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: Arts and S...