The Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology in Africa (CEMASTEA) has held its second round of the Kenya Mathematics Olympiad in Nyahururu boys’ high school.
The Olympiad has been organized by CEMASTEA in partnership with the Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing from the University of Waterloo Canada and the University of Nairobi.
The Olympiad’s second round attracted 750 students countrywide with 20 students having sat their Olympiad test in Nyahururu high school.
Nyahururu high school is a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics STEM centre in the region.
Out of the 750 students, only 50 students will be selected for the third round.
Speaking after the mathematical exercise in Nyahururu, CEMASTEA Deputy Director Lydiah Mureithi said that the exercise is aimed at producing the best overall student in mathematics with each round of elimination ensuring the best student progresses all the way to the international Olympia.
She added that for vision 2030 to be achieved mathematics and science must be put on the frontline in schools.
“Mathematics will enable the students and the world at large to solve complex challenges they face daily by use of mathematics.
“We want to ensure students love mathematics and appreciate it as any other course or subject in school. This exercise will enable our students and teachers alike to boost their critical thinking. We are happy that schools are performing the same as their boarding counterparts,” said Mureithi.
The exercise was divided into two sections with the first being tried on form 1 and 2 while the second bit was tried on form 3 and form 4 students.
Participating students lauded the exercise saying that it had them thinking beyond the mathematics they are taught in schools.
The exercise had calculators prohibited and it was only numerical answers questions only.
The top students in the region will proceed to round three where they will battle it out with other students from other schools in September this year.
A certificate of participation will be awarded to all students and a certificate of merit awarded to the overall best students before they proceed to the East Africa region mathematics Olympiad.
By Antony Mwangi
