Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has clarified why mathematics is an optional subject at the senior secondary level under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
Speaking to the Star Newspaper, the CS pointed out that the CBC system is similar to the system that existed before the now-phased-out 8-4-4, where learners 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. The three paths to be pursued in Senior Schools include Arts and Sports science, Social Sciences, and Science Technology Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Ogamba clarified that Mathematics will remain compulsory for students entering the STEM pathway, and optional for those pursuing Arts or Social Sciences.
He added 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.
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“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 added.
The CS noted that most students don’t pursue careers requiring Mathematics yet their overall mean grade is negatively affected by the subject. For instance, in the previous KCSE, 72 percent of students scored a D or below in Mathematics.
He maintained that the subject is optional at the senior secondary level in line with the CBC structure, but discussions are ongoing.
Under the new system, students will be required to take English, Kiswahili, and Kenya Sign Language as mandatory subjects while making optional choices from a pool of 38 other subjects.
The government’s plan to remove Mathematics as a compulsory subject under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) has received backlash from members of the public who argue that it could impact Kenya’s workforce and economic sustainability.
The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) on Monday, March 17, argued that without a solid grounding in Maths, students will struggle to develop the analytical skills necessary for success in engineering and other technical professions.
IEK added that Mathematics plays a critical role in areas such as business, economics, and social sciences, and without it, students could struggle in higher education and even when seeking employment.
