MATHS OUT! CBC Exempts STEM Subject From Compulsory Group, as Pioneers Select Pathways
As the Ministry of Education continues to develop the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) for the transition to Grade 10, one of the most significant changes is the elimination of Mathematics as a required subject for pupils.
Unlike the 8-4-4 curriculum, which obliged secondary school students to take Mathematics alongside English, Kiswahili, and at least two sciences (Physics, Chemistry, or Biology), senior school students can now skip Mathematics.
"Oppose CBC with facts. You don't need mathematics to be a musician. Stop demonizing President Uhuru’s legacy project," ~ CS Magoha pic.twitter.com/NyV0xMAPUp
— The Standard Digital (@StandardKenya) September 14, 2021
English, Kiswahili/Kenya Sign Language, Community Service Learning, and Physical Education are the four fundamental disciplines that all senior students must take, regardless of their intended routes.
Students choose three optional subjects from among those offered in their chosen paths and tracks.
The government has divided the routes into three categories: arts and sports science, social sciences, and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The first pathway, Arts and Sports Science, includes Fine Arts, Music and Dance, Theatre and Film, Physical Education, Sports and Recreation.
The second stream, Social Sciences, covers Business Studies, History and Citizenship, Geography, Christian Religious Education (CRE), Islamic Religious Education (IRE), Hindu Religious Education (HRE), Community Service Learning (CSL), and Languages and Literature courses.
The third track, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), includes both Pure Sciences—Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and General Science—and Applied Sciences, which include Agriculture, Computer Science, Home Science, and Technical Studies.
Mathematics will no longer be a compulsory subject for learners transitioning to senior secondary school, marking one of the most radical changes under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). pic.twitter.com/f30y8SjnT3
— Mr oswagoh🇰🇪™ (@oswagohmikel) March 14, 2025
The Ministry has directed that up to 60% of current Grade Nine students pursue STEM routes in senior secondary school beginning in January 2026.
According to Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang, students will start selecting their desired disciplines in the second term.
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This will allow students time in the first term to consider their alternatives and consult with their parents before making a decision.
“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,” Kipsang told The Standard.
In addition, the Ministry of Education has proposed restricting the number of students from a single junior secondary school who attend the same senior school to five.
The reform intends to increase diversity in placement, but some stakeholders believe it is overly ambitious, particularly for day schools.
MATHS OUT! CBC Exempts STEM Subject From Compulsory Group, as Pioneers Select Pathways
