Ruto Addresses Remarks on Making Mathematics an Optional Subject
President William Ruto has addressed the proposal by the Ministry of Education to render mathematics an optional subject.
While convening a meeting with Kenyans residing in China, Ruto stated he would instruct Education CS Julius Ogamba to elucidate the implications of this suggestion for the students of Kenya.
“There was a proposal that Mathematics be made optional; I believe this is what the teacher here has an issue with,” Ruto remarked.
“I will request the officials from the Ministry of Education to expound on what this entails, but your perspective has been taken into consideration. ”
He indicated that the government will persist in seeking scholarships to create opportunities for Kenyans to pursue studies abroad.
Ruto explained that students are funded by the government of Kenya, other philanthropists, or through consultations with foreign governments.
He noted that his administration has fostered collaboration with the Chinese government in this area.
“We shall continue to investigate scholarship opportunities for Kenyans as we broaden the scope of knowledge, skills, and competencies that are essential for driving our own development and providing an internationally recognized workforce,” he stated.
Ruto mentioned that he receives commendations regarding Kenyan workers during his international travels across Africa and the globe.
“I possess great confidence in Kenya’s human resources. I am not ashamed that if they were to work in any country, they would not let us down. They have consistently excelled,” he remarked.
The announcement made by former Basic Education PS Belio Kipsang provoked significant criticism from political leaders, experts, and educationalists in Kenya.
Kipsang asserted that mathematics would no longer be a mandatory subject in the new Competency Based Curriculum (CBC), contrasting with the previous 8-4-4 education system.
He commented that this decision will impact learners transitioning to senior school when they return to school.
Nevertheless, students must take English or Kenya Sign Language, Kiswahili, Physical Education, and Community Service Learning as compulsory subjects.