A heated debate has erupted following the Kenyan government's proposal to drop Mathematics as a compulsory subject in senior secondary school.
While some argue that making it optional will benefit students who struggle with the subject, critics warn that Kenya risks falling behind globally, as Mathematics remains mandatory in many leading economies.
An analysis by The Standard shows that countries such as China, England, and South Africa require Mathematics throughout senior school, ensuring students maintain strong numerical skills essential for career development and national growth.
In China, students follow a structured curriculum similar to Kenya's Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), with six years of elementary school, three years of junior secondary, and three years of senior secondary education.