Education CS Julius Ogamba Reinstates Mathematics as a Compulsory Subject

Education CS Julius Ogamba Reinstates Mathematics as a Compulsory Subject

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has instructed that some form of mathematics be reinstated as a mandatory subject in senior secondary schools.

While speaking at the National Conversation on the Competency-Based Curriculum on Thursday, Ogamba disclosed that the ministry has acknowledged the stakeholders’ concerns and concluded that some form of mathematics should be made compulsory across all pathways.

“The majority of the stakeholders during the CBC dialogue were of the opinion that mathematics ought to be mandatory in senior school. We have heard your concerns, consulted with the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), and come to a decision that some form of mathematics must be compulsory for the other two pathways that are not STEM,” Ogamba stated.

As per the CS, with this new directive, students who opt for the STEM pathway will engage in pure mathematics, while the other two pathways will include a simpler version of mathematics.

“We will ensure that the STEM pathways contain pure maths and the other two pathways have a form of maths so that mathematics is included in all three pathways in senior school,” the CS detailed.

In contrast to the 8-4-4 curriculum, where mathematics was compulsory, the ministry had previously allowed senior school students the option to drop the subject based on their chosen pathways.

The ministry classified the pathways as three distinct categories: Arts and Sports Science, Social Sciences, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), permitting students who selected the first two pathways to omit mathematics.

However, Ogamba has now overturned this decision, mandating that these two pathways will also include some form of mathematics.

His decision to reverse the policy follows intense discussions among Kenyans and relevant stakeholders, who contended that it was an ill-advised decision that could pose challenges affecting Kenya’s workforce and economic sustainability.

The CS assured Kenyans and stakeholders that their views regarding the education system hold value, and the Ministry considers them seriously to improve the CBC curriculum that has faced criticism.

“It is a significant aspect that we have heeded the views of Kenyans, and it serves as an important contribution from stakeholders to emphasize that stakeholder dialogue is essential,” Ogamba remarked.

Ogamba has urged stakeholders and the general public to endorse this new initiative.

Currently, the CS and Principal Secretary Julius Bitok are diligently addressing the CBC transition in Kenya. They are concentrating on ensuring quality education and resolving issues such as teacher preparedness, school infrastructure, and public anxiety regarding CBC implementation.