President William Ruto has appointed Mount Kenya University (MKU) founder Prof. Simon Gicharu as the chairperson of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) effective October 12, 2023.

In a gazette notice number 13857 dated October 12, 2023, the head of state appointed Prof. Gicharu to serve in the position for a period of three years revoking the appointment of Prof. Elishiba Njambi Kimani.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 5 (2) (a) of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development Act, as read together with section 51 (1) of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint Simon Gicharu (DR.) to be Chairperson of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development for a period of three (3) years, with effect from the 13th October 2023,” the gazette notice reads in part.

Who is Professor Simon Gicharu?

Professor Simon Gicharu is a renowned figure in the field of education and is credited as the visionary behind the establishment of Mount Kenya University, the largest private university in East and Central Africa.

He has extended his influence beyond Kenya, as the driving force behind Mount Kigali University in Rwanda.

Prof. Gicharu’s commitment to the education sector is evident in his role as the Chairman of the Water Services Regulatory Board and his leadership in the National Private Universities Owners Association of Kenya.

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He has also made significant contributions through his founding of Equip Africa Institute and his patronage of the Mount Kenya University Graduate Enterprise Academy.

In addition to his educational endeavors, Professor Gicharu serves as a board member at Thika Water and Sewerage Company and holds the distinguished position of patron for the Inter Universities Rover Moot, a program administered under the Kenya Scouts Association.

In recognition of his outstanding achievements, Gicharu was honored in 2015 when he was named the Eastern African Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

Subsequently, he was inducted into the prestigious Ernst and Young Hall of Fame.