- The three-day boot camp has brought together 169 talented students and 46 teachers nationwide.
- Participants will undergo advanced mathematical problem-solving, enrichment, coaching and mentorship during the programme.
- Thirty-six students will progress to the final camp ahead of selection for international competitions.
The Kenya Mathematics Olympiad (KMO) Round Two Boot Camp has kicked off at the Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA), bringing together 169 talented students and 46 teachers from across the country.
The three-day boot camp, sponsored by CEMASTEA in collaboration with the University of Nairobi and the Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing (CEMC) at the University of Waterloo in Canada, is designed to combine competition with mathematical enrichment, advanced problem-solving, coaching and mentorship.
The programme forms a key stage in identifying and preparing learners who may progress through the KMO pathway and eventually represent Kenya at continental and international mathematics competitions.
Olympiad activities could join Ministry calendar
Speaking during the opening ceremony on Thursday, CEMASTEA Acting Chief Executive Officer Gladys Masai challenged the learners to actively participate, share ideas and ask questions without fear.
Masai said CEMASTEA and the University of Nairobi would seek support from the Ministry of Education to have mathematics Olympiad activities mainstreamed into the ministry’s calendar.
“We will work as an institution and UoN to seek support in mainstreaming Olympiad activities into the Ministry of Education calendar, like music and drama,” she said, adding that the institutions would also seek increased funding to strengthen outreach, mentorship and institutional support.
CEMASTEA board member and Director Tom Ngeri, who was the chief guest, commended the learners for their performance and described the Olympiad programme as an important platform for identifying and nurturing mathematical talent.
Ngeri, who represented Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, said CEMASTEA recognises programmes such as the Olympiad as important in strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.
“Mathematics goes beyond numbers. It develops the ability to solve problems systematically,” Ngeri said.
Dr James Katende, Senior Lecturer, Mathematics Department, University of Nairobi, said the programme had opened opportunities for many talented students to secure scholarships and admission to leading universities locally and internationally.
He called for greater support to enable the programme to reach more schools and expand its training and mentorship activities.
36 learners to progress to final round
The 2026 KMO cycle began with the KMO Challenge Round, which attracted more than 6,000 learners in the junior and senior categories. Learners who demonstrated strong mathematical ability progressed to Round One, where they underwent further assessment through advanced mathematical problem-solving. Following the selection process, 169 learners qualified for Round Two.
At the conclusion of the current camp, 36 students will be selected to participate in the final Round Three camp scheduled for December 2026. The best performing learners will then be selected to represent Kenya at continental and international mathematics Olympiads.
Kenya has recently recorded strong performances in international mathematics competitions. The country had a dominant showing at the Eastern African Mathematical Olympiad and secured its first gold medal at the Pan African Mathematics Olympiad (PAMO) in 2026.
Kenya also participated in the 2026 International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), held in Shanghai, China, from July 10 to 20. The team recorded what was described as its best performance ever, securing three honourable mentions, while another student narrowly missed a bronze medal by two points.
An honourable mention is awarded to contestants who do not fall within the medal bracket but achieve full marks in at least one problem.
The Kenyan team competed against more than 600 contestants from 117 countries, showcasing the country’s growing strength in mathematical talent on the global stage.
The KMO is a national talent-development programme that identifies and nurtures junior and senior school learners with exceptional mathematical potential. Beyond competition, it provides enrichment, mentorship and advanced training aimed at opening pathways to STEM education, innovation and global academic opportunities.
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The programme offers a structured pathway from national competitions and enrichment activities to advanced training and selection for Team Kenya at the Pan African Mathematics Olympiad and the International Mathematical Olympiad.
By Obegi Malack
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