CS Ogamba Clarifies the Position on Mathematics as a Mandatory Subject
Following days of escalating public pressure and confusion, the Ministry of Education has rescinded its contentious proposal to render Mathematics optional under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba provided clarification during the CBC National Conversation event convened at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Thursday, April 24.
“The majority of stakeholders engaged in the CBC dialogue expressed the opinion that Mathematics should remain compulsory in senior schools,” Ogamba declared.
“We have taken your concerns into account, consulted with KICD, and arrived at a decision that some form of Mathematics shall be made compulsory for the other two pathways. ”
This clarification comes in response to a barrage of criticism from education stakeholders, parents, and the public, many of whom expressed apprehension regarding the long-term consequences of diminishing a core subject like Mathematics in senior schools.
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Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok further affirmed the ministry’s position, asserting that Mathematics continues to be a compulsory subject in both junior and senior schools across all pathways. “There is no confusion,” Bitok emphasized. “Mathematics is foundational and will persist as a core subject. ”
The initial proposal to render Mathematics optional in senior secondary for non-STEM pathways was withdrawn after comprehensive consultations with educational experts, the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), and various public forums. While Ogamba’s terminology—“some form of mathematics”—still elicited skepticism online, the primary message was unequivocal: the subject is here to remain.
Critics had previously articulated concerns that a reduction in math instruction would hinder students’ abilities in real-world problem-solving and future career opportunities.
The Ministry now contends with the responsibility of ensuring that the revised Mathematics curriculum in non-STEM tracks is practical, meaningful, and consistent with national educational objectives. For the moment, the government seems to have made a complete turnaround—and the citizens of Kenya are keenly observing how this essential subject will be integrated moving forward.
