| dc.description.abstract | There were massive celebrations on Kenyan social media when mathematics was scrapped as a compulsory subject in Senior Secondary Schools (SSS) under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). How will 60% of the learners be channeled to the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) pathways under the same CBC while making Mathematics optional? The decision contradicts the primary goal of CBC at senior secondary schools, which is to channel 60% of all learners into the STEM fields. First, mathematics is the backbone of all STEM careers. Mathematics knowledge is essential in all STEM careers, as most are built on solid mathematical principles. Mathematics is vital for everything from engineering to medicine, sociology, information technology, and architecture. A weak foundation weakens performance in key pathway science subjects like physics, chemistry, and computer studies, which rely heavily on mathematical concepts. Kenya can never aspire to be a tech-savvy country if mathematics is now optional in our SSS. | en_US |
