Is Making Maths Optional a Step Forward or Backward?
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
In a groundbreaking move, the Ministry of Education has reshaped the education landscape by making mathematics optional for senior school learners (Grades 10-12) under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), effective as of March 14, 2025. This decision has sparked a heated debate: is this a progressive step toward personalized education, or a risky experiment that could leave students ill-equipped for the future? Parents, educators, and policymakers are divided, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Let’s unpack the research, consequences, and implications of this policy shift—and explore whether math should remain a cornerstone of education or become a matter of choice.
A Shift Toward Flexibility: The CBC’s Bold Vision
For decades, mathematics was a non-negotiable part of Kenya’s 8-4-4 education system, alongside English, Kiswahili, and sciences. But the CBC, introduced in 2017, is flipping the script. Designed to emphasize skills, values, and real-world applications, this student-centered model lets learners choose their paths. As of 2025, senior school students must take English (or sign language), Kiswahili, physical education, and community service learning, while selecting from 38 subjects across three pathways: STEM, arts and sports science, or social sciences. Math? It’s now optional, a radical departure aimed at reducing stress and letting students like 15-year-old Juma—who dreams of being a musician—focus on their passions without wrestling with equations.
What the Research Says: A Mixed Bag
The research paints a nuanced picture. On one hand, making math optional could be a game-changer for student motivation. Studies show that when students focus on subjects they love, engagement can rise significantly—potentially by 15-20%. For learners who’ve spent years dreading math class, this could mean less anxiety and better overall performance. As one study notes, compulsory math can even cause “post-traumatic stress” for some students, a sentiment echoed in discussions on whether math should be mandatory.
But there’s a catch. Math isn’t just about numbers—it’s about logical thinking, a skill that underpins everything from daily budgeting to cutting-edge tech. Evidence suggests that students who opt out might face gaps in foundational skills, especially if they later pivot to fields like engineering or finance. The Ministry of Education has set an ambitious goal: 60% of Grade 9 learners should pursue STEM pathways. Yet, with math no longer compulsory, some worry this target could slip out of reach, threatening Vision 2030 goals for technological advancement.
The Consequences: Wins, Losses, and Equity Concerns
The Bright Side
- Happier Students: Learners can chase their passions—whether that’s art, sports, or social sciences—without math holding them back. This could lead to better grades and more confidence.
- Reduced Stress: No more late nights struggling with geometry for those who’d rather write poetry or design apps.
- Diverse Talent Pool: Our economy needs creatives as much as it needs scientists. This move could nurture a broader range of skills, aligning with the CBC’s focus on real-world applications.
The Dark Side
- Skill Gaps: Math isn’t just for STEM—it’s for life. Students who skip it might struggle with basic numeracy, like calculating loans or analyzing data, limiting their opportunities.
- STEM Challenges: Fewer math students could mean fewer engineers, coders, or doctors—fields Kenya desperately needs to grow its economy.
- Equity Risks: Disadvantaged students, often from under-resourced schools, might be less likely to choose math due to lack of support, widening the gap between haves and have-nots.
The Great Debate: Compulsory or Optional?
The controversy is palpable. On one side, advocates for choice say it’s time to rethink education. “Not every child needs to be a mathematician,” argues a parent quoted in a recent article (Reactions As Mathematics Is No Longer Compulsory Under CBC: “Watahesabu Aje Chapo?”). For students who excel in humanities or arts, mandatory math can feel like a punishment, not a pathway. Why force a future novelist to master calculus?
On the other side, those pushing for compulsory math see it as a non-negotiable foundation. “Math teaches you how to think,” says an educator cited in a discussion on math’s role in education. Logical reasoning, problem-solving—these skills matter whether you’re a farmer, a teacher, or a tech innovator. With Kenya aiming to be a tech hub, can it afford to let students opt out?
Bridging the Gap: Measures to Keep Math Alive
If math is optional, how do you ensure students don’t fall through the cracks? Here are some strategies on the table:
- Sneak It In: Integrate basic math into other subjects—like data analysis in geography or budgeting in business studies—to keep skills sharp without a formal math class.
- Build a Strong Base: Math remains compulsory through Grade 9. A solid foundation here can carry students far, even if they drop it later.
- Offer Electives: Provide optional math courses for those who want to stay sharp or explore STEM options down the road.
- Make It Real: Teach math through practical scenarios—think calculating discounts or tracking sports stats—to show its relevance and spark interest.
- Check Progress: Use regular assessments to monitor numeracy skills, catching gaps before they widen.
These measures aim to strike a balance: giving students choice while ensuring they’re not left stranded in a numbers-driven world.
Juma’s Dilemma: A Real-World Lens
Consider Juma, a 15-year-old with a gift for music. Under the new CBC rules, he can ditch math to focus on arts and sports science, pouring his energy into composing and performing. His grades improve, his passion ignites. But what if Juma later wants to start a music production company? Will his Grade 9 math be enough to handle budgets, royalties, and analytics? Or will he wish he’d kept math in his toolkit? It’s a personal story that mirrors the national debate: how do we prepare students for futures they can’t yet predict?
The Verdict: A High-Wire Act
The decision to make math optional is a daring experiment in personalized education. It promises happier students, tailored learning, and a broader talent pool—goals that align with a 21st-century mindset. But the risks are real: skill shortages, STEM setbacks, and equity gaps could undermine these gains if not carefully managed.
The success of this policy will depend on how well we implement those mitigation measures. If math can be seamlessly woven into other subjects, if early education builds a strong foundation, and if assessments catch gaps early, this could be a model for the world. But if these pieces don’t fall into place, the consequences could be steep.
So, should math be compulsory? It’s a question with no easy answer. For now, we are betting on choice—but the jury’s still out on whether that choice will add up to a brighter future. What do you think: should math be a must, or a maybe? The numbers—and the stories—will tell.