Curriculum development institute prepares for senior school syllabus

MKU founder and Board chairman,  Prof Simon Gicharu, joins Murang'a High School students in a jig during a students mentoring and alumni meeting at the institution

The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) has already developed curriculum designs for all the three grades at Senior School in preparation for the implementation of the new Competency-Based Curriculum or CBC.

The Institute has already evaluated textbooks for Grade 10 and awarded the qualified publishers. These books shall be distributed to all public Senior Schools during this year 2025 in readiness for Grade 10 in the year 2026. 

Speaking at Murang’a High School over the weekend, KICD chairman Prof. Simon Gicharu said the institution will be partnering with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the Education ministry in induction of senior school teachers during the months of August and September to ensure their readiness.

“The institute will be mounting a major stakeholder sensitization on Senior School during the months of July and August that shall involve parents, boards of management and teacher unions,” he said. 

KICD is responsible for the CBC component, Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is responsible for Competency Based Teaching and Leaning (CBT/L), the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) is responsible for the Competency Based Assessment (CBA); while the Ministry of Education is responsible for provision of Competency Based Resources.

CBC has been successfully implemented in Kenya since 2019 up to 2025; with the first cohort being at Grade 9 (Nine). In the year 2026, Grade 9 learners transit to Senior School (Grade 10). Senior school comprises three years of education for learners in the age bracket of 15 to 18 years and marks the end of Basic Education as defined in the Basic Education Act, 2013

“Learners exiting this level are expected to be “engaged, empowered and ethical citizens” ready to participate in the socio-economic development of the nation. At this level, learners are ready to specialise in a career path of choice since they have had opportunities to explore their own potential, interests and personality,” Prof Gicharu said.  

Prof. Simon Gicharu handing over a token to Murang'a High School students in Murang'a county during an alumni and mentorship event  at the institution last weekend.

He said the learners at Senior Schools shall take a minimum of seven subjects out of which four (4) shall be compulsory; English Language, Kiswahili Language, Physical Education and Mathematics. There shall be two forms of Mathematics: Core Mathematics for learners pursuing the STEM Pathway (those within the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics fields, and Essential Mathematics for learners taking any of the other two pathways -Arts and Sports and Social Sciences. 

Prof Gicharu, who is also the founder of Mount Kenya and Mount Kigali universities, was a guest during the Murang’a High School breakfast treat and mentoring of students by alumni meeting held on Saturday June14th. He was among the scores of alumni from the school, having studied there between 1983 and 1985. “The future of this country and of the world lies in your hands,” he told the students.

Others at the event were Board of Management members represented by Mr. Samuel Irungu, Murang’a High School Old Boys Association (MOBA-MUHAE) Chairman, Mr. Amos Mwangi, representatives from the Farmers Choice Ltd, led by Mr. Michael Ngugi. They were hosted by the Chief Principal of Murang’a High School, Mr. Willie Kuria and Deputy Principal, Mr. Kogi and the staff of the school. 

“Each one of you is capable of being the best you would wish to be in your lives.  Always aspire to be nothing else but the best that you can be for you have the capacity to be the best – strive to attain that. In doing that, do not be satisfied by average achievement, strive for the best,” he urged the students. 

He cautioned them to beware of the greed for instant success – fast money, fast recognition and immediate flashy lifestyles.

“Remember, real success is a process that requires time, skills and correct mindset.  Pease do not be in a rush to look for quick success.  You must grow firm roots before you reach the fruits of your success,” he warned. 

He said the temptation for fast success may lead to shoddy deals and a corrupt character. 

“Be honest, reliable and respectful. These traits open doors faster and more effectively than degrees will. These virtues will earn you trust, where trust in today’s world is stronger than currencies of this world in creating and establishing lasting relationships,” he added. 

Prof. Gicharu interacting with Murang'a High School students in Murang'a county during an alumni and mentorship event  at the institution.

Prof Gicharu said Murang’a High School’s rich history is very well known. 

“This is a history of nurturing young talents to success, of fostering resilience, and instilling values that has shaped many students over the years to be responsible citizens. This is evidenced by our own cases.  If this is not true, we would not be here this morning,” he said.

He told the youth to choose their friends wisely and to embrace innovation and technology in our lives.

“As you are all aware, we are in the 4th Industrial Revolution or also called 4IR or “Industry 4.0” which describes the rapid advancements in technology as experienced in the 21st Century that brings together the digital, physical and biological worlds,” he said. 

“We are now forced to learn new phenomenon such as Artificial Intelligence or AI, robotics and Nano technology and so on.  All these come with new opportunities and challenges.  We must develop strong digital literacy skills.  We must also understand and appreciate online safety, cyber security and responsible social media usage.  All these are indicators that we must all embrace life-long learning so that we move with the fast evolving technology.