Ministry of Education intentions to make Maths optional receive backlash

Written by Joy Christine

The Ministry of Education proposal to remove Mathematics as a core subject in the new competency-based curriculum (CBC),  has attracted opposition from different quarters terming it flawed approach.

Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has promised to drop the ministry’s proposal like a hot pot.

The union has emphasized that mathematics is fundamental not only in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields but, also in areas of economics, social sciences and Arts as subjects where quantitative analysis plays a significant role.

Kisii Branch executive secretary, Joseph Mogira Abincha stated that, “Mathematics is key in other fields like construction and tailoring, enabling users to discern the correct measurements,” adding that it is wrong to even think of removing the subject.

According to KUPPET, removing the subject as being compulsory may lead to a workforce ill-prepared for the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy that increasingly values numeracy and problem-solving abilities.

The union plans to have a discussion with the Ministry of Education to explore alternative strategies to improve its performance without necessarily scrapping it from the curriculum.

A group of teachers across the country have come together to oppose the Ministry of Education proposal. During a mathematics contest held in Kajiado county, the teachers strongly opposed the move and urged the Ministry of Education to revert its decision.

According to the teachers, Mathematics plays a crucial role in guiding students towards their career paths and was fundamental for fostering creativity, innovation and critical thinking and giving a child the option of dropping it while they are still  young could lead to adverse effects.

The contest which attracted over 20 schools will see winners  compete in Dubai in April and later participate in a global contest in the US.

“Mathematics is for industrialization, commercial use and daily use, it is part and parcel of life and that is not negotiable,” David Kariuki, Merishaw School principal revealed.

Engineers statutory board of Kenya has  expressed its shock over the decision highlighting that without mathematics, students will not develop the analytical skills required for completion in Engineering and other technical professions.

The proposal has also sparked outrage among political figures. Muranga governor Irungu Kang’ata criticized the move stating that if Mathematics is the scraped of from the curriculum, all the knowledge shall be at limbo.

Former Law Society of Kenya President Nelson Havi questioned the practicality of the decision implying that mathematical skills are necessary for everyday life.

While the Ministry of Education defends its proposal by highlighting the need to reduce wastage in education system and allow for pre-career specialization. It is important that both the education ministry and education stakeholders should have a meeting and reach an agreement that will shape the future of Kenya’s education system.

By Joy Christine

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