The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) is the national body responsible for developing, reviewing, and improving curricula for basic and tertiary education in Kenya.
Established under the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development Act No. 4 of 2013, KICD plays a central role in ensuring that the country's education system remains relevant, competitive, and responsive to societal needs.
This guide highlights the functions of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) and explains how the institution supports quality education across the country.
Functions of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD)
The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) was established on 14 January 2013 as the successor to the Kenya Institute of Education (KIE), which had operated since 1968.
KICD's mission is to provide research-based curricula and curriculum support materials that meet the changing needs of learners and society.
The institute is guided by the following core values:
- Professionalism
- Teamwork
- Integrity
- Innovation and Creativity
- Ubuntu (Humanness)
- Trust
Below are the key functions performed by KICD.
Curriculum Development and Policy Functions
KICD is responsible for designing, reviewing, and improving educational curricula across different learning levels.
Its major curriculum functions include:
- Developing, reviewing, and approving curricula that meet national and international standards.
- Advising the Government on curriculum development matters.
- Implementing curriculum development policies for basic and tertiary education.
- Receiving, evaluating, and reviewing curriculum proposals.
- Incorporating national values, leadership, and talent development into educational programmes.
The institute develops curricula for:
| Education Level | Covered by KICD |
|---|---|
| Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) | ✓ |
| Pre-primary Education | ✓ |
| Primary Education | ✓ |
| Secondary Education | ✓ |
| Adult and Non-Formal Education | ✓ |
| Teacher Education and Training | ✓ |
| Special Needs Education | ✓ |
| Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) | ✓ |
Research, Learning Resources and Quality Assurance
KICD also supports curriculum implementation through research and quality assurance.
Its responsibilities include:
- Conducting research to guide curriculum review and policy development.
- Evaluating, vetting, and approving local and foreign curriculum support materials.
- Collecting, documenting, and cataloguing curriculum information and innovations.
- Creating and maintaining curriculum resource databases.
- Printing, publishing, and distributing curriculum support materials.
- Promoting equal access to quality curricula and learning resources.
These functions ensure learners and teachers have access to accurate, relevant, and high-quality educational materials.
Teacher Development and Technology Integration
KICD works closely with education stakeholders to strengthen curriculum delivery across Kenya.
Its responsibilities include:
- Collaborating with institutions to organise professional development programmes for teachers and teacher trainers.
- Supporting quality assurance and standards officers through curriculum training.
- Developing and disseminating learning materials through mass media, digital platforms, distance learning, and e-learning.
- Promoting the use of technology to enhance innovation and improve learning outcomes.
- Offering consultancy services in basic and tertiary education and training.
These initiatives help improve teaching quality while supporting the country's transition toward a knowledge-based economy.
Why KICD Is Important
KICD plays a vital role in shaping Kenya's education system by ensuring that learners acquire relevant knowledge, practical skills, and values needed for personal growth and national development.
Through curriculum research, innovation, teacher support, and quality assurance, the institute helps maintain high educational standards while responding to emerging social, economic, and technological changes.
