The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) has announced plans to introduce aviation and marine science in both primary and secondary schools as part of the ongoing implementation of the Competency-Based Education (CBE) Curriculum.
The new subjects will be taught using computer-based simulators and virtual laboratories to give learners practical skills aligned with the demands of the modern job market.
KICD Council Chairperson Prof. Simon Gicharu said the move is part of a renewed focus on equipping learners with relevant, market-driven knowledge. He noted that aviation, marine science, and other emerging fields will be central to the curriculum review currently underway.
According to Gicharu, the new subjects will be introduced in senior school (Grades 10 to 12) under the STEM pathway, which offers learners a chance to specialize in technical areas such as aviation technology and marine and fisheries technology.
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He added that learners will be required to take seven subjects, four compulsory and three electives, including those aligned with their career aspirations.
“The Ministry of Education, working with KICD and various partners, plans to install 1,600 physical laboratories and 2,000 virtual science labs in public secondary schools starting in 2025. These labs will include aviation and marine simulators to enable hands-on learning, even in schools without traditional science infrastructure,” he revealed.
Through the simulators, learners will be able to pilot virtual aircraft, navigate marine vessels, and undertake other industry-based simulations that mirror real-life operations. The goal is to make STEM learning both practical and accessible across the country.
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The rollout comes as the first CBC cohort is set to join senior school in January 2026. KICD has already begun the process of training teachers, developing content, and reviewing assessment tools to align with the new subject areas.
This reform also supports Kenya’s blue economy strategy, which promotes sustainable use of ocean and water resources, and the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which places strong emphasis on technical and vocational education.
By Benedict Aoya
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