Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang|Photo Courtesy|
Following the announcement of scrapping off Mathematics as a compulsory subject as CBC pioneers set to pick careers’ has got Kenyans talking on the state of the current education system which has faced setbacks and criticisms on its execution.
PS Belio Kipsang on Wednesday this week made a public declaration that Grade 9 learners who are the pioneer CBC class will begin subject and senior school selection in the second term of this year 2025, highlighting that the Ministry intends to phase Mathematics out of the compulsory subjects.
Mathematics which has been compulsory with the 8-4-4 system is set to be an optional subject for learners transitioning to senior secondary school who are required to take English or Kenya Sign Language, Kiswahili, Physical Education and Community Service Learning as mandatory subjects, while choosing from a pool of 38 options to shape their academic and career paths.
“We are giving them time to go home so that parents and learners can consult on their interests and what they wish to pursue. The selection process will begin immediately when they return to school,” PS Kipsang said.
The change has elicited a number of reactions from Kenyans who took to their various social media platforms to comment on the seemingly sad state of affairs , arguing that it could undermine basic numerical literacy and critical thinking skills among the students.
A renown X influencer Kibet Bull reacted, stating the nature of Maths in affecting other subjects.
“Mathematics is the backbone of other subjects. If you know Mathematics you’ll automatically pass the other subjects. Yamunee fc want to bring this nation back to its knees,” he posted.
Another X user shed light on the dangers the country could be heading towards with such decisions.
“In a country where numeracy issues already affect people’s lives, making Maths optional in senior school is a serious step backward. We need more critical thinking, not less.”
Bravin Yuri wasn’t left behind with such kind of news of great magnitude stating his dissatisfaction.
“People who said that Social Sciences and Humanities are useless because they are just theories and that Kenyans should focus on STEM courses hence CBC, are now saying Maths is optional. Haha!”
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