Kenya’s Curriculum Shake-Up: Should Mathematics Be Optional in Senior Secondary Schools?

-

Opinion By Risper Akinyi- Student, KCA University

Mathematics has long been considered a cornerstone of education worldwide. It develops essential life skills, sharpens analytical thinking, and serves as a foundation for numerous career paths. However, recent debates on making mathematics optional in Kenya’s Senior Secondary Schools under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) have sparked concerns about whether this change is a step forward in educational reform or a limitation on future opportunities.

On March 14, 2025, Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang announced that mathematics would no longer be a compulsory subject for Senior Secondary School students. Instead, learners will only be required to take four mandatory subjects: English/Kenya Sign Language (KSL), Kiswahili, Physical Education (PE), and Community Service Learning (CSL).

Beyond these, students will select three additional subjects aligned with their career aspirations from three major pathways:

  1. Arts and Sports Science – including music, dance, theatre, film, and sports. This track aims to nurture creativity, talent development, and personal well-being.
  2. Social Sciences – covering subjects like Geography, History, Religious Studies, Business Studies, and Literature. This pathway focuses on developing analytical, communication, and critical thinking skills.
  3. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) – which includes Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and General Science. STEM education serves as a foundation for careers in engineering, medicine, and technological innovations.

While students following the STEM pathway will still have the option to study mathematics, removing it as a mandatory subject raises concerns about its long-term implications. The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) has strongly opposed this decision, arguing that mathematics is the “language of engineering and technology,” critical for fields such as civil and electrical engineering, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy.

According to IEK, making mathematics optional could have serious consequences for Kenya’s workforce and economic sustainability. Without a strong foundation in mathematics, students may face challenges in securing competitive jobs and pursuing higher education in STEM-related fields.

Rather than eliminating mathematics entirely, IEK has proposed an alternative approach, introducing practical math applications as a subject. This would include essential topics such as statistics, technical measurements, and financial literacy, making mathematics more relevant to everyday life and different career paths.

This transition marks a major departure from the 8-4-4 system, where mathematics, English, and Kiswahili were mandatory alongside at least two science subjects. While the CBC aims to provide flexibility and emphasize skills over rigid subject requirements, making mathematics optional could lead to unintended consequences.

If students opt out of mathematics early, they may struggle later when applying for university courses or jobs that require strong quantitative skills. Countries with robust education systems prioritize mathematics because of its universal application. Kenya must therefore find a balance between offering flexibility and ensuring that students are well-equipped for future careers.

In Conclusion it’s high time we strike a Right Balance. Education reforms should be designed to prepare students for the evolving job market while ensuring they acquire critical skills for personal and professional growth. While allowing students to specialize is a positive move, completely sidelining mathematics may not be in Kenya’s best interest. Instead, a middle ground, offering applied mathematics tailored to real-world applications, could be the best way forward.

Kenya’s education policymakers must carefully consider the long-term impact of this decision. Without a structured approach, we risk producing a generation of students who may struggle to compete in a rapidly advancing global economy. The government must ensure that the CBC remains a system that builds competence, rather than limiting opportunities.


Risper Akinyi is a Journalism and Digital Media student at KCA University. Email her @: oketchrisper2005@gmail.com

Send us your Work @: editonekenya@gmail.com

Comments

Post a Comment

Editing to the best version!

Popular posts from this blog

“WALUKE THE LEAST QUALIFIED TO PONTIFICATE ON CORRUPTION” – GOVERNOR LUSAKA TEARS INTO SIRISIA MP

-
Image
By EoK Editorial : Image//Gov. Lusaka ft. MP. Waluke  Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has fired back at Sirisia MP John Waluke over his recent claims of corruption in Bungoma County, dismissing them as "r eckless, laughable, and devoid of truth." In response to Waluke’s remarks that Bungoma lacks development and that the county’s garbage collection tender is unnecessary, Lusaka questioned whether the MP was speaking out of “ sheer ignorance ” or deliberately ignoring progress. "It is either that he is blind to reality or simply lacks the capacity to grasp basic civic operations," ~the Governor remarked, pointing to Bungoma’s strides in infrastructure, healthcare, and economic empowerment. Lusaka, however, reserved his harshest words for Waluke’s credibility on corruption, reminding Kenyans of the MP’s infamous past. "If there is anyone least qualified to pontificate about corruption, it is Waluke. This is a man who defrauded Kenyans of maize meant to feed starv...
Read more

“Bungoma’s Stalled Dreams, " Brendah Okumu, "Only Wangamati Can Fix the Mess in 2027”

-
Image
By EoK Editorial: A conversation with Former Governor, Wafula Wangamati's supporter. Photo: Former Governor, Wycliffe Wafula Wangamati, Bungoma. As the 2027 elections draw closer, political temperatures in Bungoma County are rising. Among those championing the return of former Governor Wycliffe Wafula Wangamati is a vocal supporter, Brendah Okumu, who ails from Maraka Ward of Webuye East Constituency. Brendah strongly believes that Wangamati remains the best choice for Bungoma’s leadership. In a passionate statement, Brendah argued that Bungoma County has stagnated since Wangamati left office, with key projects either stalling or being abandoned altogether. She describes Wangamati as a leader with a vision for the county’s development, contrasting his tenure with the current leadership, which she claims has failed to sustain the momentum. Wangamati’s Legacy, A Record of Development During his tenure as Bungoma’s second governor from 2017 to 2022, Governor Wangamati initiated sever...
Read more

Mudavadi, DAP-K Condemn Attack on MP Peter Salasya at Nyayo Stadium

-
Image
By EoK Editorial: Photo: Prime Cabinet Secretary, Republic of Kenya, Hon. Masalia Mudavadi  Mumias East MP Peter Salasya was on Sunday evening caught in a chaotic moment at Nyayo Stadium, where he was attacked by a group of individuals during the Kenya vs Gabon World Cup qualifier match. The incident has sparked strong reactions from leaders, with Prime Cabinet Secretary Hon. Musalia Mudavadi and the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) condemning the act. Mudavadi termed the attack "unfortunate," warning against political intolerance that threatens Kenya’s democratic foundation.  https://x.com/MusaliaMudavadi/status/1903880941912965355?t=QqT_RJRSy8OsZ-TuhMqgEQ&s=19 "Political intolerance undermines the very foundation of our democracy, which relies on the ability to engage with differing views," he stated. He emphasized the need for dialogue, unity, and mutual respect, adding, "Respect must be given, but it must also be earned. If we let division win, ...
Read more