Government Reinstates Mathematics as a Compulsory Subject in Senior Secondary Schools
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has announced a major change in the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), revealing that mathematics will now be a mandatory subject in all senior secondary school pathways.
Speaking during the National Conversation on the Competency-Based Curriculum held on Thursday, CS Ogamba said the Ministry of Education had taken into account feedback from various stakeholders.
He confirmed that after consulting with the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), the government resolved to make some form of mathematics compulsory across all the three senior school pathways.
“Many stakeholders who participated in the CBC dialogue strongly felt that mathematics should be a compulsory subject in senior school.
After listening to their concerns and reviewing the situation with KICD, we have decided that every student, regardless of the pathway they choose, will study a form of mathematics,” said Ogamba.
He further clarified that students in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) pathway will continue studying pure mathematics.
However, students who choose the other two pathways — Arts and Sports Science or Social Sciences — will be introduced to a simpler or applied version of mathematics suited to their areas of study.
“This way, all three pathways — STEM, Arts and Sports Science, and Social Sciences — will include mathematics in their curriculum,” Ogamba explained.
Under the previous structure of the 8-4-4 system, mathematics was compulsory for all students. But when the CBC framework was introduced, it allowed students in non-STEM pathways to drop mathematics completely.
This decision raised alarm among the public, education experts, and workforce analysts who feared that eliminating mathematics could affect Kenya’s economic and professional growth.
Due to the growing backlash and widespread concerns, the Education Ministry has now reversed that decision.
Ogamba acknowledged that allowing students to skip mathematics in senior school was not the best move, especially considering the crucial role the subject plays in daily life, career development, and national progress.
“This change is a result of listening to what Kenyans and stakeholders had to say. It shows that we are committed to improving the education system by involving the people it affects,” Ogamba emphasized.
The CS encouraged all Kenyans and education stakeholders to support this new direction, assuring them that the Ministry values their contributions in shaping policies and improving the curriculum.
Alongside Ogamba, Principal Secretary Julius Bitok is also playing an active role in managing the CBC transition.
Both leaders are focusing on ensuring high standards of education while addressing the challenges facing the CBC rollout — including the preparedness of teachers, infrastructure in schools, and concerns raised by the public.
In conclusion, the government’s decision to reintroduce mathematics across all senior school pathways is seen as a step towards strengthening the country’s education system and ensuring students are better equipped for the future.
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