Kenya: Mathematics to Remain Compulsory in Primary and Secondary Schools

Nairobi — Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has made an important announcement. Mathematics will remain compulsory in primary and secondary schools.

Ogamba explained that this decision followed extensive consultations with stakeholders. A proposal to make Mathematics optional was ultimately dropped. Arts students will learn a simplified version of Mathematics.

"The majority of stakeholders during the CBC dialogue wanted mathematics to be compulsory," he said. "We have listened to your concerns and consulted with KICD." He added that some form of mathematics will be required for non-STEM pathways.

There was significant outcry over the initial proposal to make Mathematics optional. The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) argued it would harm workforce development and educational standards.

This announcement follows the Ministry of Education's recent changes under the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC). Previously, Maths was not compulsory for senior secondary learners, marking a shift from the old 8-4-4 system.

In that system, students had four compulsory subjects: English or Kenya Sign Language, Kiswahili, Physical Education, and Community Service Learning. They could then choose three additional subjects from a pool of 38 options.