Five brilliant students from different Kenyan schools have been selected and will be representing Kenya at the prestigious 65th International Mathematical Olympiad in the United Kingdom. The event pools some of the finest young mathematicians globally and is set to take place from 11th to 22nd July 2024 at the University of Bath.
Background and Selection
The Participants
The Kenyan team comprises:
- Cynthia Kathomi Mworia from Kenya High School.
- Gilbert Ongoro from Alliance High School.
- Tony Rotich Odhiambo from Light Academy, Nairobi.
- Alfred Githui Muriu from Nairobi School.
- Lenny Muriungi Mutuma from Oloolaiser High School in Kajiado County.
The team was chosen from a pool of 8,000 participants who took part in the 2023 to 2024 Kenya Mathematics Olympiad contests sponsored annually by CEMASTEA in collaboration with the Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing at the University of Waterloo, Canada, and the University of Nairobi.
Selection Process
There were various stringent tests on mathematical disciplines, among them algebra, geometry, calculus, number theory, combinatorics, and advanced problem-solving techniques. According to Martin Mungai, a Deputy STEM Coordinator at CEMASTEA, this crop of students were the overall best performers in KMO.
Event and Significance
The International Mathematical Olympiad
The IMO is considered the World Championship of Mathematics among high school students; the event is held annually in different countries. This year, it is going to involve participants from more than 100 countries: Canada, the USA, China, India, and South Korea. Also, it’s not a competition, it’s an event where students get a chance to interact with some of the world’s premier mathematicians and peers from diverse backgrounds.
Benefits and Opportunities
Participation in the IMO is a great achievement to the students and comes with several benefits. It enhances their profiles for future academic and career opportunities, and this challenging experience also motivates them. For example, Master Tony Rotich will proceed to the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for undergraduate studies on a full scholarship.
Challenges and Preparation
Visa Issues
Unfortunately, one of the qualified students, Elvis Obulemire Atsulu from Nyang’ori High School, will not participate due to denial of a visa. This simply means that sometimes, logistically, an international competition can be thrown off balance.
Training and Support
Students have been trained for the competition with the important role played by the CEMASTEA and its partners. Its commitment to improvement in mathematics performance in Kenyan schools, through contests like KMO, has helped nurture critical thinking and problem-solving abilities among students.
Future Prospects and Goals
Enhancing Mathematics Education
What these students did at the IMO unequivocally cements the case for the promotion of mathematics and science education in Kenya. More students, especially girls, need such contests to get exposed, their self-esteem and confidence enhanced, said Mungai.
Vision 2030
Math and science profiles must be brought to the forefront of consideration if Kenya is to help the country realize its Vision 2030 objectives. Learning these subjects should be more engaging, making students quite knowledgeable about their applications in real life to have a generation of critical thinkers who can solve problems.