The Centre for Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) has finally set the stage for the selection of exceptional students, who will represent Kenya in two prestigious international competitions: The Pan African Mathematics Olympiad (PAMO) in Botswana in August 2025 and the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) in Australia in July 2025.
This follows conclusion of the five-day Kenya Mathematical Olympiad (KMO) Bootcamp held from December 9 to 13 in Karen (Nairobi), focusing on a rigorous series of national-level mathematics events, designed to identify and nurture top mathematical talents.
The transformative Mathematical Olympiad (KMO) Bootcamp, themed “Unlocking Potential: The Path to Mathematical Excellence,” was organised by CEMASTEA and sponsored by Best Harvest and Prosperity Beyond and had facilitators from the University of Nairobi (UoN) and the University of Waterloo’s Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing (CEMC).
There were 26 finalist students (19 boys and 7 girls) drawn from different schools spread across the country.
The exercise, which began with a pool of 9,000 participants from various levels of the Kenya Mathematical Challenge (KMC) in March, was narrowed down to 1,300 (round one) in June, further filtered to 85 in August (round two), and then to 26 (finalists) in December.
The objective of the exercise is to enhance problem-solving abilities and mathematical skills necessary for the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) and Pan African Mathematics Olympiad (PAMO) competitions, broaden students’ horizons, foster global awareness, and build soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and leadership through cultural exchange activities.
The exercise also promotes collaborative learning and knowledge exchange between CEMASTEA, the University of Nairobi (UoN), and the University of Waterloo’s Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing (CEMC) for mutual growth.
In his closing remarks, CEMASTEA CEO Jacinta Akatsa, assured that the institution will remain committed to engaging platforms such as the Bootcamp to nurture talents and support excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), thus boosting Kenya’s presence on the global stage in Mathematics and other Academic spheres.
Akatsa praised the students for their determination, noting that the weeklong event was not only about just solving mathematical problems, but about unlocking potential, broadening horizons, and fostering essential life skills such as teamwork, communication, and leadership.
“From this team, six (6) of you will be selected to represent the country at the IMO to be held in Australia in July 2025, while six (6) will represent the country at PAMO in Botswana in August 2025. We will also have a pool of 12 participating in the East Africa Mathematics Olympiad (EAMO) in April 2025.”
The CEO commended the facilitators for embracing the strategies to mentor and guide the students effectively.
“Your role as mentors is pivotal in shaping the next generation of problem solvers, innovators, and leaders. We witnessed a remarkable synergy of ideas, skills, and dreams as we worked together to equip our students and teachers for the highest levels of mathematical competitions like the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) and the Pan African Mathematics Olympiad (PAMO),” she noted.
She thanked sponsors for their role in the realisation of the success of Camp, adding that their gesture demonstrates that collaboration between educational institutions and the private sector can achieve a lot.
“The KMO Bootcamp has exemplified the spirit of mutual learning and global partnerships, which we hold dear at CEMASTEA,” Akatsa said.
The Deputy Coordinator for STEM Martin Mungai, stated that through the ongoing exercise, the institution is witnessing growth and improved performance in mathematics, as it aims to foster a strong cultural foundation.
Mungai revealed that the mathematics contest serves as a springboard for young learners as it prepares them for careers in mathematics and STEM fields, for it opens numerous opportunities, including scholarships from prestigious universities.
The Deputy Coordinator expressed hope that the top six students selected will excel in the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) and later secure scholarships in the leading global universities.
He applauded sponsors and facilitators for supporting CEMESTEA in actualizing the dreams of many young students, saying, “We have seen a lot of good performance and enthusiasm in Mathematics in our schools. I encourage teachers and parents to allow learners to participate in exercise.”
Mungai stated that the government is focused on ensuring that at least 60 per cent of learners in the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) transition to STEM pathways, emphasising that CEMASTEA plays a key role in supporting the students by training teachers in STEM disciplines and encouraging students to develop interest in STEM-related disciplines.
He added that the initiative aims to build a critical mass of young STEM enthusiasts, which contributes to national industrial growth, adding, “By laying a strong foundation in STEM, the programme helps shape their career development, which, in turn, supports the country’s broader growth.”
Senior Lecturer James Katende from the University of Nairobi’s Department of Mathematics explained that the contest aims to enhance students’ mathematical skills by offering them a platform to develop and hone problem-solving and analytical abilities, adding, “These skills are crucial in preparing them to think critically and address real-world challenges in their future careers.”
Katende added that the goal is to popularize mathematics, as it is applicable in many fields. “Every profession today involves working with data, which is essential for the country’s progress,” he said.
He further explained that the aim is to provide students with challenging opportunities, beyond the classroom, such as the IMO and PAMO, so they can measure their skills against students from around the world and grow in the process.
Gilbert Amani Ongoro, a Form Two student from Alliance Boys High School, was honoured for winning a silver medal at the Pan African Mathematics Olympiad (PAMO) in South Africa in August 2024.
He encouraged fellow students, saying, “Mathematics is not only valuable for career development, but also essential for honing problem-solving and analytical skills.
The sense of satisfaction you get from transforming real-world problems into mathematical challenges is incredibly rewarding, added Ongoro.
By Ian Chepkuto
