The Ministry of Education has made a sharp about-turn on a controversial decision to exclude Mathematics from two competency-based curriculum (CBC) pathways, following a storm of public outrage and expert warnings.

In a statement released Wednesday, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba confirmed that the two pathways—previously set to allow students to bypass math—will now include “some form of mathematics” to ensure learners are not shortchanged in their academic and professional futures.

The reversal comes amid intense backlash from Kenyans, education stakeholders and economic analysts who cautioned that eliminating math from any educational track could severely limit students’ competitiveness and harm Kenya’s long-term economic sustainability.

Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok clarified that Mathematics will remain compulsory in junior (primary) and senior (secondary) schools, with the proposal to make the subject optional dropped following extensive consultations with stakeholders

The initial move had sparked a national debate, with critics warning that sidelining mathematics risked creating a generation ill-equipped for the demands of a modern, digital economy. Teachers’ unions, university lecturers, and even parents voiced concerns about the unintended consequences of the exemption.

“Removing math from any pathway is not just unwise—it’s dangerous,” said Prof. Lydia Mwangi, an education policy expert. “Mathematics is foundational, not optional, especially in an era where data and digital literacy are vital across all professions.”

Ogamba’s change of stance is being viewed as a win for public participation in education reform, and a signal that the Ministry is willing to recalibrate the CBC in response to real-world feedback.

As Kenya navigates the complexities of a new education system, the Ministry’s openness to dialogue and correction may be just as critical as the curriculum itself.