Murang’a County Governor Irungu Kang’ata has weighed in on the Ministry of Education’s move to remove Mathematics as a compulsory subject for learners transitioning to senior secondary school.

In his statement shared via his official X handle on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, the governor strongly disputed the decision which has since attracted sharp criticism from stakeholders and members of the public, terming it a terrible idea.

He explained that there is a high probability that Kenya is the only country adopting the decision, therefore there is a knowledge gap regarding the long-term repercussions, which may be detrimental.

While emphasizing the importance of the subject, Kang’ata reiterated that without Math, the entire structure of learning will collapse. 

“Dropping Mathematics from the mandatory high school curriculum is not a good idea at all. First, there is a high probability that Kenya might be the only country to adopt such a move, which means the long-term effects are unknown and likely negative. Mathematics is the foundation of all knowledge, and without it, the entire structure of learning would collapse. 

Dropping Mathematics from high school mandatory curriculum?

Not a good idea at all.

1. High probability Kenya might be the only country to do so. Hence, it is an effect unknown and probably bad.
2. Maths is the foundation of all knowledge. Remove it- all knowledge collapses.

— Irungu Kang'ata (@HonKangata) March 19, 2025

“Removing math from the curriculum could have far-reaching consequences on the country’s educational system and its future development,” the governor said. 

The debate over the decision has continued to attract criticism with stakeholders insisting that sidelining the subject could hinder national progress and violate students’ right to essential knowledge. 

Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang had confirmed that students will only be required to take English or Kenya Sign Language, Kiswahili, Physical Education, and Community Service Learning as mandatory subjects.