Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has clarified why mathematics is an optional subject at the senior secondary level under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
Acknowledging the ongoing discussions about it, Ogamba explained that CBC differs significantly from the 8-4-4 system being phased out, in which the subject was compulsory.
He said it resembles the system that existed before 8-4-4, the era of Form Five and Form Six, where students selected subjects based on their intended career paths.
"In the past, when students transitioned to Form Three, they chose subjects aligned with their career aspirations. For instance, those pursuing Arts did not have to take mathematics. CBC is adopting a similar approach," he stated.
Under CBC, students moving from Grade 9 to Grade 10 will select a specialised pathway.
For those entering the STEM pathway, mathematics will remain compulsory.
However, students pursuing Arts or Social Sciences may opt out of Mathematics if it is not essential for their chosen careers.
Speaking to the Star, Ogamba noted that the mathematics taught from Grade 4 to Grade 9 ensures that all learners acquire foundational “numeracy literacy”.
“A student has gotten the mathematics to be able to do other things in life that do not require advanced mathematical proficiency unless the career they want to choose requires maths,” he said.
He highlighted KCSE performance statistics, pointing out that in the previous year, 72 per cent of students scored a D or below in Mathematics.
Many of these students, he explained, do not pursue careers requiring mathematics, yet their overall mean grade is negatively affected by the subject.
"By Grade 9, a student’s competencies and career interests should be clear. If mathematics is not relevant to their chosen path, there is no need to make it mandatory," he said.
However, Ogamba sought to assure that mathematics would still be available in all schools for those who wish to study it.
The STEM pathway will remain accessible nationwide, ensuring students interested in mathematics or related fields have the opportunity to pursue it.
"For now, mathematics is optional at the senior secondary level, but discussions are ongoing. This decision aligns with the structure of CBC," he said.
Under the new plan, students will be required to take four compulsory subjects English or Kenya Sign Language, Kiswahili, Physical Education, and Community Service Learning.
In addition, they will choose three subjects from a pool of 38 electives, bringing the total number of subjects to seven at the senior secondary level.
Regarding the transition to grade 10, Ogamba stated that the government is finalising regulations for the three specialized pathways-Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Social Sciences, and Arts and Sports Science.
He revealed that the Ministry recently held county dialogues from March 7 to 13 to engage stakeholders on the matter.
"The question of whether mathematics should be compulsory came up during these county dialogues. Once these discussions are concluded, we will refine the regulations accordingly," he said.
