Ministry Shifts Gears. Math Stays Compulsory in Senior School
Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
After causing an online uproar by making mathematics optional in senior school, the Ministry of Education has slammed on the brakes and reversed its decision. Today, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba declared that mathematics will remain compulsory for all senior school students, no matter their chosen pathway. So, what’s this all about?
Initially, the government floated the idea of letting students opt out of math in senior school, sparking a firestorm of criticism. Stakeholders—like the Institute of Engineers of Kenya—warned that dropping math could weaken workforce skills in a world that runs on numbers. After consultations with the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) and pressure from professionals, the Ministry did a full 180. Now, math is back on the table for everyone.
Here’s the twist: it’s not one-size-fits-all. STEM students will tackle pure mathematics, while those in arts and social sciences will get a simplified version. The goal? Ensure every student leaves school with solid numeracy skills, tailored to their future path.
- Stakeholder Pushback: Engineers and educators argued optional math would leave Kenya’s workforce unprepared.
- Smart Compromise: After talks with KICD, the government crafted a plan to keep math mandatory but flexible.
This U-turn guarantees basic math skills for all, but it’s not without debate. Some cheer the move, while others worry about added stress for students who struggle with numbers—or the strain on schools to roll out these tailored courses. The policy’s set to shape Kenya’s classrooms and workforce. Will it boost readiness or pile on pressure? Drop your thoughts below—this is a conversation worth having!