The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026
Status Timeline
Proposed
Active now
Public Review
Pending
Debate
Pending
Executive
Pending
Final
Pending
Director Designation Replaced and Term Limits Reduced
The Bill replaces the designation of "Director" with "Chief Executive Officer" throughout the Act, including under sections 2, 5, 14, 15, 16, 23, and 29. Furthermore, section 15 of the principal Act is amended to reduce the term of office for the executive head from five years to four years.
KICD Governing Council Restructured
Section 5 of the principal Act is amended to replace the membership of the Council. The new governing Council will consist of:
- A Chairperson appointed by the President;
- The Principal Secretaries responsible for basic education and finance;
- The Chief Executive Officers of the Kenya National Educational Assessments Council, the Teacher's Service Commission, the Kenya Institute of Special Education, and the Kenya Teachers' Training College;
- One representative from public universities, two representatives from the private sector, and the CEO of the Institute as an ex-officio member.
New Accreditation Framework for Curriculum Developers
The Bill introduces a definition for "accreditation" under section 2, establishing it as the process by which KICD recognises a person or institution as a curriculum developer who has fulfilled the prescribed criteria. Section 29 is amended to empower the Cabinet Secretary, in consultation with the Council, to make regulations prescribing procedures for the accreditation of institutions and persons wishing to develop basic education curricula in Kenya.
Academic Committee Repealed and Transitioned to Council
The Bill repeals section 18 of the principal Act, which previously dictated the composition and functions of the Academic Committee. A new section 17 is introduced to empower the Council to establish committees and panels to execute its functions. Consequently, section 30 transitions all obligations and pending proceedings of the Academic Committee directly to the Council.
Bill No.
No. 54 of 2026
Gazette No.
Supplement No. 200 of 2026
Sponsor
Kimani Ichung'wah
Background
The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026, aims to amend the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development Act (Cap. 211A) to modernize the governance structures of the Institute, revise its focus away from tertiary training towards teacher education, and establish a clear framework for accrediting external curriculum developers.
Key Amendments
- Administrative Rebranding and Service Delivery: Updates terminology throughout the Act by replacing the title "Director" with "Chief Executive Officer". It also amends section 3(4) to state that the Institute shall "decentralise its services" rather than "devolve its functions".
- Refined Scope of Focus: Deletes references to "tertiary education and training" and "technical and vocational education and training" in sections 2 and 4, replacing them with "teacher education and training".
- Council Restructuring: Section 5 is amended to define a leaner governing Council, adding representation from special education, teacher training colleges, and the private sector, while establishing that the CEO of the Institute serves as its ex-officio member and Secretary.
- Establishment of Committees: Repeals the statutory mandate of the Academic Committee (section 18) and replaces section 17 to give the Council broad powers to set up committees and panels as required to carry out its functions.
New Obligations
- Accreditation Requirements: Under the newly inserted paragraph (aa) of section 29, institutions and individuals wishing to develop curricula and programmes for basic education in Kenya must undergo an accreditation procedure. The Cabinet Secretary, in consultation with the Council, is tasked with prescribing these regulatory procedures and guidelines.
Transitional Provisions
- Transfer of Obligations and Proceedings: Section 30 provides that upon commencement of the Act, all obligations and pending proceedings of the defunct Academic Committee shall be deemed to be the obligations and proceedings of the Council. Any pending matters will proceed and be concluded as if they had commenced directly before the Council.
Gazettement
The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Bill (NA Bill No. 54 of 2026) was published in the Kenya Gazette No. 200.
First Reading
The bill was read a First Time in the National Assembly.