Math and Science Competitions Gain Popularity in Nairobi Schools

Competitions in mathematics and science are increasingly capturing the attention of students and schools in Nairobi, offering new platforms for achievement beyond the traditional classroom. The Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) recently held the second round of the national Kenya Mathematics Olympiad at a Nairobi region venue, drawing top learners from the capital and beyond. According to CEMASTEA officials, 750 students nationwide advanced to this stage, with numerous participants hailing from Nairobi-based schools.
The surge in competition participation reflects a shift in how STEM-oriented schools in Nairobi operate. Initially established to identify talent for global contests like the Pan‑African Mathematics Olympiad and the International Mathematical Olympiad, these contests now serve as motivational platforms within many Nairobi schools. For example, in April 2025, the African Olympiad Academy hosted its Rising Stars mathematics camp in Nairobi, combining mentorship with high-intensity problem-solving workshops. Educators say this emphasis on competition is helping make abstract concepts more accessible and exciting, and equipping learners with critical thinking skills required in today’s technology-driven economy.
Stakeholder reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. Students report heightened engagement and pride in representing their schools on competitive platforms, while parents and teachers view the contests as a means of boosting confidence and academic rigor. Yet challenges remain: schools in more deprived areas of Nairobi warn that without equal access to training and resources, the gap between elite and under-resourced institutions may widen. Analysts suggest that with greater investment in outreach, STEM competitions could become an important equaliser—not simply for talent identification—but for broad-based improvement in Nairobi’s science and math performance.