By Nyang’au Araka
The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) has received fresh national recognition after winning a governance award, adding to a growing list of accolades for the education agency.
The institute was named the Champion of Best Governance among players in the education and education services sector during the 15th Champions of Governance (COG) Awards Gala Dinner held in Nairobi on Friday.
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The awards, organised by the Institute of Certified Secretaries (ICS) Kenya, took place at the Argyle Grand Hotel along Mombasa Road.
KICD Council Chairperson Prof. Simon Gicharu also emerged First Runner-Up in the Chairmanship of the Year Award 2026, in recognition of his contribution to institutional leadership and governance.
Speaking after the recognition, Prof. Gicharu said the award reflected the weight of responsibility entrusted to the institute, whose mandate directly affects the country’s education system.
“The award is a reflection of the responsibility bestowed upon me as the Chairperson to the most critical government agency in the education sector, mandated to develop, review, vet, and approve curricula and curriculum support materials for all levels of education below the university,” he said.
He added: “If KICD gets it wrong, the whole country is messed up.”
Prof. Gicharu pledged continued commitment to ensuring the institute delivers quality curriculum support materials as Kenya implements Competency-Based Education (CBE).
He also thanked the award organisers for recognising individuals and institutions contributing to the country’s growth and development.
The latest honour comes weeks after KICD was named Best African Development Curriculum Institute of the Year at the 2026 Africa Public Sector Conference and Awards (APSCA) held in Accra, Ghana.
The continental recognition further strengthened the institute’s profile beyond Kenya, particularly as the country continues implementing reforms under the competency-based education framework.
KICD Chief Executive Officer Prof. Charles Ong’ondo credited the achievement to the collective contribution of the institute’s leadership and staff.
“This year has been one of the acknowledgements and appreciation of what the KICD contributes to our beloved Country, Kenya,” he said.
Ong’ondo urged employees to sustain their efforts, while acknowledging what he described as God’s hand in the institution’s successive recognitions.
Prof. Gicharu was recently reappointed for a further three-year term as chairperson of the KICD Council, providing continuity in the institution’s leadership.
The two trophies from the governance awards were received by Deputy Director in charge of Consultancy and Partnership Dr Patrick Andika, who represented the institute at the ceremony on behalf of the chief executive officer.
Established under the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development Act No. 4 of 2013, KICD is responsible for developing, reviewing, evaluating, vetting and approving curricula, educational programmes and curriculum support materials for basic and tertiary education and training.
Its work places it at the centre of Kenya’s education system, particularly in ensuring that curriculum materials support effective teaching and learning.
