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The contentious plan to make mathematics optional under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) has been retracted by the Ministry of Education after days of escalating public pressure and uncertainty.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