CBC: Mathematics no longer compulsory for Grade 10 students

The Ministry of Education has scrapped Mathematics as a mandatory subject for students transitioning to Grade 10.

Unlike the traditional 8-4-4 system, which required students to study Mathematics alongside English, Kiswahili, and at least two science subjects (Physics, Chemistry, or Biology), the new curriculum allows learners in senior school to opt out of Mathematics.

The Education Ministry says all students must undertake four compulsory subjects: English, Kiswahili or Kenya Sign Language, Community Service Learning, and Physical Education.

Students pick three elective subjects from the available options within their chosen pathways and tracks.

The ministry has classified these pathways into three main groups: Arts and Sports Science, Social Sciences, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

The curriculum is structured into three distinct pathways, each catering to different fields of interest and expertise.

The Arts and Sports Science Pathway focuses on creative and physical disciplines, offering subjects such as Fine Arts, Music, Dance, Theatre, and Film, as well as Physical Education, Sports, and Recreation.

The Social Sciences Pathway emphasizes human society, culture, and business. It includes Business Studies, History and Citizenship, Geography, and religious education subjects—Christian Religious Education (CRE), Islamic Religious Education (IRE), and Hindu Religious Education (HRE).

Additionally, it incorporates Community Service Learning (CSL) and Languages and Literature studies.

The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) pathway provides a strong foundation in scientific and technological fields.

On a global scale, experts have argued that Mathematics (which is part of STEM) is an important subject because it helps strengthen reasoning skills and critical thinking.

A study from Stanford University indicates that children who are good at math use areas of the brain that also show strong cognitive tasks such as visual attention and decision-making. The study indicates that the same brain regions that help you do math are associated with decision-making and attentional processes.

However, the Ministry of Education has announced that starting January 2026, up to 60 percent of the current Grade Nine students will be expected to pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) pathways in senior secondary school.

According to Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang, learners will have the opportunity to explore their subject options during the first term before making their final selection in the second term.

“We want to ensure that both learners and their parents have sufficient time for discussions and informed decision-making. That’s why the selection process will begin as soon as they return to school,” Kipsang stated in an interview with The Standard.