A student from Kenya High School, Mitchelle Ombuna, is calling on learners across the country to embrace mathematics with confidence.
Ombuna, 15 years old, said negative attitudes are the biggest barrier to success in the subject.
Ombuna, who recently earned a three-year full scholarship to the African Olympiad Academy (AOA) in Rwanda, said many students fail mathematics not because of lack of ability, but due to fear and poor perception.
“Math is not a hard subject; it is about your mentality. If you approach it positively and take time to think through problems, it becomes much simpler,” she said.
She was selected alongside Caleb Tanui and Juni Pearl Mumo after emerging among the top performers in the Kenya Mathematics Olympiad selection process.
The trio participated in the 2026 AOA Rising Stars Training Camp held from April 8 to 12 at the Centre for Mathematics Science and Technology Education in Africa Karen campus, which brought together 32 of the brightest students selected from more than 15,000 candidates nationwide.
During the five-day residential camp, participants underwent intensive training, tackling complex mathematical problems and sitting rigorous tests aimed at sharpening their analytical and problem-solving skills.
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Ombuna described the experience as both challenging and rewarding.
“Honestly, the experience has been interesting. The parts where it was quite challenging and the parts where it was fun made it a wonderful experience,” she said.
She noted that Olympiad mathematics differs significantly from classroom learning, as it focuses on critical thinking rather than memorisation of formulas.
“In class, you are taught to apply formulas, but here you are given problems that require critical thinking. Sometimes you are not even given a formula; you have to figure it out yourself,” she explained.
According to Ombuna, this approach better develops creativity and deeper understanding.
“Even though it is more challenging, it is better because it engages your mind more and develops problem-solving skills. Classroom mathematics is simpler but limits creativity,” she said.
She emphasised that consistent practice and persistence are key to mastering the subject.
“If someone asks me how to do math, I would say just look at a problem and try different ways to solve it. Your mentality is everything,” she added.
Ombuna also encouraged students to seek opportunities through CEMASTEA to gain exposure to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), saying such platforms help build confidence and skills.
Looking ahead, she said she is preparing for a more demanding academic environment at AOA.
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“I think after this I will go back, sit down, and work harder at a higher level compared to what I was doing. At AOA, I will meet smarter people and more difficult problem-solving tasks,” she said.
She further proposed integrating Olympiad-style learning into Kenya’s curriculum to enhance students’ problem-solving abilities.
“It is not a bad idea to add what we learn here into the curriculum. It would make students better at problem-solving, which would benefit the country,” she said.
Ombuna also highlighted the value of collaboration in learning, noting that engaging with peers and mentors helped her grasp complex concepts.
“At first, I used to try solving problems alone, but I realised that you need help from others. Discussions with teachers and fellow students really helps,” she said.
Her fellow participant Tanui echoed similar sentiments, noting that Olympiad training builds deeper understanding compared to the largely exam-oriented education system.
The Co-founder and Executive Director of AOA, Arun Shanmuganathan, said the programme is designed to nurture world-class problem solvers capable of addressing real-world challenges.
“Mathematics is not just about memorising formulas or passing exams. It is about problem-solving and critical thinking,” he said.
The selected students will now proceed to AOA in Rwanda, where they will undertake a rigorous Olympiad-focused curriculum alongside Cambridge A-Level studies, preparing for global competitions such as the International Mathematical Olympiad and the Pan African Mathematics Olympiad.
Ombuna and Tanui spoke during the closing ceremony of the 2026 AOA Rising Stars Training Camp at the CEMASTEA Karen campus.
By Kimutai Langat
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