President William Ruto has visited the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) exhibition stand during the closing ceremony of the 2026 Kenya Comprehensive Schools Heads Association (KECSHA) conference in Mombasa, where he was briefed on the Institute’s contribution to the country's education reforms.
The President was received by KICD Chief Executive Officer Prof. Charles Ong’ondo, who guided him through the exhibition showcasing the Institute's work in curriculum development, innovation and the production of quality curriculum support materials.
During the tour, KICD highlighted its role in supporting the implementation of Competency-Based Education (CBE), particularly through the development of curriculum designs, learning resources and other materials intended to improve the quality of teaching and learning in schools.
The exhibition came against the backdrop of ongoing efforts to strengthen the availability of learning materials in public schools. During the conference, Prof. Ong’ondo announced plans to distribute new Mathematics, English and Kiswahili textbooks to learners in Grades One, Two and Three in more than 24,000 public primary schools from January 2027.
The replacement programme is intended to address concerns over ageing and worn-out textbooks, with the procurement process for the new materials underway.
The KICD chief executive also raised concerns over commercially produced assessment booklets containing ready-made questions and answers, urging parents and school administrators to avoid materials that undermine the principles of Competency-Based Education.
KICD Council Chairperson Prof. Simon Gicharu has also been at the centre of the Institute's leadership as it continues to oversee curriculum reforms and improve the quality of educational resources available to learners.
The Institute is mandated to develop, review and approve curricula and curriculum support materials for use in educational and training institutions across the country.
The 2026 KECSHA conference brought together school heads, government officials and other education stakeholders to discuss the future of comprehensive education, with discussions focusing on school leadership, curriculum implementation, skills development and improving learning outcomes.
President Ruto's visit to the exhibition underscored the government's continued engagement with institutions supporting the transformation of Kenya's education sector.
Through curriculum innovation and the provision of relevant learning materials, KICD continues to play a significant role in shaping the country's education system.
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