Mathematics is reinstated as a required course by Education CS Julius Ogamba.

Julius Ogamba, the Cabinet Secretary for Education, has ordered that mathematics be reintroduced in some form as a required course in senior high schools.

Ogamba announced at the National Conversation on the Competency-Based Curriculum on Thursday that the ministry has taken the concerns of the stakeholders into consideration and decided that some form of mathematics should be required in all pathways.

“Most of the stakeholders in the CBC dialogue believed that mathematics should be required in high school. We have taken your worries into consideration, sought advice from the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), and decided that some form of mathematics be required for the two non-STEM pathways,” Ogamba said.

With this new direction, students who selected the STEM route will study pure mathematics, while the other two routes will cover a less complicated version of the subject, according to the CS.

The CS said that in senior school, we will have maths in all three pathways by having the STEM pathway include pure math and the other two pathways include a form of mathematics.

The ministry had instructed that, in contrast to the 8-4-4 curriculum, where mathematics was a required subject, senior school students now had the option of choosing their courses in mathematics.

The ministry divided the pathways into three categories: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Social Sciences, and Arts and Sports Science. Students who selected the first two pathways had the option of skipping mathematics.

But Ogamba has changed his mind and ordered that there be some kind of math course for both of these routes.

Following the developments, there were heated discussions among Kenyans and key players who claimed that the decision was not wise and that it presented difficulties that may have an impact on the economic viability and labor force of the country. This led him to attempt to reverse the action.

In an effort to improve the CBC curriculum, which has come under fire, the Ministry has taken Kenyans’ and stakeholders’ views seriously, the CS has said.

Ogamba said, “It is a crucial element that we have heard the opinions of the Kenyans, and it is a significant contribution from the stakeholders that demonstrates the value of stakeholder dialogue.”

This new action has received Ogamba’s request for backing from Kenyans and the stakeholders.

The transition to the CBC in Kenya is now being actively addressed by the CS and Principal Secretary Julius Bitok. Their primary goal is to address issues such as teacher readiness, school infrastructure, and public concerns about the implementation of the CBC while also ensuring the quality of education.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has pledged that no deserving student will be denied university education due to lack of fees, saying the government will cover any shortfall.

Ogamba says the government is committed to strengthening governance and financial sustainability in public universities.

He noted that insolvent universities have dropped from 23 to 14, with full recovery expected in the next two to three years.

The CS credited reforms such as the student-centered funding model and fee cuts of up to 40% for easing the burden on families.

Looking ahead, the CS announced that next week, a national conference will be held in Mombasa to align university and tertiary education programs with market-driven job skills.

Kenyatta University Council Chairman Dr. Ben Chumo welcomed the new council members and thanked the CS for his support, noting the institution’s central role in Kenya’s education system with nearly 50,000 students enrolled.

On basic education, CS Ogamba further revealed that the government is conducting a nationwide verification of student and school data following an Auditor General’s report questioning past records. Over 15,000 schools have already been verified to ensure accurate capitation disbursement and evidence-based policy decisions.

“This verification will enable us to plan better and avoid past challenges with delayed or insufficient capitation. Once the exercise is complete, we will have reliable data to make more effective decisions,” CS Ogamba added.

The CS thanked the media for amplifying government efforts and assured continued transparency and accountability in the education sector reforms.

Principals who are holding back Form Four certificates are given an ultimatum by CS Ogamba.

Principals of secondary schools who are still holding students’ Form Four certificates because they have not paid their tuition have been issued a strong warning by Julius Ogamba, the Cabinet Secretary for Education.

The notice from his office to the Principals to issue the certificates without any strings attached has expired without the Principals following it, he stated.

“I urge head teachers to follow that instruction as soon as the schools reopen,” he stated.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and other leaders joined the CS at Marani Catholic Parish to collect funds to help with the parish’s construction, which was deemed illegal.
Deputy President urged unity in the nation so that the government could function peacefully and allocate resources in a fair manner across the country.

