By James Wakahiu
President William Ruto has appointed Prof Simon Gicharu, the founder
of Mt Kenya University (MKU) to be the chairperson of the Kenya
Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) for a period of three years,
with effect from October 13, 2023.
The appointment of outgoing chairman Prof Elishiba Njambi Kimani as
chair of the institute has been revoked. Gicharu will relinquish his
appointment at the Water Services Regulatory Board as it has been
revoked at the same time. Also appointed is Titus Kipkoech Korir to
chair KFS for a period of three years, replacing Chirchir.
Photo/ President William Ruto with MKU Founder Prof Simon Gicharu. By James Wakahiu
A renowned career educationist, Prof Gicharus expansion of university
education extends to Kigali, Rwanda, where he established a MKU
campus. Gicharu also served as the chairman of the National Association
of Private University Owners in Kenya (NAPOK), where he
successfully advocated for the government to review its higher education
policies resulting in increased university enrolment and transition rates
from high school to university.
Apart from his leadership that made MKU become the largest private
university in East and Central Africa in terms of infrastructure and
student enrolment, Prof Gicharu has in the past led the Rural
Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation as chairman.
Established in 2013 under the Ministry of Education by the KICD Act 4
(2013) of the laws of Kenya, is a State body that advises on curriculum
development and implements policies related to basic and tertiary
education and training, among other areas.
Photo/ Prof Simon Gicharu
Officials at the parastatal also advise the Government on matters
pertaining to evaluation, vetting and approval, any local and foreign
curricula and curriculum support materials in relation to the levels of
education and training.
KICD also collaborates with other individuals and institutions in
organizing and conducting professional development programmes for
teachers, teacher trainers, quality assurance and standards officers and
other officers involved in education and training on curriculum programs
and materials.
Meanwhile, former Taita Taveta MP Naomi Shaban is the new
chairperson of the Tobacco Control Board for a period of two years and
revoked the appointment of Dr Khama Rogo. Job Chirchir is the Water
Services Regulatory Board chairperson, replacing Gicharu. Chirchir’s
appointment at the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) was also revoked.
Interior CS Professor Kithure Kindiki appointed Jubilee chairperson
Nelson Dzuya to be a member of the Non-Governmental Organization
Coordination Board, where he will serve for a period of three years.
Education CS Ezekiel Machogu appointed Joel Kibe to the University of
Nairobi Council, where he will serve for three years.
Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi appointed Zakayo Maina to be a member
of the Pyrethrum Processing Company Board for a period of three years.
Treasury CS Professor Njuguna Ndung’u revoked the appointment of
Stephen Lmosta Lekupe and Erastus Kimuri as members of the Kenya
Trade Network Agency Board. He also appointed George Okeyo to be a
member of the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis
board for a period of three years.
www.themountainjournal.co.ke
