A Giant Leap for Kenya’s Soul: KICD Launches Nationwide Rollout of Values-Based Education

By Maximilla Wafula

NAIROBI, Kenya (April 2, 2026) In a move described as "breathing life into the Constitution," the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) has officially launched the national rollout of Values-Based Education (VBE). The initiative aims to ensure that the Kenyan education system produces not just academic experts, but ethical, responsible, and integrity-driven citizens.

The launch, held in Nairobi, follows a successful pilot program conducted across 19 counties, involving 79 schools and over 3,000 learners. Speaking during the historic event, KICD leadership emphasized that values are a foundational pillar of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and a core requirement under the 2010 Constitution of Kenya.

"If we produce professionals and experts who miss out on values, then we are not doing justice to our country," noted the KICD representative. While the rollout of CBC has previously focused on curriculum designs and textbooks, today’s launch marks a deliberate shift toward the "software" of the nation the character and moral fiber of its children. The Director of Quality Assurance, representing the Director General, echoed these sentiments, noting that the program’s success is a testament to the power of partnership. The initiative has been heavily supported by the Zizi Afrique Foundation (Zizi Elimu), which provided both funding and technical expertise during the critical piloting phase.

Mr. Frederick Haga, representing the Principal Secretary for Education, delivered a powerful keynote, comparing the launch to the historic 1969 moon landing. "A small step for man, a giant leap for mankind," Haga quoted. "What we are doing today might appear like a small step, but believe me, this is a giant step for this country. We are witnessing the breathing of life into the provisions of our Constitution."

Haga, who also leads the Directorate of Special Needs Education, praised KICD for its inclusive approach, ensuring that learners with disabilities were fully integrated into the pilot program. "Values are for everybody," he added. "An inclusive approach ensures we leave no child behind."

The Ministry of Education has called upon all stakeholders including the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), parents’ associations, and regional directors to move in sync. The goal is to move away from a culture of "cutting corners" and shortcuts toward a society defined by integrity. "It is not just another checkbox being ticked," the Ministry stated. "It is about transforming our learners into the citizens this country deserves."

As the program moves from the pilot phase to every school across the Republic, the Ministry has pledged unwavering support, including capitation and policy leadership, to ensure the sustainability of this transformative educational shift. Key highlights of the VBE rollout include its proven success in 19 counties, the core mission of nurturing ethical leadership, a strong technical partnership with the Zizi Afrique Foundation, and a landmark commitment to the full integration of Special Needs Education (SNE) learners.