Can we solve the future without Maths?

By Jonesline Okongo Machembe

Maths is not a compulsory subject for grade 10 students.

In a groundbreaking move, Kenya's Ministry of Education has announced that Mathematics will no longer be a compulsory subject for students transitioning to a senior secondary school under the competency-based curriculum (CBC).

This radical shift effective this year marks a significant departure from the 8-4-4 system of education and has sparked widespread debate about its implications for the country's future.

Basic education principal secretary Belio Kipsang unveiled the change on Thursday saying that the decision aligns with the CBC's focus on flexibility and student-centred learning, "It's not compulsory to do Mathematics and science subjects in grade 10 " he stated. The announcement signals a new era where students can tailor their education to their strengths and career aspirations.

Under the revised CBC framework, senior secondary students starting with the pioneer grade 9 class of 2025 will be required to take four mandatory subjects: English (or Kenyan sign language), Kiswahili, Physical Education and community service learning ng. Learners will also select three additional subjects from one of three pathways. Arts and sports science, social sciences, technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

This contrasts the 8-4-4 system where mathematics was compulsory alongside English, Kiswahili and at least two science. The Ministry of Education has set an ambitious goal for at least 60 per cent of grade 9 learners to participate when they enter senior secondary school. Kipsang explained that the policy aims to give students and parents time to reflect on theinterestssest and they will allow students to go home and consult their parents before making decisions.

The decision has ignited a firestorm of reactions from educators, parents and students alike. Proponents argue that liberates learners who struggle with Mathematics allowing them to excel in other areas like arts or social sciences without the burden of a subject they may never use. Critics however warn that dropping maths as a compulsory subject could erode critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential in a modern economy.

Edwin Hinderer an education commenter lamented that developed countries are doubling on STEM while we are making it an option. Other people fear it could widen socioeconomic gaps as students from under-resourced schools might opt out of STEM fields due to limited exposure.

To address such concerns the ministry has mandated that all senior secondary schools offer at least two pathways with STEM being a required option alongside either social sciences or Arts and sports science.T his approach aims to balance flexibility with access ensuring students can still choose Mathematics and sciences if they align with their goals.

The art and sport science pathway includes subjects like fine music, theatre and sports while social science offers History, Geography, Business studies and religious education options grade 9 students prepare to select their subjects and schools in the coming Monmouthshire National Examination Council (KNEC)has outlined how their transition will be assessed.

The final grade 9 score will combine 60 cents from the national KeJunior School Education Assessmentment (KJSEA) 20 cents from internal teacher assessment and per content from primary performance score will partly determine senior school placements with a cap of five students per junior school advancing to the same senior institution to promote diversity.

The move has leftKenyas ponderitsitlong-termerm impa ct.Will it empower students to chase their passion or will it weaken the nation's competitive edge in a globalized world For, now the CBC's bold experiment is underway and all eyes are on the pioneer class of 2025 as they chart a new course in Kenya's educational landscape.