CS Julius Ogamba Reinstates Mathematics as Mandatory in Senior Schools

CS Julius Ogamba Reinstates Mathematics as Mandatory in Senior Schools.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has announced that mathematics will once again be compulsory in senior secondary schools, aligning with stakeholder concerns expressed during discussions on the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

The Ministry of Education reached this decision after consultations with the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), following a broad consensus that mathematics should be a core component across all academic pathways.

According to Ogamba, while students pursuing the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) pathway will continue with pure mathematics, the other two streams—Arts and Sports Science, and Social Sciences—will include a simplified version of the subject.

The Ministry emphasized that all three senior school pathways will incorporate mathematics in some form, ensuring that it remains a fundamental part of the curriculum.

This decision marks a reversal of the earlier CBC guideline, which had allowed students to drop mathematics depending on their selected pathways. Previously, under the restructured curriculum, only STEM students were required to study the subject, while those in the other two categories had the option to skip it.

Ogamba’s directive follows widespread debate among the public and education stakeholders, who raised concerns that excluding mathematics could negatively affect the country’s workforce development and economic resilience. Critics argued that omitting the subject for some students could limit their future opportunities and hinder national progress.

In addressing these concerns, Ogamba acknowledged that public and stakeholder input played a critical role in shaping this decision. He stated that the Ministry values these contributions and treats them as vital for refining the CBC, which has faced various criticisms since its introduction.

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The Cabinet Secretary urged all Kenyans and stakeholders to back the revised decision and support its implementation. He affirmed that the Ministry is committed to ensuring that education reforms, including the CBC, align with national goals and quality standards.

At present, CS Ogamba, alongside Principal Secretary Julius Bitok, is working to manage the CBC transition effectively. Their efforts include addressing key issues such as teacher preparedness, school facilities, and ongoing public concerns to ensure a smooth and sustainable rollout of the new curriculum structure.

CS Julius Ogamba Reinstates Mathematics as Mandatory in Senior Schools.

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