Revealed: Senior school learners to study two types of mathematics under CBC
Senior school learners will study two types of mathematics under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), with one version designed for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) learners and another for those pursuing arts, sports, or social sciences.
According to the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), STEM students will take core mathematics, while learners in other pathways will study essential mathematics tailored to their areas of focus.
KICD Chairperson Professor Simon Gicharu said the two strands were introduced after education stakeholders pushed for mathematics to be included among compulsory subjects in senior school.
“Initially, mathematics was not to be compulsory in senior schools, but after stakeholders called for the subject to be included among compulsory subjects, KICD factored mathematics and designed it into two forms,” Gicharu, who is also the founder of Mount Kenya University, said.
He noted that essential mathematics will focus on developing learners’ computational abilities, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, while the content will remain relevant to non-STEM disciplines.
“Mathematics specifically focuses on numbers and algebra as a foundation to the course in developing numerical and algebraic thinking,” he said.
“It also includes measurements of different quantities, particularly commercial arithmetic, which is important for the acquisition and application of financial literacy in real life.”
Gicharu further stated that the essential mathematics curriculum will also cover geometry to aid learners in spatial reasoning and navigation. Additionally, statistics and probability will be taught to support research skills and help students understand population dynamics and daily-life phenomena.
He revealed that learners will also take part in Community Service Learning (CSL) to apply acquired knowledge, skills, and values to real-world issues.
“This will be done through intentional learning experiences that allow them to apply knowledge, skills, values and competencies to address identified problems within the immediate environment,” he said.
To support learning across all pathways, Information Communication and Technology (ICT) skills will be taught to every learner. Gicharu said these include accessing, creating, understanding digital citizenship and caring for ICT devices.
“The teacher should use ICT skills for the delivery of lessons,” he added.
In addition, he said every senior school shall offer the Pastoral Programme Initiative (PPI) to foster moral, spiritual and character development among students.
Gicharu emphasised that all systems are in place to ensure a smooth transition to senior school for learners currently in Grade 9, as the CBC reforms progress.
“CBC has been successfully implemented in Kenya since 2019 up to 2025, with the first cohort being at Grade 9. In the year 2026, the Grade 9 learners shall transition to Senior School (Grade 10),” he said.
He explained that senior school comprises three years of learning for students aged 15 to 18 and marks the final phase of basic education as stipulated in the Basic Education Act, 2013.
“Learners exiting this level are expected to be engaged, empowered, and ethical citizens ready to participate in the socio-economic development of the nation,” he added.
Gicharu also noted that students at senior school will study a minimum of seven subjects, four of which, English, Kiswahili, Physical Education, and Mathematics, will be compulsory regardless of the pathway chosen.
Meanwhile, during the visit to Murang’a High School, where he addressed the students, Gicharu praised the institution for its long-standing record of academic and moral excellence.
“Murang’a High School has a rich history of nurturing young talents to success, fostering resilience, and instilling values that have shaped many students into responsible citizens,” he said.
“This is evidenced by our cases. If this is not true, we would not be here today. Rather, the school formed us into who we are, and therefore, we are happy to come and give back to the school.”
Murang’a High School Principal Willy Kuria welcomed the alumni and thanked them for mentoring students, especially during the ongoing transition to CBC.
“Students can understand and relate well with mentorship from former students who are currently professionals,” Kuria said.
According to the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), STEM students will take core mathematics, while learners in other pathways will study essential mathematics tailored to their areas of focus.
KICD Chairperson Professor Simon Gicharu said the two strands were introduced after education stakeholders pushed for mathematics to be included among compulsory subjects in senior school.
“Initially, mathematics was not to be compulsory in senior schools, but after stakeholders called for the subject to be included among compulsory subjects, KICD factored mathematics and designed it into two forms,” Gicharu, who is also the founder of Mount Kenya University, said.
He noted that essential mathematics will focus on developing learners’ computational abilities, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, while the content will remain relevant to non-STEM disciplines.
“Mathematics specifically focuses on numbers and algebra as a foundation to the course in developing numerical and algebraic thinking,” he said.
“It also includes measurements of different quantities, particularly commercial arithmetic, which is important for the acquisition and application of financial literacy in real life.”
Gicharu further stated that the essential mathematics curriculum will also cover geometry to aid learners in spatial reasoning and navigation. Additionally, statistics and probability will be taught to support research skills and help students understand population dynamics and daily-life phenomena.
He revealed that learners will also take part in Community Service Learning (CSL) to apply acquired knowledge, skills, and values to real-world issues.
“This will be done through intentional learning experiences that allow them to apply knowledge, skills, values and competencies to address identified problems within the immediate environment,” he said.
To support learning across all pathways, Information Communication and Technology (ICT) skills will be taught to every learner. Gicharu said these include accessing, creating, understanding digital citizenship and caring for ICT devices.
“The teacher should use ICT skills for the delivery of lessons,” he added.
In addition, he said every senior school shall offer the Pastoral Programme Initiative (PPI) to foster moral, spiritual and character development among students.
Gicharu emphasised that all systems are in place to ensure a smooth transition to senior school for learners currently in Grade 9, as the CBC reforms progress.
“CBC has been successfully implemented in Kenya since 2019 up to 2025, with the first cohort being at Grade 9. In the year 2026, the Grade 9 learners shall transition to Senior School (Grade 10),” he said.
He explained that senior school comprises three years of learning for students aged 15 to 18 and marks the final phase of basic education as stipulated in the Basic Education Act, 2013.
“Learners exiting this level are expected to be engaged, empowered, and ethical citizens ready to participate in the socio-economic development of the nation,” he added.
Gicharu also noted that students at senior school will study a minimum of seven subjects, four of which, English, Kiswahili, Physical Education, and Mathematics, will be compulsory regardless of the pathway chosen.
Meanwhile, during the visit to Murang’a High School, where he addressed the students, Gicharu praised the institution for its long-standing record of academic and moral excellence.
“Murang’a High School has a rich history of nurturing young talents to success, fostering resilience, and instilling values that have shaped many students into responsible citizens,” he said.
“This is evidenced by our cases. If this is not true, we would not be here today. Rather, the school formed us into who we are, and therefore, we are happy to come and give back to the school.”
Murang’a High School Principal Willy Kuria welcomed the alumni and thanked them for mentoring students, especially during the ongoing transition to CBC.
“Students can understand and relate well with mentorship from former students who are currently professionals,” Kuria said.
Education
CBC
KICD
STEM
Mathematics
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