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 ordered that a version 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 listened to stakeholder concerns and concluded that some form of mathematics should be made mandatory across all pathways.

“The majority of stakeholders during the CBC dialogue felt that mathematics ought to be compulsory in senior school. We have noted your concerns, consulted with the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), and come to a decision that some form of mathematics be mandated for the other two non-STEM pathways,” Ogamba commanded.

As per the CS, under this new guideline, students in the STEM pathway will study pure mathematics, while the other two pathways will provide a simplified version of mathematics.

Ruto KNEC Exams President William Ruto distributing examination papers during a past series of the national exams. PCS “We will have the STEM pathways featuring pure mathematics and the other two pathways incorporating a form of mathematics so that all three pathways in senior school include maths,” the CS articulated.

In contrast to the 8-4-4 curriculum, which made mathematics a mandatory subject, the ministry previously allowed senior school students the option to opt out of the subject based on their selected pathways.

The ministry divided the pathways into three categories: Arts and Sports Science, Social Sciences, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), enabling students in the first two pathways to forgo mathematics.

However, Ogamba has overturned this decision and mandated that both of these pathways will incorporate some form of mathematics.

His decision to reverse the previous ruling follows passionate debates among Kenyans and relevant stakeholders who argued that it was an unwise decision that could present challenges affecting Kenya’s workforce and economic sustainability.

The CS reassured Kenyans and stakeholders that their input in the educational framework is valued, and the Ministry is taking it seriously as part of efforts to refine the CBC curriculum, which has encountered criticism.

“It is crucial that we have taken into account the perspectives of the Kenyans, and this has been an essential contribution from stakeholders to illustrate the importance of stakeholder discussion,” Ogamba noted.

Ogamba has urged stakeholders and the general public in Kenya to endorse this new direction.

At present, the CS and Principal Secretary Julius Bitok are engaged in addressing the transition to CBC in Kenya. Their emphasis is on ensuring quality education while addressing challenges such as teacher readiness, school infrastructure, and public apprehensions regarding CBC implementation.