Education is one of the most important foundations for personal and national development. The introduction of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in Kenya was a move towards a more skills-oriented approach to learning. However, a recent decision to make mathematics optional in senior secondary school under the CBC system has sparked widespread debate among educators, parents, and the general public.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!For many years, mathematics has been a core subject in Kenya’s education system. It has been a mandatory subject in both the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) and the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE). However, under the new CBC system, students entering senior school will have the option to drop mathematics if it does not align with their career pathways. This decision has raised several questions about the future of education in Kenya. Will students be adequately prepared for higher education and the job market without mathematics? Does this reform benefit or hinder students?
This blog will explore the reasons behind this change, its potential implications, and what it means for the future of education in Kenya.
Understanding the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC)
The Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) is Kenya’s new education system that replaced the 8-4-4 system. Unlike its predecessor, which mainly focused on exams, CBC emphasizes the development of practical skills, creativity, and competencies.
The Key Features of CBC:
- Learning Pathways – Unlike the 8-4-4 system, CBC allows students to choose subjects based on their interests and skills in senior school.
- Competency Over Rote Learning – Instead of just memorizing information, students focus on skills they can use in real life.
- Practical-Oriented Education – More emphasis is placed on practical skills that can help students become job-ready upon graduation.
Under the CBC framework, senior secondary education is divided into three pathways:
Social Sciences (Humanities and Arts)
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs
While subjects like English and Kiswahili remain compulsory, mathematics will now be optional depending on the career path a student chooses.
Why is Mathematics No Longer Compulsory in Senior School?
The decision to make mathematics optional in the senior school level of CBC was driven by several factors:
- Focus on Talent and Career Specialization
One of the main goals of CBC is to allow students to specialize in areas where they have strengths and passion. The previous 8-4-4 system required all students to study mathematics, even those who had no interest or aptitude for it. The new system recognizes that not all students will pursue careers that require advanced mathematical knowledge.
For example, a student who wishes to be a musician, artist, or writer may not necessarily need advanced mathematics in their field. CBC allows them to focus on subjects that align with their talents and career aspirations instead of spending time on a subject that may not be directly useful to them.
- Addressing High Failure Rates in Mathematics
Mathematics has always been a challenging subject for many students in Kenya. Every year, KCSE results reveal that a significant number of students struggle with the subject, leading to poor overall performance.
According to previous KCSE results, mathematics has consistently been among the lowest-performing subjects, with a high number of students scoring below average. By making mathematics optional, the government aims to reduce the failure rate and allow students to focus on their strengths.
- Aligning with International Education Trends
Kenya’s education system is now aligning with global best practices. Many countries allow students to specialize in areas of interest at higher levels of education. In countries like the United Kingdom, students in senior secondary school choose their subjects based on their career aspirations, meaning that not all students are forced to study mathematics.
- Catering to Different Learning Styles
Not all students have the same learning styles or strengths. Some are more inclined towards creative and artistic fields, while others may excel in technical and analytical areas. The CBC recognizes this and allows students to choose subjects that match their natural talents and career goals.
Concerns About Mathematics Being Optional
While this change aims to benefit students, there are valid concerns that need to be addressed:
- Limited Career Opportunities
Many career fields require basic mathematical knowledge. Even fields that are not directly related to mathematics, such as business, graphic design, and entrepreneurship, often require fundamental math skills. Making mathematics optional might limit future career opportunities for students who later change their career aspirations.
- Impact on Higher Education
Many university courses in Kenya, such as medicine, engineering, finance, and information technology, require a strong foundation in mathematics. Students who do not take mathematics in senior school may face difficulties if they later wish to pursue courses that require mathematical knowledge.
- Concerns from Parents and Employers
Many parents and educators fear that students might not have the maturity to make informed decisions about their education and future careers at such an early age. They argue that mathematics is a critical subject that enhances logical thinking, problem-solving, and financial literacy. Making it optional could lead to a decline in overall mathematical competence in the country.
- The Risk of Reducing National Competitiveness
Kenya is one of Africa’s leading economies, and mathematics plays a crucial role in technology, engineering, and scientific innovation. Critics of the change worry that making mathematics optional might result in a workforce that is less competitive in the global job market, especially in fields like science, technology, engineering, and finance.
What This Means for Students and the Economy
- Greater Flexibility in Education
The move allows students to focus on subjects that align with their passions and career paths. For example, students who are interested in art, music, or languages can devote more time to developing skills in these areas rather than struggling with complex mathematical concepts.
- The Risk of Limited Career Options
One major concern is that students who choose to drop mathematics may later regret it if they decide to pursue careers in fields that require mathematical proficiency. This is because some higher education programs require mathematics as an entry requirement, limiting choices for students who initially opt out.
- Potential Skill Gaps in the Workforce
Critics worry that not requiring mathematics for all students could result in a workforce that lacks the necessary analytical and problem-solving skills. Industries like engineering, technology, and finance rely heavily on mathematics, and a reduced focus on the subject might lead to a skills shortage in the long run.
- The Role of Teachers and Schools
Another major concern is whether schools and teachers are prepared for this shift. There needs to be proper teacher training and resources to ensure that students still receive adequate exposure to essential mathematical concepts, even if they choose not to take advanced math subjects.
What’s Next for the CBC Curriculum?
While the change to the mathematics requirement has stirred debate, it is part of a larger overhaul of Kenya’s education system. The new curriculum seeks to offer students more flexibility and better career alignment.
The next step will be to observe how this change impacts students’ performance in university and the job market. Education experts and policymakers will need to assess whether students who opt out of mathematics are at a disadvantage compared to their peers.
Final Thoughts
The decision to make mathematics optional for senior secondary school students under the CBC has both supporters and critics. While the new approach allows for specialization, many worry about its potential drawbacks, including the risk of limiting future career opportunities.
It remains to be seen whether this move will enhance the education system or lead to unexpected challenges. However, what’s clear is that students, parents, and educators must carefully consider the implications before deciding to opt out of mathematics at the senior secondary level.
The debate is far from over, and as Kenya continues to implement the CBC, ongoing assessment and possible adjustments may be necessary to ensure that all students receive the best possible education to prepare them for their future careers.
