Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has shed light on why mathematics is now an optional subject at the senior secondary level under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). The decision marks a shift from the outgoing 8-4-4 system, where mathematics was a compulsory subject for all students.
Speaking to The Star, Ogamba explained that CBC takes inspiration from the education system that existed before 8-4-4, when students in Form Five and Six selected subjects aligned with their intended career paths. He noted that in the past, Arts students were not required to take mathematics, and CBC is adopting a similar model.
Under CBC, students transitioning from Grade 9 to Grade 10 will choose a specialized pathway Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); Social Sciences; or Arts and Sports Science. While mathematics remains compulsory for students in the STEM pathway, those pursuing Arts or Social Sciences may opt out of it if it is not relevant to their career aspirations.
Ogamba emphasized that students will still acquire essential numeracy skills from Grade 4 to Grade 9, ensuring they have foundational mathematical literacy. He cited Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) performance statistics, highlighting that in the previous year, 72% of students scored a D or below in mathematics. Many of these students do not enter careers requiring advanced mathematics, yet their overall mean grade is negatively affected by the subject.
“By Grade 9, a student’s competencies and career interests should be clear. If mathematics is not relevant to their chosen path, there is no need to make it mandatory,” Ogamba said. However, he assured that mathematics would still be available for students who wish to study it, and the STEM pathway will be accessible nationwide.
Under the new framework, students will take four compulsory subjects English or Kenya Sign Language, Kiswahili, Physical Education, and Community Service Learning. Additionally, they will select three subjects from a pool of 38 electives, bringing the total number of subjects to seven at the senior secondary level.
Ogamba also noted that the Ministry recently conducted county dialogues from March 7 to 13 to engage stakeholders on this transition. Discussions on the necessity of compulsory mathematics are ongoing, and the government will refine regulations based on stakeholder input.
