The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) has developed curriculum designs for all three Senior School grades in preparation for the rollout of the new Competency-Based Education curriculum.
The Institute has already evaluated textbooks for Grade 10 and awarded the qualification to the selected publishers. These books will be distributed to all public Senior Schools during 2025, in preparation for Grade 10 in 2026.
Speaking at Murang’a High School over the weekend, KICD Chairman Prof. Simon Gicharu announced that the institution will partner with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the Ministry of Education in the induction of senior school teachers during August and September to ensure their readiness.
“The institute will be mounting a major stakeholder sensitisation on Senior School during July and August that shall involve parents, boards of management and teacher unions,” he said.
KICD is responsible for the CBE component, TSC is responsible for Competency Based Teaching and Learning (CBT/L), the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) is responsible for the Competency Based Assessment (CBA); while the Ministry of Education is responsible for the provision of Competency Based Resources.
CBC, now renamed CBE, has been successfully implemented in Kenya since 2019, with the first cohort being in Grade 9.
In the year 2026, Grade 9 learners transition to Senior School (Grade 10). Senior school comprises three years of education for learners aged 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 potential, interests and personality,” Prof Gicharu said.
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 at the Murang’a High School breakfast treat and alumni mentoring meeting. 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 included Board of Management members, represented by Mr. Samuel Irungu, Chairman of the Murang’a High School Old Boys Association (MOBA-MUHAE), Amos Mwangi, and representatives from Farmers Choice Ltd, led by Michael Ngugi. They were hosted by the Chief Principal of Murang’a High School, Willie Kuria, the Deputy Principal, one Kogi, and the school staff.
“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 can 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.
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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 the correct mindset. Please do not rush to seek 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 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 have shaped many students over the years to be responsible citizens. Our cases evidence this. 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 their 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 phenomena such as Artificial Intelligence or AI, robotics and Nanotechnology 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, cybersecurity and responsible social media usage. All these are indicators that we must all embrace lifelong learning so that we can keep pace with the fast-evolving technology.
By Kamau Njoroge
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