Ministry of Education Makes U-Turn on Mathematics as a Compulsory Subject

The Ministry of Education has changed tune on the proposal to make Mathematics an optional subject in the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC). Speaking during an event about CBC National Conversation held at the KICC on Thursday April 24, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba stated that some forms of mathematics will be made compulsory in senior school for the other 2 pathways.

“The majority of the stakeholders during CBC dialogue were of the view that Mathematics should be compulsory in senior school. We have listened to your concerns, consulted with KICD and reached a resolution that some form of mathematics be made compulsory for the other 2 pathways,” said the Education CS.

Additionally, the Education Cabinet Secretary clarified that some form of Mathematics will be made compulsory for the two pathways that are not part of the STEM pathway. This means that while the STEM pathway will focus solely on pure Mathematics, the other two pathways will include some level of Mathematics. This approach ensures that learners in all three pathways will have access to Mathematics in senior school.

Education PS Julius Bitok also clarified that Mathematics will remain compulsory in junior (primary) and senior (secondary) schools.

CS Ogamba Says Maths Will Remain a Compulsory Subject

Bitok said the proposal to make the subject optional was dropped following extensive consultations with stakeholders.

Moreover, during the conference Ogamba said that he will continue to consult with education stakeholder regarding several policies regarding CBC curriculum.

“I think it is an important aspect that we have listened to the views  of the Kenyans and it is an important input that has come from the stakeholders so that we are not just holding this meetings for the sake of holding meetings,” the Education CS said.

Ogamba’s remarks come a day after President William Ruto promised Kenyans residing in China that he will look into the debate about making Mathematics optional.

Also Read: CS Julius Ogamba Fires University of Nairobi Council Members

Speaking during a meeting with Kenyans living in China, Ruto said he will direct Education CS Julius Ogamba to clarify what the suggestion means for the students of Kenya.

“There was a suggestion that Mathematics be made option, I think that is what the teacher here has an issue with. I will get the Ministry of Education officials to explain what it means but your perspective has been taken into account,” Ruto said.

KNEC Outlines Criteria for Placement of Learners into Grade 10

Elsewhere, the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has shared the factors that will decide where students are placed in Grade 10. At the 2nd Annual Symposium on Competency-Based Assessment (CBA) on Wednesday, April 23, Dr. Fred Odhiambo, the Deputy Director of Education for Secondary Schools, explained that placements will depend on students’ choices. These choices include pathways, tracks, subject combinations, and school selections.

Also Read: Govt to Abolish KNEC & Use AI in Marking National Exams

Dr. Odhiambo stated that Senior Schools will be grouped based on several criteria: pathway type (triple or double), school type (day or hybrid), gender (single-sex or mixed), and special needs (including special needs or vocational schools).

Students will pick 12 schools based on their chosen pathways. Their academic performance in the Grade 9 assessment will also be a key factor in placement. Additionally, psychometric tests will assess students’ aptitude, interests, and talents. These tests will be conducted by the Commission and the schools.

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