"When will I ever use this theorem in real life?" Those words have echoed through most math classrooms for generations. Now, as Kenya's Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) makes mathematics optional for senior secondary students, that age-old question has transformed from a student's frustrated whisper to the center of a nationwide debate. For some, this might feel like a dream come true. For others, it raises a critical question: are we setting up future generations for success or leaving them unprepared for the challenges ahead?

What’s Changing?

Under the CBC framework, students transitioning to senior secondary school can now choose their academic pathways based on their interests and career aspirations. These pathways include:

1. Arts and Sports Science
2. Social Sciences
3. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

The Kenyan government recently announced that mathematics, once a core subject for all, is now optional unless a student selects the STEM pathway. This shift is a significant departure from the traditional 8-4-4 system, where mathematics was mandatory for all students.

The Arguments For Making Maths Optional

Advocates of this change argue that it’s a step towards a more personalized and student-centered education system. Here’s why:

• Freedom to Focus on Strengths: Not every student excels in mathematics, and forcing it on those pursuing non-STEM careers can be counterproductive. Why should an aspiring artist or historian struggle through calculus when their talents lie elsewhere?
• Reduced Academic Pressure: By removing the burden of compulsory mathematics, students can focus on subjects that align with their passions, potentially improving overall performance and mental well-being.
• Relevance: Critics of compulsory maths often point out that many advanced mathematical concepts are rarely used in everyday life, especially for those in non-technical fields.
• Global Trends – Some education systems worldwide allow students to opt out of advanced Mathematics if their career path does not require it. Could Kenya be aligning itself with international best practices?

The Case for Compulsory Maths

On the other hand, the mathematics advocates worry about the long-term implications of this decision, raising compelling counterarguments quite frankly:

• Mathematics is Everywhere: This subject provides foundational skills to learners. It teaches critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills that are vital to daily life. Even careers that may seem unrelated, such as law or music, require analytical thinking and problem-solving skills rooted in Mathematics. If we make it optional, are we risking a generation that lacks these essential abilities?
• Global Competitiveness: In a world increasingly driven by technology and data, a strong foundation in mathematics is crucial. Will Kenyan students be at a disadvantage on the global stage?
• Limited Flexibility: What happens if a student who initially avoids maths later decides to pursue a STEM career? Will they face unnecessary hurdles to catch up?

What Do Stakeholders Think?

• Teachers: Some educators argue that foundational Maths should remain compulsory, while advanced topics could be optional. Others feel that forcing all students to take Maths only leads to rote learning without real understanding.
• Parents: Many parents worry that making Maths optional will disadvantage their children in the job market, while others believe in giving students the freedom to pursue their strengths.
• Students: The response is mixed—some students are celebrating the chance to say goodbye to a subject they’ve struggled with for years, while others fear that it might limit their future opportunities.
• Policy Makers: The government is yet to give a definitive stance, but the debate continues, with curriculum developers weighing the pros and cons.

The Global Context

Kenya isn't alone in this educational soul-searching journey. Education systems worldwide are grappling with similar questions about mandatory mathematics. In Australia, often praised for its education system, students have some flexibility in their mathematics requirements in upper secondary school. Meanwhile, countries like Singapore & Finland maintain rigorous mathematics requirements, crediting this approach for their educational success. Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and each country must weigh the pros and cons of different approaches based on its unique educational goals, resources, and cultural context. However, by examining the experiences of other nations, we can gain valuable insights and potentially identify best practices that can be adapted to our own educational system.

What’s Next?

As Kenya navigates this educational shift, one thing is clear: the debate is far from over. The Ministry of Education has emphasized that this change aligns with the CBC’s goal of flexibility and student-centered learning. However, its success will depend on how well schools, teachers, and parents adapt to this new reality.

At the end of the day, education is about preparing students for life—not just exams. Whether maths remains a cornerstone of that preparation or becomes a specialized tool for a select few, the ultimate goal should be to empower every learner to reach their full potential. There are no easy answers, but the conversation itself is valuable. It forces us to examine our assumptions about what knowledge is truly essential in a rapidly changing world.

What do you think? Should Maths be optional or compulsory in senior school? Drop your thoughts in the comments!