic direction and overseeing the governance of the KICD board. His responsibilities include guiding the institute’s broader priorities and supporting its mandate to develop, review and improve curricula for Kenya’s education system.
The institute’s day-to-day operations remain under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Prof. Charles Ong’ondo.
The renewed appointment comes as education stakeholders continue focusing on the effective implementation of curriculum reforms, teacher preparedness and the availability of appropriate instructional materials.
KICD plays a central role in supporting the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum, which aims to equip learners with practical skills, knowledge, values and competencies that can be applied in everyday life and future careers.
The institute’s responsibilities include curriculum development and review, the evaluation of instructional materials and supporting the preparation of learning resources for schools.
With preparations for Grade 9 and the wider rollout of the CBC remaining important priorities, the institution is expected to continue working with the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders to support a smooth learning transition.
The distribution of relevant learning materials across the country also remains a significant consideration in ensuring that learners in different regions have access to appropriate educational resources.
Prof. Gicharu is widely recognised for establishing Mount Kenya University, which has grown into one of East Africa’s prominent private universities.
His career in education and entrepreneurship has positioned him among Kenya’s notable figures in the higher education sector. Beyond his involvement in university leadership, he has also held leadership roles in public institutions, including the Geothermal Development Company (GDC) and the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC).
His experience across education and public-sector governance brings a background in institutional leadership to his role at KICD.
Prof. Gicharu’s reappointment provides continuity at the board level as Kenya advances reforms intended to strengthen the quality and relevance of education.
Over the next three years, attention will remain on curriculum implementation, the development of appropriate learning resources and the effective coordination of education stakeholders.
As KICD continues carrying out its national mandate, the renewed term offers an opportunity to build on ongoing initiatives and support the country’s broader education transformation agenda.
The appointment took effect on October 16, 2026, and runs for a further three years, subject to the terms of the official Gazette notice.
