Ruto Addresses the Proposal to Make Mathematics an Optional Subject
Ruto Addresses the Proposal to Make Mathematics an Optional Subject
President William Ruto has addressed the proposal from the Ministry of Education to categorize mathematics as an optional subject.
During a meeting with Kenyans residing in China, Ruto indicated that he would instruct Education CS Julius Ogamba to explain the implications of the suggestion for the students of Kenya.
“There was a proposal that Mathematics be made optional; I believe that’s what the teacher here has a concern about,” Ruto stated.
“I will have the Ministry of Education representatives clarify its meaning, but your viewpoint has been taken into consideration. ”
He noted that the government will persist in pursuing scholarships to create opportunities for Kenyans to study internationally.
Ruto mentioned that students are funded by the government of Kenya, various philanthropists, or in collaboration with foreign governments.
He remarked that his administration has established partnerships with the Chinese government in that domain.
“We will keep looking for scholarship options for Kenyans as we broaden the scope of knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary for us to enhance our development and provide an internationally recognized workforce,” he stated.
Ruto expressed that he receives commendations about Kenyan workers during his international travels in Africa and globally.
“I have immense confidence in Kenya’s human resources. I am not embarrassed that if they went to work in any country, they would disappoint us. They have consistently excelled,” he said.
The announcement made by former Basic Education PS Belio Kipsang ignited significant backlash from political figures, experts, and education specialists in Kenya.
Kipsang stated that mathematics would no longer be a mandatory subject in the new Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), in contrast to the 8-4-4 education system.
He noted that this change will impact students transitioning to senior school when they return to classes.
However, students must enroll in English or Kenya Sign Language, Kiswahili, Physical Education, and Community Service Learning as compulsory subjects.
