President William Ruto has appointed Dr. Simon Gicharu, the founder of Mount Kenya University, as the Chairperson of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD).
Dr. Gicharu’s appointment is set for a three-year term, taking over the position from Prof. Elishiba Njambi Kimani.
Dr. Gicharu, who previously served as the chairperson of the Water Service Regulatory Board (WSRB) during the tenure of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, has a track record of leadership in various capacities. He also chaired the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (Rerec).
In addition to Dr. Gicharu’s appointment, President Ruto made further key appointments, designating Naomi Shaban as the Chairperson of the Tobacco Control Board for a three-year term and Titus Korir as the Chairperson of the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) board, also for a three-year tenure.
The President’s announcement of these appointments was made through a gazette notice issued on Friday, October 13.
KICD plays a pivotal role in developing the national curriculum, employing a panel system that comprises practicing teachers, teacher educators, university lecturers, quality assurance and standards officers, and curriculum support officers from the Teachers Service Commission, among others.
It is noteworthy that KICD serves as the successor to the Kenya Institute of Education (KIE), originally established in 1968 under the Education Act, Cap 211 of the laws of Kenya.