He chastised President Ruto’s detractors, pointing out that his Kenya Kwanza administration has completed several initiatives in the nation in just two years, and he voiced confidence that it will accomplish even more in the years leading up to the 2026 national elections.

“We know we have fine some good things since you elected us but still there are others remaining that call for your patience as we plan to finish them,” he stated.

Additional government officials who attended the meeting were Kuria MP Mathias Robi, Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwa, and Interior Security CS Kipchumba Murkomen.

The Gusii area lawmakers who attended included Senator Richard Onyonka, Japhet Mokaya, Kitutu Chache North MP, Steve Mogaka, West Mugirango MP, Patrick Osero, North Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro South Mugirango, and Kisii County Woman Representative Donya Aburi.

Because it provides spiritual sustenance and comfort to everyone, the Church is essential, as highlighted by Mathias Rioba.
Robi stated that the church is crucial to the creation of schools to support the government’s initiatives and pledged to collaborate with the church in that shared journey of progress.

How The New Senior Secondary School Funding Model Will Function – Education Ministry Discloses

The Ministry of Education has disclosed plans to create a new funding model specifically designed for students moving on to Grade 10 under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). This model aims to guarantee equitable access to education as the nation steps into the Senior Secondary School (SSS) phase of the CBC.

As per the ministry, the suggested model will tackle current deficiencies in resource distribution by taking into account factors such as school type, learner needs, and regional inequalities. It will also provide targeted assistance for students coming from vulnerable and marginalized backgrounds.

The Cabinet Secretary for Education emphasized that the government is dedicated to ensuring that no student is overlooked during the CBC implementation. The funding model will classify schools into various pathways — STEM, Arts and Sports, and Social Sciences — and allocate resources based on their unique needs.

Institutions offering technical and science-oriented subjects will obtain increased support for infrastructure, equipment, and educational materials. Moreover, learners in these pathways may access bursaries or grants to promote enrollment in less favored but in-demand fields.

The ministry further intends to establish performance-driven incentives to enhance accountability in school administration. Institutions that demonstrate responsible usage of funds and improved educational results might receive additional assistance in future years.

Consultations with stakeholders are presently underway, and the ministry has welcomed input from educators, school leaders, parents, and development partners prior to finalizing the model. A task force is currently evaluating data from pilot institutions to guide the framework.

The new model is anticipated to be rolled out prior to the 2026 school year, when the initial CBC cohort enters Grade 10. This initiative is part of broader reforms aimed at facilitating a smooth transition and enhancing quality in the senior segment of basic education.

The ministry has assured the public that the funding system will remain transparent, inclusive, and sustainable.

CS Ogamba Issues Directive on School Title Deeds

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has today instructed all Regional, County, and Sub-County Education Officers to ensure that schools in their jurisdictions obtain title deeds within the next year.

The CS highlighted that the absence of title deeds in many schools has hindered development, depriving students of a conducive learning environment. He assured that all land that had been illegally seized has been returned to the respective schools.

“We have tasked our directors in the ministry to conduct an audit of all schools to identify those lacking title deeds, so we can assist in securing these documents in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands,” he stated.

Ogamba’s Stance on School Land Grabbing

Numerous public schools are operating without legal proof of ownership, leaving them vulnerable to land grabbers. A 2023 study by the Shule Yangu campaign alliance revealed that only 11,974 out of the country’s 32,643 public schools—approximately 37 percent—possess title deeds. This indicates that over 20,000 schools are at risk of land fraud and encroachment.

CS Alice Wahome’s Warning to Land Grabbers

Lands CS Alice Wahome has also announced the establishment of regional teams to combat land grabbing and urged school administrators to urgently submit property records. “We are not just safeguarding land; we are safeguarding education,” she emphasized.

A senior official from the National Lands Commission noted that religious organizations holding original titles face bureaucratic delays and a lack of coordination among the Ministry of Lands, the National Land Commission, and the Survey of Kenya, which are significant barriers to progress. “Land grabbing persists due to systemic loopholes. We need a cohesive land policy and database,” he remarked.

