The government has made an about-turn and announced that all learners in senior school will learn mathematics regardless of the pathway they choose to pursue.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said mathematics will be made compulsory across all three senior school pathways under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
Participants follow proceedings during the National Conversation on Competency Based Education held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Nairobi on April 24, 2025.
Photo credit: Francis Nderitu | Nation
Mr Ogamba said that the Ministry of Education resolved that while pure mathematics will be taught in the Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) pathway, the other two pathways—social sciences and arts and sports science—will also include tailored mathematics courses relevant to their focus areas.
"Once the presentation is made, we will show that we have listened to your concerns, and we have consulted with the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development, and reached a resolution which, I hope, that you will support … so that we have the same pathway having pure math, and the other two pathways having a form of math, so that we have math in all the three pathways in senior school," he said as he officially opened a national conference on the Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum in Nairobi on Thursday morning.
“We want to ensure that all students, regardless of their specialisation, graduate with a strong foundation in mathematical skills,” he said.
Ms Beatrice Inyangala, the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Higher Education and Research, speaks during the National Conversation on Competency Based Education held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Nairobi on April 24, 2025.
Photo credit: Francis Nderitu | Nation
The decision marks a shift from the earlier CBC framework where mathematics was only compulsory in the STEM pathway. Stakeholders welcomed the move, saying it addresses the foundational role of mathematics in problem-solving and logical reasoning across disciplines.
This comes after the debate on whether mathematics should remain a compulsory subject in schools sparked national debate, prompting new research into its relevance in today’s job market and the evolving needs of learners.
Mr Ogamba explained that the forum follows a month-long series of county-based dialogues across all 47 counties, where education stakeholders deliberated on improving quality and accessibility in the country’s education sector.
“Today’s conversation offers us an opportunity to receive the recommendations of the county-based dialogues and further engage on the education we want. The more we get from you, the more enriching our curriculum and our education will be.” he said.
Parliamentary Education Committee chairman MP Julius Melly speaks during the National Conversation on Competency Based Education held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Nairobi on April 24, 2025.
Photo credit: Francis Nderitu | Nation
He assured participants that their contributions were not in vain and would be considered at various policymaking levels.
“Competency-based education is a journey that we must get right because it impacts the future of our nation, our national aspirations, and most importantly, the current and future generations,” he stated.
