Kenya's Plan to Make Mathematics Optional for Senior Students Met with Mixed Reactions

A proposal by the Kenyan Ministry of Education to remove Mathematics as a compulsory subject in senior secondary schools has ignited a fierce national debate, pitting proponents of a more flexible curriculum against those who fear a decline in the country's intellectual and economic competitiveness.

The proposed policy would require senior secondary students to take only four core subjects: English or Kenya Sign Language, Kiswahili, Physical Education, and Community Service Learning. Students would then select three additional subjects from a list of 38 electives, effectively making Mathematics optional. Critics, including legal, political, and academic leaders, have swiftly condemned the move. Lawyer Donald Kipkorir describes the decision as a potential blow to the nation's intellectual capacity, warning that it could leave future generations more susceptible to manipulation.

Conversely, the Consumer Federation of Kenya has welcomed the proposal, arguing that compulsory Mathematics has historically intimidated and alienated many students, hindering their overall academic achievement. Supporters believe the change would foster a more diverse and personalized education system, allowing students to focus on their individual strengths and interests. The debate unfolds against a backdrop of global trends in Mathematics education. Many leading economies, including China, maintain Mathematics as a core subject throughout high school.

England requires Mathematics at the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) level, while South Africa employs a dual approach, mandating either Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, the latter designed for non-STEM career paths. In the United States, high school students typically complete at least three years of Mathematics, with options like Algebra, Geometry, and Calculus.

Research consistently underscores the importance of Mathematics education. A study by Harvard scholars Meredith Rowe and Kathryn Leech found that early exposure to Mathematics enhances conceptual understanding, laying the foundation for lifelong learning. Researchers at Cambridge University have also highlighted the critical role of Mathematics education in promoting critical thinking and innovation across all academic levels.