Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has announced the reinstatement of Mathematics as a compulsory subject across all senior secondary school pathways under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). This decision comes after widespread public outcry and professional criticism over the initial proposal to drop Mathematics as a mandatory subject for students not pursuing the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) pathway.
Speaking during the National Conversation on CBC, Ogamba said the Ministry of Education had listened to concerns raised by stakeholders during public participation. “The majority of stakeholders during the CBC dialogue were of the view that mathematics should be compulsory in senior school. We have listened to your concerns, consulted with the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), and resolved that some form of mathematics be made compulsory for all pathways,” he said.
Under the revised directive, students in the STEM pathway will continue to study pure mathematics. Meanwhile, those in the Arts and Sports Science and Social Sciences pathways will take a simplified version of the subject, ensuring all learners maintain a foundational level of mathematical literacy.
This policy reversal aims to address growing concerns about the implications of making Mathematics optional. Education experts and professional bodies, including the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK), had warned that eliminating Mathematics from some pathways could jeopardize the development of analytical and problem-solving skills critical for Kenya’s workforce and economic sustainability.
“Mathematics is the language of engineering and technology,” IEK stated, adding that it underpins problem-solving and innovation in various sectors such as artificial intelligence, civil engineering, and renewable energy.
Ogamba reaffirmed the government’s commitment to refining the CBC through inclusive dialogue. “Your voices matter. As a Ministry, we take your concerns seriously as we work to refine and strengthen the CBC,” he said.
The move to reinstate Mathematics across all senior school pathways marks a significant policy shift and reinforces the subject’s role as a foundational skill in preparing students for future careers and everyday life.