As of 2019, only 30 percent of 32,354 public schools had obtained title deeds, leaving over 22,648 schools vulnerable to potential land grabbing. Approximately 4,100 schools have formally reported being at risk.

This information comes in light of reports that eight acres of land belonging to Mathari Teaching and Referral Hospital have been encroached upon by an unidentified private developer, who has erected a temporary fence on the unfenced section of the property.

Scrapping mathematics as a necessary topic is addressed by CS Ogamba.

The contentious plan to make mathematics optional under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) has been retracted by the Ministry of Education after days of escalating public pressure and uncertainty.

At the CBC National Conversation event at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Thursday, April 24, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba clarified the matter.

“During the CBC discussion, the bulk of stakeholders agreed that mathematics should be required in higher school,” Ogamba stated.

“We have listened to your concerns, consulted with KICD, and reached a decision that some form of Mathematics be required for the other two pathways.”

This clarification comes after a storm of criticism from the public, parents, and education stakeholders, many of whom expressed concern about the long-term consequences of diluting a core subject like Mathematics in higher school.

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In addition, Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok reiterated the ministry’s position, stating that Mathematics is still a required course in all routes for both junior and senior high schools.
Bitok observed, “There is no confusion. Mathematics is fundamental and will continue to be taught as a core subject.”

Following in-depth discussions with education professionals, the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), and several public forums, the original proposal to make mathematics optional in senior secondary for non-STEM pathways was abandoned.
Although Ogamba’s wording—”some form of mathematics”—continued to raise eyebrows online, the general message was that the topic is here to stay.

Critics had previously expressed concern that diluting mathematics would put students at a disadvantage in real-world problem-solving and in their future careers.

The Ministry is now tasked with making sure that the revamped Mathematics curriculum in non-STEM courses is useful, relevant, and in line with the objectives of national education.
Kenyans are now waiting to see how this important issue will be put into practice in the future as the government seems to have made a complete about-face.

Helb lacks funds to lend KMTC students, states Ogamba

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has informed Parliament that students at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) have not been receiving funding from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) because of insufficient budget.

Ogamba explained that certain universities and training institutions fall outside the ministry’s jurisdiction, and their budgets are processed through respective ministries.

The CS, who appeared before the National Assembly Education and Health committees, disclosed that HELB was allocated Sh84. 5 billion for this financial year, while the requirement is Sh138. 5 billion.

“I would like to let Parliament know that HELB provides estimates for students, both new and continuing, based on information supplied by universities and other institutions under the Ministry of Education, with the budget given to HELB for student funding typically for a predetermined number of students in universities and other institutions,” he stated.

Ogamba mentioned that HELB assisted KMTC with Sh1. 2 billion in 2022/2023 based on resources that were provided by the college via the Ministry of Health.

The CS noted that previously, HELB allocated Sh468 million for loans to KMTC students depending on support received from USAID for five years from 2014 to 2019, highlighting that the ministry’s policy is to support all students pursuing higher education.

“If HELB is given the role of supporting all students in higher learning institutions, funding must accompany that, and it is evident that we have not denied funding to students in higher learning institutions, with the ongoing challenge being budget, which is the elephant in the room,” he remarked.

KMTC Chief Executive Officer Kelly Oluoch conveyed to MPs that the Constitution requires supporting students at the institution, which has an enrollment of 68,000 students and 90 campuses nationwide.

Dr. Oluoch indicated that the exclusion of the college from regular funding raises serious concerns regarding equity, equality, and non-discrimination, which are firmly established in the 2010 Constitution of Kenya, with Article 27 affirming that every person is equal before the law.

He stated that by HELB limiting funding to students attending institutions under the Ministry of Education, the State might be neglecting its constitutional obligation to promote equal educational opportunities.

“We currently face a deficit of Sh1. 5 billion in unpaid school fees, with KMTC constantly seeking funding support to ensure that no student is left out of learning. We have 34 percent of those who gain admission not showing up, while 27 percent of our students postpone their studies due to a lack of fees,” he explained.