For years, students have dreaded one unavoidable subject—mathematics. But in a dramatic policy shift, learners in Kenya’s senior schools will no longer be forced to grapple with algebraic equations or the mysteries of the periodic table—unless they actually want to.

Basic Education Principal Secretary (PS) Belio Kipsang has put an end to the confusion, making it clear that mathematics and science subjects will not be mandatory for all students in senior school under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

“Let’s be honest. If a student is planning to become a poet or a footballer, why should they suffer through quadratic equations?” quipped Dr. Kipsang.

STEM? Yes. Forced STEM? No.

Dr. Kipsang explained that while every senior school must offer the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) pathway, students won’t be herded into it against their will. Instead, they will get to choose from three broad career pathways:

• STEM – for future engineers, doctors, and tech wizards.
• Social Sciences – for those destined to be lawyers, historians, or policy makers.
• Arts and Sports – for the next generation of musicians, artists, and Olympic champions.

Under this new system, learners will begin specializing in Grade 10 based on their abilities, interests, and dreams.

“In Grade 10, if you have no interest in science, why should we force you to balance chemical equations?” the PS asked, adding that the old 8-4-4 system had spread students too thin. “You’d find a child studying history, mathematics, and chemistry all at once—no wonder many were confused!”

So, What’s Still Compulsory?

While STEM must be available in every school, not every student has to pursue it. However, the government is keen on increasing enrollment in science-related fields, with the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms recommending that at least 60% of students take up STEM.

“That is why we need more schools to provide STEM as an option,” said Dr. Kipsang.

Prof. Laila Abubakar, Vice Chancellor of the Technical University of Mombasa and a member of the education reform team, reinforced this point:

“Every school will offer STEM as a pathway, but it’s up to the learners to decide. We are simply ensuring that no student is locked out of a science-based career because their school doesn’t offer it,” she explained.

First-Ever Junior School Exams Under CBC

Meanwhile, as Kenya transitions to this new approach, the first-ever end-of-junior school assessment is set to take place this November. Over 1.2 million Grade 9 learners will sit for these exams before choosing their senior school career paths.

To help parents and students understand the CBC transition, the government has rolled out county-based education dialogues from March 9 to March 15, 2025.

“This dialogue comes at the perfect time for parents of Grade 9 learners who have no clue about career pathways. They need to attend these meetings and get informed,” urged National Parents Association Chairman, Mr. Silas Obuhatsa.

These sessions aim to:
✅ Update stakeholders on CBC implementation progress.
✅ Validate Senior School guidelines.
✅ Discuss teacher recruitment and capacity building.
✅ Gather feedback on CBC implementation.

Bottom Line?

The CBC is rewriting the script of Kenya’s education system. While math and science will always be important, students now have the power to shape their own academic journeys without being shoehorned into subjects they don’t need.

So, if your child is a budding artist, they can finally ditch the periodic table and focus on their creative masterpiece. And if they dream of being the next Einstein? Well, the STEM pathway will be ready and waiting.

Either way, no more forced math nightmares!