Nairobi: Ezekiel Machogu, Cabinet Secretary for Education, has announced that Kenya is focused on enhancing the teaching of Mathematics and Science in schools. This initiative aims to increase the number of students pursuing science-related courses and careers.
According to Kenya News Agency, the government’s education reforms are designed to identify and develop each child’s individual potential. He stated this while meeting with Dr. Benson Banda, President of Strengthening Mathematics and Science Education in Africa (SMASE Africa), in Nairobi. Machogu emphasized the new grading system for the 8.4.4 learners, which includes mathematics and a language as compulsory subjects, to open more opportunities in STEM fields.
Dr. Banda, also the Director at the National Science Centre, Ministry of General Education in Zambia, highlighted the challenges due to the lack of integration between policy, research, and practice in STEM education in Africa. He urged for the utilization of Africa’s resources to safeguard the continent’s interests and called on Machogu, as the patron of SMASE Africa, to encourage other African Education Ministers to invest in STEM education.
The meeting also included Principal Secretary for Basic Education Dr. Belio Kipsang, who mentioned that the Ministry had designated 103 STEM schools to foster interest in Mathematics and Science among students. Other attendees included Director General Dr. Elyas Abdi, CEMASTEA Chairperson Dr. Pius Mutisya, and CEMASTEA Director Mrs. Jacinta Akatsa.